In the manga Demon Slayer created by Koyoharu Gotoge, the Hashira form the most powerful group of demon slayers within the Demon Slayer Corps. Each of them masters a unique breathing technique linked to a specific element and plays an essential role in the fight against demons. Their presence is indispensable when facing the most formidable enemies, notably the Upper Moons. Here is an overview of each active Hashira in the anime, along with a glimpse of their skills, techniques, and personalities.
The 9 Current Hashira
Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
Giyu Tomioka is one of the most reserved characters in the anime, embodying the mastery of Water Breathing. Disciplined and calm, he possesses great inner strength, which is evident in his precise and fluid breathing techniques, such as "Whirlpool Dance" and "Soothing Cascade".
His mastery of Water Breathing places him among the most respected Hashira, even though he often struggles with feelings of doubt and guilt. His role in the series is crucial, as he is the one who saves Tanjiro at the beginning of the story while also playing a decisive part in the battles against the Upper Moons.
Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira
Kyojuro Rengoku is an iconic character known for his unwavering enthusiasm and keen sense of duty. As a master of Flame Breathing, he is a formidable fighter capable of executing powerful techniques such as "Fire Blade" and "Purifying Flame".
His role is particularly significant in the Infinity Train arc, where he courageously confronts one of the Upper Moons. His motivation to protect the weak and uphold his family's honor makes him an inspirational figure for Tanjiro and the others. His bravery and sacrifice leave a lasting impact on the entire group.
Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
Tengen Uzui employs unique breathing techniques associated with Sound Breathing. A former ninja, his combat methods are spectacular and rely on gigantic nunchaku paired with explosive attacks. His opulent lifestyle and eccentric personality contrast with his formidable efficiency on the battlefield.
In the Entertainment District arc, Tengen plays a key role, boldly and strategically facing the Upper Moons. Although he often favors flamboyance, he remains deeply committed to the protection of his wives and allies, revealing an empathetic nature beneath his extravagant exterior.
Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira
Shinobu Kocho is one of the most unique Hashira in the anime, with a combat style based on deadly poisons, mastering Insect Breathing. Although she is physically less strong than her peers, her cunning and precision more than make up for it.
Shinobu is driven by a desire for vengeance following the death of her sister, Kanae, who was slain by a demon. Her relationship with her late sister plays a major role in her personal development.
Ever smiling, she conceals a deep resentment toward demons, and her role in the storyline is a reminder that physical strength isn’t the only asset of a slayer. Her knowledge of poisons is unparalleled, and she wields it with lethal precision.
Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira
Muichiro Tokito is the youngest of the Hashira and is often shrouded in mystery. His use of Mist Breathing, a technique that confounds the enemy and creates illusions, makes him a difficult opponent to pin down.
Initially displaying a distant and detached personality, Muichiro gradually reveals incredible mental strength and resilience in the face of adversity. His tragic past, marked by the loss of his family, influences his growth throughout the series. Despite his young age, he demonstrates a natural talent for combat, enabling him to ascend to the rank of Hashira in record time.
Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira
Mitsuri Kanroji, with her Love Breathing, is a Hashira whose cheerful and gentle personality contrasts with her impressive combat skills. She wields an extremely flexible sword which, combined with her superhuman strength, allows her to execute devastating attacks while remaining graceful.
Mitsuri is also known for her loving nature, particularly in her relationship with Obanai Iguro, for whom she holds deep respect. Despite her delicate appearance, her remarkable power and loyalty to her friends, as well as her compassionate values, add significant depth to her character.
Sanemi Shinazugawa – Wind Hashira
Sanemi Shinazugawa has been shaped by a life of suffering and anger, making him fierce and formidable in battle. As a master of Wind Breathing, Sanemi excels in violent and relentless techniques. His troubled relationship with his brother, Genya, is central to his personal development.
Behind his abrasive demeanor lies deep-seated guilt and a desire to protect others at all costs. Sanemi is also one of the most resilient Hashira, capable of withstanding severe injuries and continuing to fight relentlessly. His combative spirit and indomitable will make him a Hashira feared by demons.
Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira
Gyomei Himejima is physically the strongest of all the Hashira, yet also the most spiritual. Blind since childhood, he is a master of Stone Breathing, wielding a giant mace and an axe connected by a chain to vanquish his foes. His unwavering faith and compassionate nature stand in stark contrast to his formidable combat prowess.
Haunted by a tragic past in which he lost children he was protecting from a demon, Gyomei’s calm and devoted personality was forged. He is regarded as a figure of wisdom and strength within the Demon Slayers, inspiring respect among all his peers.
Obanai Iguro – Serpent Hashira
Obanai Iguro is cold and disciplined, a specialist in Serpent Breathing. His attacks are as sinuous and unpredictable as a snake, making him difficult to anticipate in battle. Obanai carries a heavy family past and trusts very few people, with the notable exception of Mitsuri Kanroji, for whom he harbors deep feelings.
Beneath his distant exterior, Obanai is a character constantly torn between his sense of duty and his personal emotions. His determination to maintain order among the Demon Slayers and protect those he loves renders him ruthless against demons, though he remains vulnerable in his personal relationships.
Former Hashira
The former Hashira played a crucial role in the history of the Demon Slayer Corps. Their legacy and skills have shaped the current generations of slayers, passing on their teachings and techniques to the future defenders of humanity. Here is an overview of the most notable figures who have left their mark on the manga’s history.
Jigoro Kuwajima – Former Lightning Hashira
Jigoro Kuwajima is revered for his role as a mentor to Zenitsu Agatsuma. A master of Lightning Breathing, he trained many students in combat, although Zenitsu was one of the few who survived and learned the First Form.
Tragically, Jigoro intentionally self-disemboweled as a sign of shame after the downfall of his other disciple, Kaigaku, who became a demon. This act underscores the depth of his commitment to the Demon Slayer Corps and his adherence to the code of honor.
Sakonji Urokodaki – Former Water Hashira
Sakonji Urokodaki is the revered master of Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka. It is thanks to him that Water Breathing has been passed down through generations of slayers. His rigorous training and keen sense of duty enabled Tanjiro to become an accomplished Demon Slayer.
Urokodaki also looked after Nezuko after Tanjiro brought her back, demonstrating his kindness and trust in his student. He embodies both the strength and wisdom needed to train young slayers.
Shinjuro Rengoku – Former Flame Hashira
After the tragic death of his wife, Shinjuro Rengoku, the father of Kyojuro, fell into a deep depression and abandoned his role as a Hashira. He turned to alcohol to escape his pain...
His relationship with Kyojuro is complex, marked by despair and powerlessness in the face of loss. Although Shinjuro renounced his title, he later found a form of redemption by acknowledging his son's efforts and bravery, thereby reconnecting with his legacy.
Kanae Kocho – Former Flower Hashira
Kind and full of compassion, Kanae Kocho dreamed of coexisting peacefully with demons despite their cruelty. She tragically died following an encounter with an Upper Moon, yet her memory lives on through her younger sister Shinobu, who has taken up her role within the Demon Slayer Corps.
The bond between them is marked by great tenderness, and Kanae’s influence is evident in the way Shinobu continues the fight while retaining part of her idealism.
How Does One Become a Hashira?
Becoming a Hashira is a demanding process. A slayer must achieve the highest level of mastery in a breathing technique, capable of defeating at least one Upper Moon or accomplishing extraordinary feats.
The training for future Hashira is intense, requiring exceptional strength, speed, and endurance, as well as the ability to overcome both physical and mental challenges. The candidate must also prove their commitment to protecting humanity, which often involves a heavy personal sacrifice. They are chosen not only for their talent but also for their ability to inspire and lead others.
Their Role in the Story
The Hashira play a central role in the major narrative arcs of Demon Slayer. As leaders, they directly confront the most powerful demons, including the Upper Moons and Muzan Kibutsuji himself.
Their presence is crucial in the Natagumo Mountain battle and the Infinity Train arc, where several of them sacrifice themselves to protect their comrades. Their expertise and unique techniques help balance the forces in decisive battles, making the survival of the Demon Slayers and the continuation of their fight against demons possible.
A Major Role in Demon Slayer
The Hashira, with their exceptional techniques and sacrifices, are the ultimate defenders of humanity. Their legacy endures through generations of Demon Slayers, symbolizing hope and perseverance in the fight against demons.