The Twelve Kizuki, also known as the Twelve Demon Moons, constitutes the formidable hierarchy of demons under the command of the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji, serving as the primary antagonists in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This organization is categorized into two groups: the six Upper Moons and the six Lower Moons, each member uniquely powerful due to a substantial infusion of Muzan’s blood.
The demons within the Twelve Kizuki are ranked from one to six based on their strength, with Lower Ranks displaying their numbers and the kanji for “Lower Rank” in one eye, and Upper Ranks having their numbers and the kanji for “Upper Rank” in both eyes (excluding Nakime, who possesses only one eye). Muzan’s absolute control over the Twelve Kizuki is evident, as he has a tendency to replace or eliminate members he deems weak or no longer useful for his grand plans.
The Upper Moons, in particular, stand out as the pinnacle of Muzan’s demonic forces, each possessing immense power and centuries of existence. These demons are responsible for widespread destruction and countless deaths throughout Japan, posing a severe threat even to skilled demon slayers, including Hashira. The Upper Moons exhibit a diverse range of personalities, abilities, and designs, making each encounter with them a perilous endeavor for those who stand against the Demon Slayer Corps.
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Upper Moon 1: Kokushibo
Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1 of the Twelve Kizuki, stands out as an extraordinary figure in the Demon Slayer universe. Uniquely, he was originally a human during the Sengoku era, making him witness the inception of breathing styles and the emergence of demon slayers. Throughout his human life, he grappled with a growing inferiority complex towards his brother, Yoriichi, who not only pioneered breathing styles but also became the first and most powerful demon slayer.
Driven by this profound sense of inferiority, Kokushibo ultimately succumbed to becoming a demon himself. His stoic personality adds to his enigmatic aura, as he speaks only when necessary, preferring to execute his attacks with brutal efficiency. Notably, even demons as formidable as the upper moons recognize and fear his power.
Kokushibo’s combat style is a fusion of his demon abilities and the breathing style he acquired during his human life.
His moon breathing techniques are both diverse and enhanced by his demonic strength and speed. His sword, uniquely crafted from his own body, allows him to manipulate its length, expanding his range, and alter the shape of his attacks with unparalleled versatility.
Known originally as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, Kokushibo’s narrative unfolds as a compelling tale of internal conflict, familial rivalry, and the transformative power of demonic influence. As the ancestor of prominent characters like the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and his twin brother Yuichiro, Kokushibo’s legacy spans centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the Demon Slayer storyline.
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Upper Moon 2: Doma
Despite being the second most powerful among the Upper Moons, Doma, also known as Douma, receives little respect from his peers due to his overtly casual personality and a complete lack of empathy. His detestable demeanor makes him unpopular not only among humans but also within the demon community, including Muzan himself, who holds little fondness for Doma. His psychopathic nature, characterized by a complete absence of emotions, sets him apart even among demons, as he attempts to feign emotions and relationships.
Doma plays a significant role in the backstories of various characters, having turned Gyutaro and Daki into demons.
Doma assumes a leadership role in a sizable cult organization, where followers worship him as their leader and god. This adds a layer of complexity to his character, showcasing his influence beyond the world of demons.
He is also responsible for the tragic deaths of Inosuke Hashibira’s mother, Kotoha Hashibira, and Kanae Kocho, the elder sister of Shinobu Kocho, whom Doma also kills. Additionally, Doma is the adoptive older sister of Kanao Tsuyuri, further intertwining his presence in the lives of key characters. His blood demon arts revolve around the manipulation of ice and cold, allowing him to create independent ice constructs in battle.
Upper Moon 3: Akaza
Akaza, Upper Moon 3 first introduced at the conclusion of the ‘Mugen Train’ arc, stands out for his considerable strength and love for combat, as evident in his intense battle against Rengoku. Notably, he admires his opponents’ skills and readily acknowledges their prowess. However, within the realm of upper demons, he is somewhat of a troublesome figure, harboring a strong disdain for Doma and an inferiority complex towards both Doma and Kokushibo. His particular aversion to Doma is heightened by the latter’s preference for consuming women, a practice Akaza vehemently opposes.
