If there’s one anime making waves right now, it’s Demon Slayer. You might be wondering how the series created by Koyoharu Gotouge won over the hearts of manga fans. Well, here at Cartoon Toi, we believe the cast has a lot to do with it!
From the duo Tanjiro and Nezuko—the Demon Slayer heroes—to the fearsome Twelve Kizuki led by Muzan, there’s no shortage of emotion. Each character is unique and brings something special 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. Displaying rare courage, this young boy is determined to avenge his family, slaughtered by a demon. Despite the tragedies he’s experienced, he remains remarkably kind, even toward demon enemies. You can’t help but find him endearing!
Tanjiro has a sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon during the attack. Willing 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 restore Nezuko’s humanity. Thus begins a long quest in which he’ll meet friends... and also foes.
He undergoes intense training with Sakonji Urokodaki, a former member of the Demon Slayer Corps. This seasoned veteran teaches him the Water Breathing style, an ancient and devastating swordsmanship technique. And Tanjiro proves to be a prodigy! He quickly develops formidable techniques, making him a worthy adversary for demons.
Over the episodes, Tanjiro meets Inosuke, the boar-masked demon hunter, and Zenitsu, a cowardly but powerful swordsman. They become his invaluable friends and comrades-in-arms in the fight against demons. Despite his young age, Tanjiro shows exceptional maturity, courage, and determination. His journey to seek vengeance and redeem his sister makes him a standout character that we’re eager to see grow.
Nezuko Kamado: The Human Demon
Though turned into a demon, Nezuko, Tanjiro’s younger sister, has retained some human traits, such as kindness and empathy. At 14 years old, she still has her childlike face and large pink eyes. But watch out for her Blood Demon Art!
Rendered mute after her transformation, Nezuko remains very expressive, communicating through gestures and facial cues. She’s fiercely loyal to Tanjiro, helping him in battle despite her young age. To control her demonic urges, she wears a bamboo muzzle around her lower jaw. She also travels in a small wooden box that Tanjiro carries on his back.
Despite being a demon, Nezuko remains kind 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 16-year-old demon slayer who teams up with Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira. But just because he’s a demon hunter doesn’t mean he’s brave... Quite the opposite! Zenitsu is a cowardly boy who cries at the slightest danger. He spends his time lamenting his fate and trying to avoid risky situations.
However, he hides an unsuspected potential. When he falls into a sleep-like state, his personality changes dramatically. He becomes an incredibly strong fighter, lightning-fast, and highly skilled with a sword. His mastery of Thunder Breathing is exceptional!
Zenitsu is also known to be quite the ladies’ man, openly flirting with any pretty girl he meets—even Nezuko, whom he frequently proposes to. This sometimes annoys the group... But he remains an endearing and funny character despite his flaws.
Inosuke Hashibira: The Fearless Boar
Unlike his friend Zenitsu, Inosuke is anything but fearful! At 15, he was raised by a boar herd after being abandoned as a child. He developed a unique, animalistic fighting style called Beast Breathing, wielding two swords.
His snarling boar mask and beast-skin clothing make him intriguing at first glance. Inosuke behaves like a genuine wild animal, growling and sniffing everything around him. Yet despite his savage manner, Inosuke is an indispensable fighter in the group. Demons fear his physical strength and speed.
Though not the friendliest sort, Inosuke gradually forges strong bonds with Tanjiro and Zenitsu. We can all recall hilarious moments of these three together.
Muzan: The Demon King
Muzan Kibutsuji is the main antagonist of Demon Slayer. He is the very first demon to have existed. He turned to the dark side after ingesting a mysterious drug made from blue spider lily about 1,000 years ago. About 25 years old at the time of his transformation, Muzan can look like either a boy or a girl, with long wavy black hair and piercing orange eyes.
He often disguises himself, taking on the appearance of an elegant woman or a sickly young boy to fool his enemies. Muzan is cold, cruel, and narcissistic. He views himself as the perfect being and seeks to turn all of humanity into demons to create a world in his image. Ruthless, he won’t hesitate to kill his own disciples if they fail or displease him.
Muzan is classified as the Upper Rank One, making him the most powerful demon. In his quest for immortality, he created the Twelve Kizuki, an elite group of demons under his command. Together, they spread terror and destruction throughout Japan.
