If there is one anime that is getting people talking right now, it is Demon Slayer. You are probably wondering how the series created by Koyoharu Gotouge managed to conquer the hearts of manga fans? Well, at Cartoon Toi we think that the casting has a lot to do with it!
From the duo Tanjiro and Nezuko , the Demon Slayer heroes to the fearsome Demon Moons led by Muzan, we are served emotions. Each character is unique and brings their own personal touch to the story. So, grab your Nichirin Blade and discover the mysteries of the Demon Slayers!
Tanjiro Kamado: The Demon Slayer
Tanjiro Kamado is the main character of the manga. Showing rare courage, this young boy is determined to avenge his family massacred by a demon. Despite the tragedies he has experienced, he remains of a rare kindness, even towards his enemies the demons. Impossible not to find him endearing!
Tanjiro has a sister, Nezuko, who was transformed into a demon during the attack. Ready to do anything to save her, he decides to become a demon hunter, a "Demon Slayer". His goal is to find the demon who massacred his family, but above all to make Nezuko become human again. A long quest follows in which he will have good encounters... but also bad ones.
He undergoes tough training with Sakonji Urokodaki, a former member of the Demon Slayer Army. It is this old hand who teaches him how to use the Breath of Water, a devastating ancestral style of fencing. And Tanjiro turns out to be a prodigy! He quickly develops formidable techniques, making him a formidable opponent for the demons.
Over the course of the episodes, Tanjiro meets Inosuke the hunter with the boar mask or Zenitsu the cowardly but powerful swordsman. They will become his precious friends and comrades in arms in his crusade against demons. Despite his young age, Tanjiro shows maturity, courage and determination beyond the ordinary. His journey towards revenge and the redemption of his sister makes him a character apart, who we want to see evolve.
Nezuko Kamado: The Human Demon
Although transformed into a demon , Tanjiro's younger sister Nezuko has retained human traits, such as her kindness and empathy. The 14-year-old girl still has her childish face and big pink eyes. But beware of her Blood Power !
Having become mute after her transformation, Nezuko remains very expressive and communicates through gestures and facial expressions. She shows great loyalty to Tanjiro, aiding him in battle despite her young age. To control her demonic urges, she wears a bamboo gag around her lower jaw. She also travels in a small wooden box that Tanjiro carries on his back during their travels.
Despite her status as a demon, Nezuko remains caring and endearing. Her quest with Tanjiro to regain her humanity and avenge their family makes her a central character in Demon Slayer.
Zenitsu Agatsuma: The Young Boar
Zenitsu Agatsuma is a young 16-year-old demon slayer, teamed up with Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira. But just because he's a demon hunter doesn't mean he's brave... On the contrary! Zenitsu is a fearful boy who cries for nothing. He spends his time lamenting his fate and wanting to escape dangerous situations.
But in reality, he hides an unsuspected potential. When he falls into a second state of sleep, his character changes completely. He transforms into an incredibly strong fighter, fast as lightning and with great skill with a sword. His mastery of the Breath of Lightning is exceptional!
Zenitsu is also known for being a real womanizer . He doesn't hesitate to openly flirt with all the pretty girls he meets, even Nezuko, whom he regularly asks to marry. And sometimes it annoys within the group... But he remains an endearing and funny character despite his flaws.
Inosuke Hashibira: The Cowardly Boar
Unlike his friend Zenitsu, Inosuke is far from being a coward! Aged 15, he was raised by a pack of wild boars after being abandoned as a child. He has developed a unique bestial fighting style, the Breath of the Beast , which he wields with two swords.
His grimacing boar mask and animal skin clothing make him intriguing at first glance. Inosuke also behaves like a real animal, growling and sniffing everything around him. But despite his savage ways, Inosuke is an indispensable fighter in the group. The demons fear his physical strength and speed.
Even though he's not the friendliest guy in the world, Inosuke gradually develops strong friendships with Tanjiro and Zenitsu. We all have some very funny moments from these three.
Muzan: The Demon King
Muzan Kibutsuji is the main antagonist of Demon Slayer. He is the very first demon to exist. He turned to the dark side after ingesting a mysterious drug made from the blue lily flower, approximately 1000 years ago. Around 25 years old at the time of his transformation, Muzan resembles both a boy and a girl, with his long, curly black hair and piercing orange eyes.
He often disguises himself, taking the appearance of an elegant woman or a sick young boy to deceive his enemies. Muzan is a cold, cruel and narcissistic being. He considers himself the perfect being and seeks to transform all humanity into demons to create a world in his image. Ruthless, he does not hesitate to kill his own disciples if they fail or thwart him.