Akaza’s fighting style is that of a pure brawler, relying on martial arts techniques for powerful and relentless strikes. His blood demon arts are a manifestation of these martial skills, emphasizing his preference for close-quarters combat. Notably, Akaza’s resilience and strong willpower enable him to survive even after being beheaded, showcasing his formidable demonic abilities. Despite his demonic nature, Akaza retains a significant connection to his human past.
He stands out as the most human-like among the upper moons, driven by a commitment to never consume women. This moral stance is rooted in his memories as a human, specifically influenced by someone he loved during that time.
In the Demon Slayer series, Akaza serves as a major antagonist and holds the position of Upper Rank 3 within the Twelve Kizuki. His memorable appearance in the Mugen Train Arc, where he defeats and kills the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, sets the stage for his complex character dynamics and conflicts, especially with Tanjiro Kamado. His later confrontation with Tanjiro and the Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka during the Infinity Castle Arc unveils more about his past as a human and culminates in a poignant act of remorse for the crimes he committed as a demon. This final act reflects his desire to reunite with his loved ones in the afterlife.
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Upper Moon 4: Hantengu
Hantengu, despite his Upper Moon 4 status among the Twelve Kizuki, presents an initially timid and cowardly demeanor. This apparent weakness is, in fact, a clever ruse, as he adopts a crawling, fearful posture to deceive both friends and foes. His true strength lies in a unique ability – when beheaded, he can split into multiple demons, showcasing up to four alternate personalities, each associated with a distinct emotion. Additionally, Hantengu has two more forms that can be unleashed under specific circumstances, making him an incredibly elusive and challenging demon to confront.
This intricate array of forms reveals Hantengu’s emotional instability, as he perceives himself as innocent and a victim despite his numerous crimes. Each alternate personality has a unique name and set of powers. The main body, while lacking special abilities, exhibits exceptional durability. Sekido (anger) engages in ranged, electric attacks; Karaku (pleasure) wields fans capable of creating powerful gusts of wind; Aizetsu (sorrow) relies on long-range spear strikes, and Urogi (joy) can fly and employs ear-piercing sound waves.
Furthermore, the four personalities can fuse into Zohakuten (hatred), a formidable entity with the combined abilities of each form, along with wood manipulation powers.
Upper Moon 5: Gyokko
Gyokko, positioned as Upper Moon 5 among the Twelve Kizuki, stands as a more formidable opponent compared to Gyutaro and Daki. His demonic appearance is one of the most distinct within the Upper Moons, featuring a stark white, legless body emerging from a decorated pot. Unconventionally, Gyokko has mouths where his eyes should be, while his actual eyes are situated on his forehead and chin. Numerous tiny arms extend from his head like hair, or are scattered randomly across his body. Despite this eerie physical form, Gyokko maintains a generally agreeable personality, easily building camaraderie with other Upper Moons and occasionally presenting gifts. However, his agreeable demeanor conceals a sadistic nature shared by his fellow demons.
Gyokko’s combat style is marked by its uniqueness. He possesses the ability to generate hordes of fish-like demons with diverse abilities. Additionally, Gyokko can freely teleport between any of his pots, utilizing them to ensnare victims or launching attacks with large tentacles. In his true form,
Gyokko’s body adopts a more humanoid and scaly appearance, allowing him to engage in more traditional forms of combat.
Upper Moon 6: Daki and Gyutaro
Daki’s demon abilities are centered around her obi, or sashes, which function as additional limbs for attacking opponents. These pink sashes can be separated from Daki and operate independently, showcasing her formidable powers. However, Daki attains her full strength only when all her obi are inside her. On the other hand, Gyutaro employs a pair of poisoned sickles for slashing and projecting blood at his adversaries. A unique aspect of their formidable alliance is that they can only be defeated if both are beheaded simultaneously.
