“Demon Slayer” has emerged as one of the most popular anime series in recent years, and its exceptional animation is a key factor behind its success. Ufotable, the animation studio, has consistently demonstrated unparalleled skill, setting a high standard in the world of animation. The show, particularly towards the end of its first season, has emphasized the crucial role that the powerful Hashira will play in humanity’s defense against demons.
The Hashira represent the highest echelon of the Demon Slayer Corps, holding the pinnacle rank within the organization. As the most skilled and formidable combatants, the Hashira safeguard humanity against threats that exceed the capabilities of other Demon Slayers. Notably, each Hashira possesses a unique and specialized breathing style, further showcasing the diverse combat techniques employed by these elite warriors in their relentless pursuit to eliminate demons and protect humanity. Their authority, second only to the Corps leaders Kagaya Ubuyashiki and later, Kiriya Ubuyashiki, underscores their significant role.
Don’t forget to check out our Demon Slayer Hashira Wallpapers!
1. Gyomei Himejima – The Stone Hashira
According to the manga, Gyomei Himejima is the strongest member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Even the Upper-Rank One demon considers Gyomei to be the most formidable fighter he has encountered in 300 years. Despite the seemingly unimpressive title of being the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima holds the distinction of being the strongest Hashira in the entire group. His destructive power promises to be a captivating spectacle in the series.
With the introduction of the Demon Slayer Mark, anime fans have to exercise patience before witnessing the full extent of this powerful Hashira’s abilities. Gyomei appears to be one of the more pious and composed members of this elite group, making it intriguing to see the true extent of his power when called upon in battle.
Gyomei Himejima, also known as the Stone Hashira, serves as a mentor to Genya Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira’s younger brother.
Despite his imposing figure, Gyomei possesses a gentle and sensitive emotional nature. He is frequently seen shedding tears for his fellow demon slayers, carrying prayer beads almost at all times, and offering prayers for other fighters.
Don’t forget to check out “Gyomei Fan Art“
2. Sanemi Shinazugawa – The Wind Hashira
Similar to many Hashira in the series, anime viewers have limited knowledge about Sanemi Shinazugawa. However, his wild appearance and demeanor strongly indicate the immense power held by this Hashira. The ferocity paired with the cutting nature of his Wind Breathing leaves no doubt that Sanemi possesses a myriad of formidable skills. Hopefully, the anime will shine a spotlight on this fierce fighter and do justice to his abilities.
In contrast to other heroic members of the group, Sanemi is far from an upstanding individual. The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, showcases his brashness and deep-seated hatred of demons in season one of Demon Slayer. He attacks Nezuko, one of Demon Slayer’s strongest demons, in her box and attempts to provoke her into attacking him. Despite this, Nezuko is allowed to continue accompanying Tanjiro. Sanemi remains vehemently against the co-existence of demons and humans due to his past experiences. His brother, Genya, also a demon slayer, joined around the same time as Tanjiro.
As one of the fastest Hashira, Shinazugawa is an intensely strong swordsman who utilizes speed to his advantage in battle. Despite his physical prowess, his hotheaded nature can sometimes get the best of him, as demonstrated when Tanjiro manages to strike him with a headbutt during the Hashira meeting. Shinazugawa’s combat style revolves around speed.
Don’t forget to check out “Sanemi Fan Art“
3. Giyu Tomioka – The Water Hashira
Among all the Hashira featured in Demon Slayer, Giyu Tomioka has garnered the most valuable screen time in the anime thus far. His awe-inspiring powers were a spectacle, and the swift defeat of Rui underscored that this high-level Hashira was a formidable force.
Given Tanjiro’s proficiency in Water Breathing, it’s anticipated that he will spend a significant amount of time training with Giyu Tomioka to enhance his swordsmanship. While Tanjiro’s mastery of Water Breathing is impressive, the real anticipation lies in the development of his Sun Breathing, Hinokami Kagura, over the course of the anime.
The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, exhibits remarkable poise in battle, showcasing unmatched calmness and restraint among the Hashira.
This is notably evident when he chooses to spare Nezuko’s life in the first episode of Demon Slayer. His mental fortitude becomes further apparent when he endorses Nezuko’s inclusion in the Demon Slayer Corps, even pledging to slit his own stomach if she harms any human.
Having studied the water technique under former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, Tomioka brings a composed strength to battle, effortlessly dispatching enemies. His exceptional strength is highlighted, particularly in his confrontation with the lower six demon Rui, whom he easily defeats using his technique, “dead calm.”
4. Obanai Iguro – The Serpent Hashira
The Snake Hashira, Obanai Iguro, stands out as one of the most enigmatic characters in Demon Slayer. Identified by the white snake coiled around his neck and the bandage covering his mouth, he strongly opposed Nezuko’s inclusion as a demon slayer, drawing from his own traumatic experiences as a sacrifice for a snake-themed demon.
