Demon Slayer has become a global phenomenon, and the Hashiras, or the nine elite demon slayers, are some of the most beloved characters in the series. But beyond their incredible fighting skills and unique personalities, there are many interesting things to learn about them that you might not know.
From their unique breathing techniques to their tragic pasts, each Hashira has their own fascinating backstory and secrets that add depth to their characters. Fans will be interested in a closer look at some of the lesser-known facts about these powerful demon slayers and exploring what makes them such compelling figures in the world of Demon Slayer.
8 The Inspiration For Rengoku
The first Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku - one of the most honourable of the Hashira, was inspired by a real-life historical figure named Musashi Miyamoto. Musashi was a renowned swordsman and author who lived during the Edo period in Japan. He was famous for his exceptional skill in swordsmanship, and his writings on the subject are still studied today.
Musashi's influence can be seen in the character of Rengoku, who is also a skilled swordsman and has a strong sense of justice. The creator of Demon Slayer, Koyoharu Gotoge, has cited Musashi as a major influence on the series.
7 Demon Slayer Marks
Each of the nine Hashira has a unique mark on their skin that symbolizes their position and abilities within the organization. These marks are called Demon Slayer Marks and can be awakened by demon slayers with extraordinary prospects. The marks vary in design and colour, with each Hashira having their own distinct symbol.
For example, the mark of Shinobu Kochou, the Insect Hashira, is a butterfly-shaped mark, while the mark of Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, is a circular mark with a stylized rock design. These marks are a sign of the Hashira's strength and dedication to the cause of protecting humanity from demons.
6 Nichirin Swords
The Hashiras' swords are made from a special metal called Nichirin, which is said to be the only metal capable of harming demons. However, what makes these swords even more unique is that they change colour based on the user's breathing style. Each Hashira has their own distinct breathing style, which determines the colour of their sword.
The colour of the sword also changes depending on the intensity and strength of the user's breathing. This unique feature of the Nichirin swords adds an extra layer of depth to the characters and their fighting styles, making each Hashira's sword a reflection of their individuality and strength.
5 Mitsuri’s Emotion Sensing
Mitsuri Kanroji, also known as the Love Hashira, is one of the nine elite demon slayers. What makes Mitsuri unique among the Hashiras is her ability to sense the emotions of those around her. Her ability allows her to understand the emotional state of those she encounters, giving her a deeper understanding of their feelings and motivations. She uses this ability to connect with and empathize with those around her, making her a valuable member of the team.
In battle, Mitsuri's power also comes in handy, as she can sense the emotions of demons, allowing her to predict their movements and strike with precision. Her unique abilities, combined with her exceptional swordsmanship skills, make her a formidable opponent and a beloved member of the Demon Slayer Corps.
4 Shinobu’s Fiery Rebellion
Shinobu Kocho, also known as the Insect Hashira, is a highly skilled demon slayer with a unique fighting style that utilizes poison. However, what many fans may not know is that Shinobu set her initial uniform on fire. This event is briefly mentioned in the manga and anime, where it is revealed that Shinobu set her uniform ablaze after she felt it didn't match her image.
This fiery act of rebellion showcases Shinobu's unconventional and independent personality, and serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Despite this early setback, Shinobu went on to become one of the most formidable and respected members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
3 The Wind Hashira’s Backstory
Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, has a tragic backstory that involves the death of his family at the hands of demons, which fuels his intense hatred towards them. As a child, Sanemi watched helplessly as his family was slaughtered by demons, leaving him with deep emotional scars that continue to haunt him to this day.
His trauma has led him to become a ruthless and uncompromising demon slayer, with a fierce determination to eradicate all demons from the world. While his attitude and actions may seem harsh, his tragic past serves as a reminder of the horrors that demons can inflict and the devastating impact they can have on people's lives.
2 The Mist Hashira’s Talent
Muichiro Tokito is another of the Demon Slayer’s Hashiras. He is known for his exceptional talent and unique breathing and fighting style, which earned him the position of Mist Hashira at a remarkably young age. What makes Muichiro's story so impressive is the fact that he became a Hashira only two months after starting to use a sword.
Despite his lack of experience, Muichiro's incredible natural talent and determination allowed him to rapidly develop his skills and become a formidable demon slayer. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and natural talent, inspiring others to pursue their passions and strive toward their goals with unwavering determination.
1 Voice Actors Relationships
Kenichi Suzumura, the voice actor for Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, has an interesting connection to the anime series. Suzumura is married to Maaya Sakamoto, the voice actress who plays the character of Tamayo, a demon who works alongside the demon slayers to help find a cure for Nezuko's demon curse.
The couple is one of the most well-known and beloved voice actor pairs in the anime industry, and their roles in Demon Slayer only add to their charm. Fans of the series have been delighted to learn about this real-life connection between the two characters, and it adds an extra layer of interest to the show.