Daki, formerly known as Ume, was a sex worker, while Gyutaro, originally named Gyūtarō, worked as a debt collector. Both lived in the Rashomon Riverbank of Yoshiwara, the lowest class of the Entertainment District, before being transformed into demons by Doma. Their tragic past and intricate relationship contribute to the complexity of the narrative, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by the protagonists in their battle against the Twelve Kizuki. There’s no doubt that Gyutaro was the stronger of the Upper Moon 6 duo, but Daki’s abilities were nothing to scoff at.
All Lower Moon Demons
Lower Moon Demons 1: Enmu
Enmu, also known as Lower Rank One, stands as a formidable adversary in Demon Slayer’s “Mugen Train” arc. As a core member of the Twelve Kizuki, he operates under the command of Muzan Kibutsuji, the series’ primary demon antagonist. Enmu’s exceptional ability lies in dream manipulation, allowing him to ensnare his victims in the intricate web of their deepest fears and desires. Despite his sadistic nature, he harbors a pervasive fear of Muzan’s wrath, compelling him to resort to desperate measures in order to fulfill orders and secure his precarious position. This palpable fear becomes a catalyst for his eventual downfall when confronted by the skilled Demon Slayers aboard the Mugen Train.
Lower Moon Demons 2: Rokuro
Rokuro, formerly holding the position of Lower Rank Two within the Twelve Kizuki, presented an imposing figure with his stocky build and distinctive pale complexion marked by dark, vein-like patterns across his face and limbs. His long, flowing dark purple hair added to his rugged appearance, complementing a short, jagged beard.
His cat-like golden eyes bore the kanji for “Lower Two,” symbolizing his rank within the Kizuki on his left eye, underscoring his formidable status among demons. Clothed in a dark cyan garment resembling a traditional karate gi, Rokuro exuded a martial and stern demeanor.
Lower Moon Demons 3: Wakuraba
Wakuraba, once Lower Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki, played a minor antagonist role in the anime and manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Dedicated to Muzan Kibutsuji, he served as the lower Moon Three within the Twelve Kizuki.
He had an average height and distinctive features, including pale, grayish-white skin marked with three cross-shaped scars on his cheeks and forehead. His orange irises, bearing the kanji for “Lower Three,” were a defining trait. Styled with a widow’s peak, his black hair complemented a bamboo-colored yukata adorned with pinstripes, dark cloth at his waist, and a lighter one around his neck. His fashion sense included two golden hoop earrings in each ear and traditional wooden sandals with black straps.
Lower Moon Demons 4: Mukago
Mukago has an unusual appearance for a demon. She is depicted with sickly yellowish skin, two dark red stripes running down her cheeks, and short white hair with bangs framing her forehead where two white horns protrude . Her eyes are a striking contrast, with dark red sclera and brown irises framed by long lashes. An interesting detail is the kanji for “Lower Moon Four” etched onto her left iris.
She wears a simple red kimono with a black and white fur-lined collar tied with a dark purple bow. She was a female demon alongside Daki, and Nakime and one of the female characters of demon slayer.
In stark contrast to the usual portrayal of demons, Mukago is demonstrably cowardly. She is the weakest and most timid of all the Lower Moons. Rather than fight, she would prefer to flee at the first sign of a Demon Slayer Pillar.
Lower Moon Demons 5: Rui
Rui, the fifth member of the Twelve Kizuki Demon Moons and a major antagonist is a complex and tragic character. Rui is a short, small-built boy with pale lilac hair, blue eyes, and milky white skin with red dots on his face. He is calm, aloof, and polite, and rarely raises his voice.
His strength lies in his deceptive spider webs, which he uses to trap his enemies. He is also very powerful, with a high concentration of Muzan’s blood and a lethal Blood Demon Art. Rui can strengthen his fellow demons with his blood, and alter their bodies to look as he wishes.