Born with partial blindness, Iguro has adapted his life and combat skills accordingly, achieving the esteemed rank of Hashira. Despite his shorter stature, Iguro’s mental resilience and strict demeanor make him a formidable adversary. This becomes evident when he admonishes Tengen Uzui for barely defeating the weakest upper-rank demon and then choosing to retire, showcasing his disdain for perceived mental weakness.
In the anime, the Serpent Hashira hasn’t received ample spotlight, but manga readers are well aware of Obanai Iguro’s formidable power. He ranks among the strongest members of the Hashira and can hold his own against the most formidable demons. Anticipation lingers for how the anime will showcase and accurately convey the immense strength of this character.
As expected from the Serpent Hashira, Obanai is cold, calculating, and ruthless, traits evident from his debut appearance. However, this doesn’t paint him as a complete savage. In the battle against Muzan and the remaining Upper Rank Kizuki, he will undoubtedly align himself with the side of good.
5. Kyojuro Rengoku – The Flame Hashira
Rengoku stands out as one of the most beloved Hashira in Demon Slayer, making his tragic demise in the battle against Akaza all the more poignant. Despite succumbing to his wounds, Rengoku’s incredible strength in the encounter, especially considering his exhaustion from saving everyone on the Mugen Train, remains awe-inspiring. There’s a realization among fans that Rengoku could have potentially defeated Akaza had he not been fatigued.
The regret lingers among fans, imagining the formidable character Rengoku could have become with a power-up. His death serves as a significant turning point in the series, underscoring the vast gap between the Upper Rank demons and the Hashira at that juncture.
This emotional moment propels Tanjiro, his friends, and the Demon Slayers to strive for unprecedented strength to confront the formidable threat posed by Muzan’s top demons.
As the main Hashira in the Mugen Train arc, Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, displays remarkable poise and strength in battle, culminating in his tragic demise at the hands of the Upper Two demon, Akaza. Rengoku, proficient in flame breathing, combines his strength with a confident demeanor, making him a formidable demon slayer. His quick thinking and fighting prowess enable him to save every passenger on the Mugen Train after its derailment. Akaza acknowledges Rengoku’s fighting abilities, noting that they haven’t reached their full potential, a potential that sadly will never be realized.
6. Mitsuri Kanroji – The Love Hashira
At first glance, the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, may not appear to be a fighter with overwhelming raw strength, but she currently holds the title of the most powerful female Hashira in Demon Slayer. Despite initial impressions, Kanroji possesses one of the highest levels of raw strength among the Hashira, evident in her ability to effortlessly rip out Muzan’s tentacles.
Kanroji’s initial motive for joining the Demon Slayer Corps was not to enhance her combat skills but to find a husband stronger than herself. Her journey to the rank of Hashira and the formidable strength she demonstrates along the way make this quest challenging, despite her best efforts. One distinctive feature of Kanroji’s combat style is her unique sword, a whip-like blade that complements Love Breathing’s fluid motions, making it challenging for demons to predict.
The Swordsmith Village arc showcases Kanroji’s true strength as she wields a distinctive nichirin blade with whip-like flexibility, giving even Hantengu’s toughest form a formidable challenge.
During this arc, she swiftly manifests the demon slayer mark, allowing her to engage in an equal and victorious battle against this powerful foe.
In the manga, Kanroji’s clone possesses power equivalent to four Upper-Rank demons. Furthermore, during the Infinity Castle Arc, she fearlessly confronts Nakime, the new Upper-Rank Four, and successfully lands a blow on Muzan that catches him off guard.
Don’t forget to check out “Mitsuri Fan Art“
7: Muichiro Tokito – The Mist Hashira
Muichiro is a captivating character who appears somewhat apathetic, though his indifferent nature doesn’t stem from malice. The Mist Hashira exhibited a multitude of impressive moves, defeating Gyokko after manifesting his demon slayer mark and completely annihilating the twisted artisan who reveled in mutilating bodies for his sickening amusement.
Pushed to the brink, Muichiro managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, single-handedly killing an Upper Rank demon—an impressive feat. His tragic backstory adds depth to his character, fostering a strong connection with viewers throughout the series.
What sets the Mist Hashira apart is his rapid ascent to the rank of Hashira within two months of joining the Demon Slayer Corps. He successfully confronted an Upper Five demon and survived, undergoing a significant character transformation due to Tanjiro’s influence during the Swordsmith Village arc. As one of the youngest Hashira, Tokito still has ample room for growth as a warrior.
