Who is Jigoro Kuwajima?
Jigoro Kuwajima was a venerable figure within the Demon Slayer Corps, having served as the Thunder Hashira. He was a man of short stature, advanced in years, with a face marked by the passage of time and a distinctive scar adorned with six prongs across his right cheek. His eyebrows were thick and his white hair slicked back, framed his face, adding to his distinguished appearance. Jigoro’s physical challenges, including the loss of his right leg which was replaced with a wooden peg, did not diminish his imposing presence, often accentuated by his use of a sturdy wooden cane for support.
His attire was reminiscent of Sakonji Urokodaki’s, featuring a jinbei kimono, but Jigoro’s was in shades of yellow-brown with a subtle triangle pattern, distinguishing his unique style from Sakonji’s blue water-themed garb. Despite his physical limitations and age, Jigoro’s legacy as a trainer of Demon Slayers like Zenitsu Agatsuma and Kaigaku speaks volumes of his skill and dedication to the fight against demons.
Jigoro Kuwajima’s Personality and Background
Jigoro Kuwajima’s legacy as a mentor was marked by his unwavering commitment to his students and the rigorous training he imparted. His tenure as the former Thunder Hashira gave him a wealth of experience, which he channeled into nurturing the next generation of Demon Slayers with a mix of stern discipline and paternal affection. The betrayal of his student Kaigaku, who succumbed to the darkness and joined the Twelve Kizuki, was a source of profound sorrow for Jigoro, casting a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career.
Zenitsu Agatsuma, one of his pupils, often reflected on Jigoro’s persistent faith in him. Despite Zenitsu’s tendency to flee and complain, Jigoro never abandoned him. He rescued Zenitsu from a life mired in debt and recognized his potential, patiently guiding him to master the first form of Thunder Breathing. Jigoro likened the process of mastering a technique to the meticulous crafting of a sword, emphasizing the importance of repetition and refinement.
The depth of Jigoro’s paternal feelings was evident when he expressed pride and was visibly moved by Zenitsu’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication Jigoro had invested in him, especially when others had given up on Zenitsu as a lost cause.
Tragically, Jigoro’s life ended in seppuku, a form of ritual suicide, as a response to Kaigaku’s betrayal. His death was not swift; it was a drawn-out ordeal, compounded by the absence of someone to perform the duty of decapitation, which traditionally brought a quick end to the suffering associated with seppuku. This act was a final, somber testament to his honor and the profound impact of his student’s betrayal.