Muzan is ranked as the No. 1 Upper Moon, making him the most powerful demon. In order to find a way to become immortal, he created the 12 Demon Moons , elite demons in his service. Together, they spread terror and destruction throughout Japan.
Muzan is the sworn enemy of the Demon Slayers. He is the one responsible for the massacre of the Kamado family and the transformation of Nezuko. So Tanjiro knows that to save his sister and put an end to the demonic plague, he must defeat the original demon. But beware, Muzan has multiple hearts and brains and he also masters the Art of Demon Blood . This will not be an easy task!
The Pillars
The Pillars are the nine strongest swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Army . Each Pillar masters a different breathing style (flame, water, insect, etc.) and leads a group of slayers. They are the elite of the organization and are tasked with training new recruits, while also fighting demons allied with Muzan Kibutsuji.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Pillar of Flame 🔥
As the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku masters the fearsome Flame Breathing , an ancient fighting style. Son of the former Flame Pillar Shinjuro Rengoku, he inherited the yellow and red flame-shaped haori that only the holder of this title can wear.
Behind his big smile hides a determined fighter, ready to do anything to protect the innocent from demons. During the Infinity Train Arc, he teams up with Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu to face the terrible Enmu . Died on a mission, Kyojuro will remain a notable character of Demon Slayer.
Giyu Tomioka: Pillar of Water 🌊
Giyu Tomioka is the undisputed master of the famous Breath of Water , which he taught to Tanjiro Kamado. Unlike Kyojuro, Giyu is cold and taciturn, he almost never smiles. But under his shell hides a sensitive heart, marked by a heavy past. He was deeply affected by the death of his best friend Sabito , killed by a demon.
Despite his young age, Giyu wields his sword with disconcerting grace and fluidity. His aquatic techniques are formidable, allowing him to defeat even the toughest demons. Respected by all for his immense strength and dedication, Giyu remains a loner, preferring the company of his friend the Messenger Crow. However, he does not hesitate to come to Tanjiro's aid when the situation requires it.
Shinobu Kocho: Insect Pillar 🐜
At only 18 years old, young Shinobu Kocho is the Pillar of the Insect. Under her happy young girl appearance, it is better not to mess with her! Despite her small size, she has great agility and moves at the speed of light in combat. Her Breath of the Insect allows her to inflict poisonous wounds with devastating effects on her enemies.
Shinobu shows great devotion to her comrades Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu, welcoming them into her home to care for them. A little eccentric, she remains very protective of them. Marked by the tragic death of her older sister Kanae , Shinobu hides great suffering behind her jovial mask. Her journey makes her an endearing character, both formidable and vulnerable.
Tengen Uzui: Pillar of Sound 🔊
Tengen is an eccentric character with his two enormous claw-shaped fighting sticks and his three wives who accompany him everywhere. But beware of appearances because he is also a formidable warrior with a big heart. During the Pleasure District Arc, he helps Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu eliminate the demons that plague Yoshiwara. His unique sound fighting style and his vast experience make him a true mentor.
A former ninja turned Slayer, Tengen is a caring pillar who doesn't hesitate to risk his life to protect his companions. His unwavering determination and devotion to his family make him endearing.
Mitsuri Kanroji: Pillar of Love 💕
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Pillar of Love, masters the powerful Breath of Love , a rather original fighting style based on beauty. Very feminine and attractive, her long green hair and makeup have seduced more than one. But one thing is for sure, you shouldn't look for trouble for her... She wields her katana like no one else!
At first glance, Mitsuri seems fragile, but the further we go in the episodes, the more we see a strong young woman. Her Breath of Love allows her to chain together movements of a grace hypnotizing her enemies . She is as beautiful as she is ruthless.
Muichiro Tokito: Pillar of Mist 💨
At just 14 years old, Muichiro Tokito is the youngest person to have obtained the prestigious title of Pillar of Mist . An orphan raised by his older brother, he has mastered his seven deadly moves to perfection, including the fearsome Blinding Fog. This famous technique allows him to hide in a thick fog.
Behind his stoic exterior hides a heart broken by the tragic death of his brother. Despite his young age, he defeated the Upper Moon Gyokko , reputed to be very powerful. But when he uses his black and turquoise Nichirin katana, Muichiro becomes a formidable fighter!