Don’t forget to check out “Muichiro Fan Art“
8. Shinobu Kocho – The Insect Hashira
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, is a skilled Demon Slayer, deserving of her prestigious title. While she may be considered among the weaker Hashira in terms of pure physical strength, Demon Slayer recognizes that strength alone does not define power. Shinobu’s keen intellect, coupled with her adept use of poisons in battle, positions her as a formidable force regardless.
Though lacking in brute strength, Shinobu possesses other abilities that make her a formidable adversary. The series unveils her deep-seated grudge against Doma for the death of her sister, Kanae Kocho. It’s evident that this Demon Slayer is on a collision course with the Upper Rank 2 Demon Moon, and fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding of their conflict in the upcoming events.
While she proves to be a formidable Demon Slayer, Shinobu’s strength lies more in her cunning and intelligence than in sheer physical power. Uniquely, she is the only Hashira unable to decapitate demons, instead employing a special poison derived from wisteria to eliminate them. This distinct approach makes her a significant threat, as demons may underestimate attacks not aimed at their heads—a potentially fatal mistake.
Don’t forget to check out “Shinobu Fan Art“
9. Tengen Uzui – The Sound Hashira
The Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, boasts a captivating character design, yet his power is not particularly noteworthy, especially when compared to some other formidable Hashira in Demon Slayer who wield truly impressive abilities.
Regrettably, Tengen Uzui carries the reputation of being the least powerful Hashira. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that even the least powerful Hashira is formidable, capable of challenging any demon. Although he retired before acquiring a power boost to enhance his abilities for dealing with tougher demons, his strength remains commendable.
Tengen Uzui played a vital role in the Entertainment District arc, contributing to the defeat of the Upper Six demons Gyutaro and Daki alongside Tanjiro and company. Despite his claim of lacking talent, Uzui’s battle prowess speaks differently.
His fearless demeanor, honed through years as a shinobi, coupled with lightning-fast speed, positions him as an exceptional warrior. His adept wielding of gigantic nunchaku cleavers, swung at the speed of sound despite their size, further showcases his strength. Uzui ultimately retired after defeating the Upper Six, enduring significant injuries in the process.
10. Kanae Kocho – Former Flower Hashira
Similar to Shinjuro, little is known about Kanae’s tenure as the Flower Hashira. However, it is widely acknowledged that she was exceptionally powerful, earning the enduring respect of those who remember her.
The fact that Doma killed her will undoubtedly evoke great anger from both Shinobu and Kanao. The manner in which these two warriors confront this Upper Rank demon remains uncertain and will only be revealed when they face him in battle. While the manga of “Demon Slayer” has concluded, anime-only fans are left in suspense regarding the outcome of this impending confrontation.
11. Shinjuro Rengoku – Former Flame Hashira
The Rengoku family has carried the esteemed title of Flame Hashira for generations. Kyojuro’s profound dedication to his role is evident in every scene featuring him, making it regrettable that he bid farewell too soon. While not much is known about Shinjuro Rengoku, Kyojuro’s father and a former Flame Hashira, achieving such a prestigious title is undoubtedly a significant accomplishment. Shinjuro must have faced numerous trials and challenges to attain such a high rank.
Despite an unfortunate moment tarnishing his image during an alcoholic rant disparaging his own son’s sacrifice, it’s evident that this character grapples with personal demons. This becomes more apparent later in the series when he genuinely experiences heartbreak over his child’s loss. Tanjiro deserves credit for helping the heroic Flame Hashira’s father find solace and clarity.
12. Sakonji Urokodaki – Former Water Hashira
Much like Kuwajima, dismissing Urokodaki as inherently weak would be a mistake. His past title as the Water Hashira signifies that he was among the most powerful Demon Slayers at a certain point in time.
As a master of the technique, Urokodaki played a pivotal role in instructing the current Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, in the ways of Water Breathing. This fact alone attests to the vast and remarkable legacy left by Sakonji. Notably, Urokodaki not only imparted Water Breathing to Giyu but also succeeded in transforming Tanjiro into a proficient user of Water Breathing, even though it wasn’t his natural style. Considering Tanjiro’s subsequent talent and power, Urokodaki deserves commendation for laying a solid foundation upon which Tanjiro could build.
13. Jigoro Kuwajima – Former Thunder Hashira
n their current states, the former Hashira may not match the strength of their modern counterparts. However, this doesn’t imply weakness in their past; rather, it signifies the remarkable progress of the new generation, sometimes even surpassing their predecessors.
Certainly, Jigoro Kuwajima is far from being considered weak. His past role as the Thunder Hashira clearly attests to his once formidable power. While it’s natural for newer generations to surpass the old, Jigoro laid the foundation for the Hashira who succeeded him. His significant influence is evident in his ability to mentor a genius like Zenitsu, enabling him to master Thunder Breathing with just a single style. This stands as proof of Jigoro Kuwajima’s considerable strength and impact.