The Pillars of Strength: Exploring the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps

In the world of Demon Slayer, there are two main protectors against the demons attacking humans - the Demon Slayers and the Hashira (aka the Pillars). Each plays an essential role in the war against demons. However, the Hashira are especially important in keeping evil at bay, as they are the strongest swordsmen in the manga and anime. Without the Demon Slayer Hashira, the upper-rank demons would potentially be unstoppable.

Below, we explore the Hashira, from their place in the Demon Slayer series to which characters formulate the active Hashira members.

Who are the Hashira in Demon Slayer?

As mentioned, the Hashira are the most powerful swordsmen in Demon Slayer. Many of the Hashira have trained for 2-5 years to become experts in their craft, training their individual styles and techniques to become the top fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps. They are considered the leaders and upper-ranking members of the Demon Slayers due to their strength and skill levels. It's essential to understand that each of the Hashira wields their own powerful breathing styles; no two Hashira share the same style and techniques. Their powers range from using rocks in attacks to special poison that can kill the demons.

The Hashira are strong enough to battle the twelve demon moons, aka the twelve kizuki. These are the upper-rank demons who fight directly under the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji. Though these demons excel in concealing themselves as demons, the Hashira are typically the Demon Slayers who uncover them leading to a battle (sometimes with multiple slayers).

Demon Slayer Corps and their Connection to the Hashira

To put it simply, the Hashira is a part of the Demon Slayer Corps. They are the highest-ranking members of the group and are looked at as leaders. As the strongest Demon Slayer Corps members, they are in charge of training the other Demon Slayers, particularly the lower-ranking ones. Hashira also trains each other, ensuring they remain the best of the best and stay on top of their abilities.

In order to become a Hashira, a Demon Slayer must either be selected as a successor by a current/active Hashira, defeat one of the Kizuki by themselves, or slay at least 50 demons. Once this has been accomplished, the demon slayer will go through rigorous training to become a hashira.

How many Hashira are in Demon Slayer?

There are currently nine active hashira in the Demon Slayer series. However, there have been mentions of other hashira throughout the series. In total, 14 hashira have been discussed or brought up throughout the Demon Slayer storyline. However, there are likely more hashira in the past who have either retired or died during the battle. Each active hashira is assigned to a specific region for multiple reasons, including protecting humanity, searching for disguised demons, and practicing their swordsman skills.

The Nine Active Demon Slayer Hashira & Their Unique Traits

Let's delve deeper into the nine active hashira, including their individual techniques and skills, which make them the greatest fighters in the Demon Slayers. These hashira possess only some of the breathing styles in the show, which also include sun breathing and flower breathing, among others.

Shinobu Kocho

Shinobu Kocho is known as the insect hashira for her unique power, which makes up for her being one of the least powerful pillars. Her unique power consists of a Wisteria poison, which she can inject into the demons using a particular katana. Additionally, Shinobu is cunning and creative with her attacks, often using mind games, and sometimes even torture, to defeat other demons.

On the outside, she projects a calm, cheerful personality. However, she is rather cruel towards the demons, showing a darker side within caused by the death of her sister at the hands of the demons. She first makes an appearance in Demon Slayer in episode 15.

Muichiro Tokito

Known as the mist-breathing hashira, Muichiro Tokito relies on logic. However, he does exhibit personality traits that match his skill—forgetfulness and a propensity to wander off. Though he seems indifferent to those around him, including all the demons, hashira, and Demon Slayers, he is committed to slaying demons.

As a child prodigy, he began his career quite young, finishing his mist-breathing training in only two months. He is considered one of the most powerful mist-breathing hashira ever. Muichiro is first shown in episode 21 of the series when Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko have their fate decided.

Mitsuri Kanroji

Misturi Kanroji has a unique power; she is the love-breathing hashira. What sets her apart from others is their shyness and loving nature, which can often mean she is flustered around others. Though, she does not bring this gentleness to battles. Instead, she uses her flexibility and extraordinary muscle denseness to fight demons. Her goals throughout the series include killing as many demons as possible and finding a husband. She also appeared in episode 21 of Demon Slayer.

Obanai Iguro

As the serpent hashira, Obanai Iguro brings exciting skills to the demon-slaying plate. While partially blind, Obanai is merciless and unrelenting, even toward his fellow hashira. His particular style, serpent breathing, is one that he created himself. Because of this, he has been asked to teach lower-rank hashira his sword techniques.

Obanai is able to maneuver his sword in a way that makes it appear as if it is a serpent slithering to attack. This swordwork along with Obanai's pet snake make him a deadly match for demons. Catch this mysterious hashira in episode 22.

Kyojuro Rengoku

Kyojuro Rengoku is considered the second strongest hashira behind Gyomei Himejima. He is a flame hashira who uses confidence in connection to his powers to save humans and battle demons. Kyojuro inherited the title of the flame pillar from his father. However, he uses persistence and hard work to achieve his fighting skills instead of falling back on raw talent.

He first appears in episode 21, fighting bravely throughout the Mugen Train arc (season two of the series). Unfortunately, he perishes during this arc after a fight against Akaza, the upper-rank three demon moon.

Gyomei Himejima

Considered the gentle giant of the group, Gyomei Himejima is the stone hashira. Gyomei is a religious, sensitive, soft-spoken man with a large body and heart. He considers demons part of all living beings, feeling saddened each time he is tasked with hurting or killing one. He uses large, heavy weapons to attack the demons, as he has the strongest physical abilities of the group.

Often, Gyomei is seen as the leader of the hashira as he is well-respected due to this strength. He only required about two months of training to become a hashira. Gyomei is the brother of Sanemi Shinazugawa, the wind hashira. This stone hashira makes his debut in episode 21 of the series.

Tengen Uzui

Like many of the other hashira, Tengen first appears in episode 21. As the sound hashira, he has abilities such as ecolocation and specific hearing abilities. Tengen is on the larger side yet remains the fastest fighter in the group. He balances his pride, boastfulness, and flashy fighting techniques with kindness and love for his fellow hashira and his wives.

He previously trained as a shinobi, a specialized warrior who can withstand more pain than most. He is an essential character in the battle against the upper six demons, who he helps defeat alongside Tanjiro, a bearer of the Demon Slayer mark, and other Demon Slayers. After this battle occurs, Tengen retires due to multiple injuries sustained during the battle. He is also first introduced in episode 21.

Sanemi Shinazugawa

Stubborn, impulsive, and easy to anger, Sanemi Shinazugawa is a whirlwind of a character. As the wind hashira, Sanemi seems to enjoy slaying demons the most of any hashira, as he has a complete hatred for demons. His skills include strength and speed, which are used in battle. Unfortunately, his hot-headnesses is often a fault as well as a strength. Viewers will first see Sanemi in episode 22 of Demon Slayer.

Giyu Tomioka

Giyu Tomioka is the first hashira to be seen in the show, appearing in episode one. As a water hashira, he is calm, poised, and shows great mental strength throughout the series. Giyu is considered one of the strongest hashira, as he can easily slay demons calmly with powerful techniques. He does not use emotions, like other hashira, preferring to remain stoic throughout his battles. Giyu is also an essential ally to Tanjiro and Nezuko, as he is understanding of Nezuko's situation assuming she can keep her demonic urges in check.

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