Muzan is the sworn enemy of the Demon Slayers. He’s responsible for the slaughter of the Kamado family and for turning Nezuko. Thus, Tanjiro knows that to save his sister and end the demon scourge, he must defeat the original demon. But watch out—Muzan has multiple hearts and brains, and he also wields Blood Demon Art. It won’t be easy!
The Hashira
The Hashira are the nine most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps. Each Hashira masters a different Breathing style (Flame, Water, Insect, etc.) and leads a group of slayers. They form the elite of the organization, responsible for training new recruits and battling the demons under Muzan Kibutsuji’s control.
Kyojuro Rengoku: The Flame Hashira 🔥
As the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku wields the formidable Flame Breathing, an ancient combat style. Son of the former Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku, he inherited the yellow-and-red flame-patterned haori that only the holder of this title can wear.
Behind his broad smile lies a determined fighter, ready to do anything to protect innocent people from demons. In the Mugen Train Arc, he joins forces with Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu to face the terrifying Enmu. Though he dies on a mission, Kyojuro remains a standout figure in Demon Slayer.
Giyu Tomioka: The Water Hashira 🌊
Giyu Tomioka is the undisputed master of the famed Water Breathing, which he taught Tanjiro Kamado. Unlike Kyojuro, Giyu is cold and taciturn, rarely smiling. But behind his stoic exterior lies a sensitive heart, marked by the death of his best friend Sabito, who was killed by a demon.
Despite his young age, Giyu wields his blade with astonishing grace and fluidity. His water-based techniques are fearsome, allowing him to defeat even the toughest demons. Admired for his immense strength and devotion, Giyu stays somewhat aloof, preferring the company of his Messenger Crow. Nevertheless, he doesn’t hesitate to come to Tanjiro’s aid when needed.
Shinobu Kocho: The Insect Hashira 🐜
At just 18 years old, Shinobu Kocho is the Insect Hashira. Despite her sweet demeanor, it’s best not to provoke her! Though small in stature, she has great agility and moves with lightning speed in combat. Her Insect Breathing allows her to deal poison-laced attacks with devastating effects on her enemies.
Shinobu is very dedicated to her comrades, Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu, even taking them into her home to heal them. A bit eccentric, she is fiercely protective of them. Marked by the tragic death of her older sister Kanae, Shinobu masks a deep sorrow beneath her cheery facade. This combination makes her both formidable and relatable.
Tengen Uzui: The Sound Hashira 🔊
Tengen is an eccentric figure with his two massive chained blades and his three wives who accompany him everywhere. But don’t let appearances fool you, as he’s also a fierce warrior with a big heart. In the Entertainment District Arc, he assists Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu in eradicating demons plaguing Yoshiwara. His unique sound-based combat style and extensive experience make him a true mentor.
A former shinobi who joined the Demon Slayers, Tengen is a caring Hashira who’ll risk his life to protect his comrades. His unwavering determination and devotion to his family make him a likable character.
Mitsuri Kanroji: The Love Hashira 💕
Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, wields the powerful Love Breathing, a rather unconventional combat style centered on beauty. Very feminine and charming, her long green hair and makeup have captivated more than a few. But don’t underestimate her—she’s a master with her katana!
At first glance, Mitsuri may seem delicate, but as the episodes progress, we see a strong young woman. Her Love Breathing allows her to chain moves with grace that hypnotizes enemies. She’s as beautiful as she is ruthless.
Muichiro Tokito: The Mist Hashira 💨
Only 14 years old, Muichiro Tokito is the youngest to attain the prestigious title of Mist Hashira. An orphan raised by his older brother, he expertly wields seven lethal moves, including the formidable Obscuring Clouds, allowing him to hide in thick mist.
Beneath his stoic facade lies a heart scarred by his brother’s tragic death. Despite his youth, he defeated the Upper Rank demon Gyokko, known to be extremely powerful. When he wields his black-and-turquoise Nichirin Blade, Muichiro becomes a fearsome warrior!
Gyomei Himejima: The Stone Hashira 🪨
Blind since birth, Stone Hashira Gyomei compensates for his disability with highly developed hearing and smell. Thanks to these senses, he can detect any demon presence. Towering and powerful, he also possesses great wisdom and kindness. In battle, his devastating Stone Breathing can smash through any enemy defense.