Gyomei Himejima: Pillar of Rock 🪨
Blind since birth, the Pillar of Rock Gyomei compensates for his handicap with an overdeveloped sense of hearing and smell. Thanks to these skills, he can detect the slightest demonic presence. Imposing, he shows great wisdom and deep benevolence. In combat, his devastating Rock Breath techniques can break any enemy defense.
Respected by all for his immense power and big heart, Gyomei is seen as a mentor by the new generation of hunters. He gives valuable advice to Tanjiro and his companions during their clashes against the Upper Moons.
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Pillar of Wind 🌪️
Sanemi Shinazugawa is one of the most powerful Pillars of the Demon Slayer Army. He masters the lightning Wind Breath , a fighting style based on speed and stealth. A little angry, he is sometimes hard on his comrades. No doubt a link with his tragic past...
Physically, in addition to his imposing build, he is also intimidating with his scars on his face. But Sanemi does not hesitate to risk his life to protect the weakest from demons. And even if he is in conflict with his former disciple Genya Shinazugawa , we know that he would give anything for him.
Obanai Iguro: Serpent Pillar 🐍
Obanai Iguro has a style that is truly unique! With his long black hair tied up, his bandage around his mouth and his snake on his shoulder, he does not leave anyone indifferent. Despite his extravagant look, he is a cold and distant young man, rather severe towards young recruits like Tanjiro. And for good reason, Obanai was sold as a child by his parents before being taken in by a master of the Breath of the Serpent... We understand better.
This tragedy has deeply marked his character. But Obanai still inspires respect around him, he who dedicates his life to the cause of the Slayers. His deadly style makes him one of the fighters we love the most!
The Demonic Moons
The Demon Moons are the twelve most powerful demons in the Demon Slayer manga, divided into two groups: the six Upper Moons (Jogen) and the six Lower Moons (Kagen).
Their power comes from the blood of Muzan Kibutsuji that they consumed. They are ranked from the Upper First Moon (the strongest) to the Lower Sixth Moon. They are the main antagonists that the Demon Slayers must face in order to reach and defeat Muzan, the king of demons.
Kokushibo: Upper Moon 1
Kokushibo, real name Michikatsu Tsugikuni, is the most powerful demon of the Twelve Demon Moons. As the number 1 Upper Moon, he is the right-hand man of Muzan Kibutsuji, the king of demons.
Before being transformed, Kokushibo was a formidable Demon Slayer, twin brother of the legendary Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Having become immortal , he gained prodigious strength thanks to his multiple hearts and brains. Mastering the Art of Demonic Blood, Kokushibo is feared for his cruelty and total lack of mercy.
Home: Upper Moon 2
Behind his charming smile, the centenarian Doma hides a cruel and sadistic personality. He even goes so far as to devour his own female disciples with a certain pleasure. Endowed with devastating demonic powers like ice and regeneration, he is almost invincible in combat. Cold and calculating, Doma does not hesitate to betray his own allies to serve Muzan.
Akaza: Upper Moon 3
Once a human, Akaza was transformed into a demon after an attack and lost all humanity. Extremely powerful, he masters devastating techniques such as Destructive Waves. He also has an extraordinary fighting instinct allowing him to read the movements of his opponents. Cold and merciless, Akaza does not hesitate to kill, even the most powerful Slayers like the Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku .
Hantengu: Upper Moon 4
Despite his small size, Hantengu is extremely durable and possesses a formidable power: invisibility . When he removes his armor, he becomes invisible but is weakened when it is daylight. Otherwise, he can also summon four different clones with various abilities, such as speed or regeneration. A hell of a demon!
Gyokko: Upper Moon 5
With pottery patterns embedded in his skin and a strange demeanor, Gyokko is not your average demon. He considers himself an artist , creating works of art from his victims... Creepy! He is immediately recognizable with his multiple arms all over his body, even on his face. His narcissistic personality and thirst for recognition make him particularly cruel and unpredictable in combat.
Kaigaku: Upper Moon 6
Cruel and selfish, Kaigaku betrayed his master Jigoro Kuwajima to become a demon. With his demonic techniques, he can manipulate electricity and send devastating lightning bolts. During the Blacksmith Village Arc, Kaigaku violently confronts his former comrade Zenitsu Agatsuma , seeking revenge. Despite his power, he is ultimately defeated by the Slayer's new lightning technique.
Among the lower moons are:
- Enmu , Lower Moon No. 1, capable of infiltrating the dreams of his enemies
- Rui , Lower Moon #5, seeking to create a perfect family
The Pillars and Demon Moons represent the elite of their respective camps in the struggle between demon slayers and demons. Their clashes are always decisive for the course of history.
