Who Are the Hashiras in Demon Slayer?

The Hashiras in Demon Slayer have shown themselves to be very strong and determined to protect humans. After all, being a Hashira means that they have proven their strength and capabilities. It is the equivalent of Muzan’s Twelve Kizuki – they are an elite group. They can handle fighting against the Twelve Kizuki, while normal demons are just a walk in the park for them.

As such, many fans are curious about who the Hashiras are. They were first seen when they were discussing Tanjiro’s unusual case of bringing a demon along. Some of them have more screen time than the others in the anime’s 2 seasons so far. These certain Hashiras also received their time to shine when they helped Tanjiro and his friends in missions.

In this article, we will be tackling each Hashira and what we know about them in the anime so far. Rest assured there will be no manga spoilers!

General Overview

There are nine (9) Hashiras in Demon Slayer. Each of them has their unique breathing styles and their own preferred weapons. They also have a title attributed to them, in reference to their breathing styles.

They answer to their Demon Corps head, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and they respect him greatly. Contrary to how Muzan handles his demons, they revere Kagaya out of genuine admiration and trust.

There is no certain ranking for them, but they are ranked when it comes to trivial matters like arm wrestling in the manga. Their heights, openness, and running speed were also ranked in the fanbook.

The Hashiras are also assigned to patrol respective regions. They are on a lookout for any demon threats. But they will be called upon a mission if Demon Slayer members cannot handle it. If a mission also involves facing off the Twelve Kizuki, they will be involved.

1. Giyuu Tomioka – Water Hashira

Giyuu is the very first Hashira we encounter in Demon Slayer. He is the one who stumbled upon Tanjiro and the transformed Nezuko. He initially intended to kill Nezuko hence he fought against Tanjiro about it. But when he saw Nezuko, even in her demon state, protect Tanjiro, he changed his mind.

He then proceeded to bring Tanjiro to Urokodaki, his former trainer. He wanted Tanjiro to become a Demon Slayer to get Nezuko back. He also stood by his decision to keep Nezuko alive. If Nezuko also becomes out of control, Giyuu vowed that he will take responsibility for it. This is an indication of Giyuu’s firm and honorable personality.

Giyuu’s Breathing Style technique is the Water Breathing Style. This is what Urokodaki taught Tanjiro. The Water Breathing Style is flexible and adaptable, like flowing water. It is one of those styles that are just refreshing to look at.

There is also a fun fact: Giyuu invented a form of Water Breathing Style. It is called, “Dead Calm”, and we have seen this when he killed Rui off. It has the ability to deflect any incoming attacks from opponents, while Giyuu remained calm. This allowed him an opportunity to behead the demon in a blink of an eye. This is a testament to Giyuu’s skill as a Hashira.

2. Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira

Shinobu is the second Hashira Tanjiro and the others were able to meet. She showed up during Rui and his spider family’s attack. She does not behead a demon like others do. She has Wisteria poison in her blade, which can make a demon die.

The fight scene between her and the spider sister is actually very satisfying to watch. It was like watching a graceful butterfly attacking. She is calm and spoke in soft tones even when threatening a demon.

She has the Insect Breathing Style. Instead of killing the demons outright, she poisons them where they least expected it. The spider sister was swarmed with beautiful butterflies and felt a false sense of security. Shinobu’s tip of her blade acts like a stinger, commonly found in insects.

Shinobu also created this Breathing Style on her own. She stated in the anime that she cannot behead demons because she lacks the strength for it. At the same time, she wanted to honor her sister’s wish of sympathizing with demons. Although she still kills them, she does not seem comfortable in more brutal methods. However, she harbors deep-seated anger towards demons because her sister died in their hands.

3. Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira

Rengoku played an important role in the Mugen Train arc. He was the Hashira assigned to a mission with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke to investigate Mugen Train. Rengoku fought against the Third Upper-Rank demon, Akaza, which cost his life in the end. But it was impressive that Rengoku managed to fight Akaza on equal ground. They are both very strong, and the fight went on for a while.

Akaza even acknowledged his strength and offered Rengoku to become a demon. This is an indication that even a demon from the Twelve Kizuki respects him.

Rengoku has the Flame Breathing Style. It actually matched his hair and his bright personality. This seemed to indicate that the Flame Breathing Style is passed down in Rengoku’s family. As a matter of fact, Rengoku’s own father is a Flame Breathing user.

The Flame Breathing Style is a powerful technique because every strike against the opponent will be damaging. It burns the opponent, like actual flames. It is probably the most offensive breathing style overall, and Rengoku truly mastered it.

4. Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira

If Rengoku had his time to shine in Mugen Train arc, Tengen Uzui has been given the spotlight in the Entertainment District arc. Tengen Uzui is flamboyant and flashy. Unlike Rengoku, he gave a bad first impression towards Tanjiro and the others. He was seen kidnapping workers from the Butterfly Mansion, and Tanjiro was able to intervene just in time. He is also boastful and has an air of superiority about him.

But eventually, Uzui has a kinder and softer nature especially when he’s addressing his wives. Overall, he really encompassed his breathing style – loud, and simply flamboyant.

The Sound Breathing Stye is created by Uzui himself. This style allows him to analyze his opponents’ movements by rhythm. As such, he was able to determine their openings that he could strike. This is like noticing a gap in music composition, and you add a beat or melody to it.

Interestingly, Uzui’s preferred weapon for his breathing style differed from other Hashiras. It is not a sword, but rather two connected gigantic blades. They function as Uzui’s guide in the rhythm, and they actually leave great damage to the opponent. This is why Uzui was also able to fight Gyutaro on equal ground. Uzui also beheaded Daki before she summoned Gyutaro. If not for her connection with her brother, she would have been dead.

After the events with Gyutaro and Daki, Uzui retired from Demon Slayer Corps to have a more peaceful life with his wives.

5. Sanemi Shinazuguwa – Wind Hashira

Sanemi stood out among the Hashiras as the only one who completely distrust Nezuko. It was clear he really hated demons regardless of their circumstances. He was not even afraid to express this loudly when they were questioning Nezuko. He also taunted Nezuko by poking his sword at her box. He also injured himself to test Nezuko’s control.

However, we have yet to see him in battle in the anime. Considering his title as the Wind Hashira, it is obvious that his techniques are similar to the wind. The force of air blasting against opponents, presumably.

Sanemi is also the older brother of Genya, Tanjiro’s batchmate in the Final Selection arc. Genya was the one who got impatient with the examiners, and Tanjiro has to calm him down.

6. Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira

Tokito is the absent-minded Hashira, who kept on forgetting what is currently happening. He also did not seem invested in the discussion with Nezuko. But he was able to determine that Tanjiro faced Muzan at some point, so he was somewhat listening.

Tokito’s abilities are not yet shown in the anime, but it has something to do with mist from the clouds. This is why clouds fascinate him, and he seemed more invested in them than anything else. He has the vibe of a somewhat unserious personality. But it is best not to underestimate him since he is still a Hashira after all.

7. Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira

Mitsuri is one of the female Hashiras alongside Shinobu. She had a friendly and cheerful demeanor. She also has bright hair and wore her uniform in a revealing manner. This indicates Mitsuri’s confidence in herself.

True to her title, she is also very emotional and is easily swooned by acts of affection. She seemed to be the type who can brighten up the atmosphere. Her carefree personality lessened any intimidation the Hashiras have, together with Rengoku.

Her abilities are yet to be seen too, but it is interesting that she has a Love Breathing Style. It is unique to imagine that she kills demons with style or rather, love.

8. Obanai Iguro – Serpent Hashira

Iguro’s appearance is unique because his mouth is covered by bandages and he has a serpent around his neck. He is also reserved just like Giyuu, but more harsh and blunt. He does not respect those people who do not abide by the rules of Demon Slayer Corps. Hence, he was one of the Hashiras who expressed against Nezuko.

He also did not find Uzui’s victory over Gyutaro and Daki impressive. Instead, he pointed out that they were Upper Moon Six. They were the weakest in the Upper Moons in his perspective. He also berated Uzui’s decision to retire and insisted that Uzui should fight until death.

He has not yet shown his abilities in the anime, but his serpent may have been involved. He is the only Hashira so far who has a familiar that can actively aid him in battle.

9. Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira

Gyomei is the bulkiest Hashira, hence the most intimidating. But he is actually quite emotional, as he sheds tears over things. Although this could be because it has something to do with his eyes. Given that Gyomei’s voice is actually soft, it can be assumed he is very gentle despite his domineering appearance.

He also seemed to be religious, as his hands are often in a praying position. He can also be considered as the ‘leader’ among his fellow Hashiras. He is always seen in front of meetings and his fellow Hashiras seemed to respect him a lot. He is like the unmoving stone everyone relies on.

He has not shown his battle prowess yet in the anime. But considering he leads Hashiras, we can argue he is possibly the strongest. The stones he can summon from his breathing style may be formidable.