Respected by all for his enormous power and big heart, Gyomei is seen as a mentor by the new generation of slayers. He offers valuable advice to Tanjiro and his companions during their battles against the Upper Ranks.
Sanemi Shinazugawa: The Wind Hashira 🌪️
Sanemi Shinazugawa is among the strongest Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps. He wields the lightning-quick Wind Breathing, a fighting style based on speed and stealth. A bit hot-tempered, he can be harsh with his teammates—probably linked to his tragic past...
Physically imposing, with intimidating scars on his face, Sanemi never hesitates to risk his life to protect weaker people from demons. Even if he’s at odds with his former pupil Genya Shinazugawa, there’s no doubt he’d do anything for him.
Obanai Iguro: The Serpent Hashira 🐍
Obanai Iguro has a truly distinct style! With his long black hair tied back, a bandage over his mouth, and a snake on his shoulder, he doesn’t go unnoticed. Despite his flamboyant look, he’s cold and distant, rather strict with newcomers like Tanjiro. Understandably so—Obanai was sold as a child by his parents before being taken in by a Serpent Breathing master... which explains a lot.
This tragedy shaped his personality. However, Obanai still commands respect, devoting his life to the Demon Slayer cause. His lethal style makes him one of the most captivating fighters!
The Twelve Kizuki
The Twelve Kizuki are the twelve most powerful demons in the Demon Slayer manga, split into two groups: the six Upper Ranks (Jogen) and the six Lower Ranks (Kagen).
Their strength comes from Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood that they’ve ingested. They’re ranked from Upper Rank One (strongest) to Lower Rank Six. They are the main antagonists that the Demon Slayers must overcome in order to reach and defeat Muzan, the Demon King.
Kokushibo: Upper Rank One
Kokushibo, originally named Michikatsu Tsugikuni, is the strongest demon among the Twelve Kizuki. As the Upper Rank One, he is the right-hand man of Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King.
Before his transformation, Kokushibo was a formidable Demon Slayer, twin brother of the legendary Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Having become immortal, he gained astonishing power thanks to his multiple hearts and brains. Skilled in Blood Demon Art, Kokushibo is feared for his cruelty and utter lack of mercy.
Doma: Upper Rank Two
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. Gifted with devastating demonic abilities like ice manipulation and regeneration, he’s nearly invincible in battle. Cold and calculating, Doma doesn’t hesitate to betray his own allies to serve Muzan.
Akaza: Upper Rank Three
Once human, Akaza was turned into a demon after an attack and lost all sense of humanity. Extremely powerful, he wields destructive techniques such as Destructive Death. He also possesses an extraordinary instinct that allows him to read his opponents’ moves. Cold and merciless, Akaza doesn’t hesitate to kill even the mightiest Demon Slayers, like Kyojuro Rengoku.
Hantengu: Upper Rank Four
Despite his small stature, Hantengu is extremely resilient and possesses a fearsome power: invisibility. When he removes his armor, he becomes invisible, though he’s weakened if it’s daytime. Otherwise, he can summon four different clones with varied abilities, such as speed or regeneration. Quite the demon!
Gyokko: Upper Rank Five
With pottery-like motifs on his skin and eccentric behavior, Gyokko is unlike any other demon. He considers himself an artist, creating “art” from his victims... Creepy! He’s instantly recognizable with his multiple arms all over his body, even on his face. His narcissistic personality and craving for recognition make him particularly cruel and unpredictable in battle.
Kaigaku: Upper Rank Six
Cruel and selfish, Kaigaku betrayed his master Jigoro Kuwajima to become a demon. Thanks to his demonic powers, he can control electricity and unleash devastating lightning strikes. In the Swordsmith Village Arc, Kaigaku fiercely battles his former comrade Zenitsu Agatsuma seeking revenge. Despite his strength, he’s ultimately defeated by Zenitsu’s new thunderous technique.
Among the Lower Ranks are:
- Enmu, Lower Rank One, capable of infiltrating enemies’ dreams
- Rui, Lower Rank Five, who aims to create the perfect family
The Hashira and the Twelve Kizuki represent the elite of their respective sides in the battle between demon slayers and demons. Their confrontations are always pivotal to the course of the story.