Rui craves a loving family unit, a stark contrast to the isolation he experienced as a human. After becoming a demon, Rui craved a loving family. He formed a group of demons he called his “family,” but it was a twisted version of the concept.
This group included demons like the spider demon father, spider mother, spider sister, and a younger brother. However, these weren’t truly chosen family members.
Before becoming a demon, Rui was a sickly child, constantly struggling with even basic tasks. Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of demons, transformed Rui, granting him a strong body and freedom of movement.
Lower Moon Demons 6: Kamanue
Kamanue holds the unfortunate distinction of being the weakest and most short-lived Lower Moon Demon. He is a thin young man with pale skin and a dark green mark under his eyes and across his nose. Kamanue is anxious and restive, and often wears a scared expression because he feels weak and vulnerable as the lowest of the Lower Ranks.
Kamanue was a demon who didn’t know that Muzan had the ability to read the minds of his demons. As a result, he scoffed at Muzan’s declaration that the Upper Ranks had remained in their place for the longest time while the Lower Ranks shifted around often.
Former Lower Moon 6: Kyogai
Kyogai, also known as the Drum Demon, is a major antagonist in the Tsuzumi Mansion Arc. Kyogai was a struggling human who was constantly ignored and told to give up on his dream of becoming a writer. He became obsessed with eating humans with rare blood, called “marechi”, to prove himself to Muzan and redeem himself for his humiliation.
Kyogai is a towering figure with a muscular build, reflecting his strength. Kyogai’s unique Blood Demon Art revolves around manipulating his body and special drums preset across his body.
However, after losing the ability to eat humans, Kyogai was cast out by his master, Muzan, for not being strong enough. Kyogai became desperate to become stronger and be accepted again, but he wasn’t good enough as a demon either
Know more about Upper Moons!
How many Upper Moons are there?
the Twelve Demon Moons are divided into six Upper Ranks and six Lower Ranks. The Upper Ranks are the six strongest demons in the organization.
Who is Upper Moon 1?
Kokushibo is the Upper Moon 1, the strongest of the Twelve Demon Moons. He is a former Demon Slayer who retains his swordsmanship skills and combines them with Blood Demon Art. He is known for his mastery of the sword and his Moon Breathing style, which is the second strongest breath style.
Who killed Upper Moon 1?
Kokushibo was the final Upper-Rank to die during Demon Slayer’s “Infinity Castle” arc. Muichiro, Genya, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Gyomei Himejima fought together against Kokushibo, though Muichiro and Genya were no match for him and were killed
Who is Upper Moon 4?
Hantengu is the Upper Moon 4 demon and is one of the most cunning demons in the series.
Who killed Upper Moon 4?
Tanjiro kills Upper Moon 4 demon Hantengu in the season 3 finale. Tanjiro slices Hantengu’s neck with a decisive sword strike.
Who is Upper Moon 5?
Gyokko is the Upper Moon Five demon. Gyokko is a member of the Twelve Demon Moons and has water-based abilities. He is considered to be a strong foe who is obsessed with his creations, which are his vases.
Who is Upper Moon 6?
the twin demons Gyutaro and Daki hold the position of Upper Rank 6. Gyutaro is the older twin and is considered the true Upper Moon 6 demon by Muzan. Both demons are highly skilled in combat and have exceptional abilities. Gyutaro is a skilled swordsman and can move very quickly.
Is Nakime an Upper Moon?
Yes, Nakime is an Upper Moon in Demon Slayer. She is a higher-ranked member of the Twelve Kizuki, and holds the position of Upper Moon Four.
Is Upper Moon 1 Tanjiro's dad?
No, Upper Moon 1 is not Tanjiro’s dad. Despite the resemblance or potential narrative twists, Tanjiro’s dad and the Upper One Demon are not blood-related.
Is Kaigaku an Upper Moon?
Kaigaku is an Upper Moon demon in the Demon Slayer series. He is the Upper Moon 6 demon, replacing Daki and Gyutaro after their deaths.