Here are 10 facts about Tanjiro Kamado that show why he is one of the most loved characters in anime. After his family is slaughtered by Demons, with his sister Nezuko turning into a demon, Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to protect her and find a way to turn her back into a human. As the story goes on, Tanjiro grows stronger, both as a fighter and as a person, making him a symbol of hope and courage even in tough times.
Tanjiro’s amazing skills make him different from other Demon Slayers. His sharp sense of smell helps him track demons and find their weak points, giving him an advantage in fights. He learns Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing) quickly, showing how adaptable he is. Besides his fighting abilities, his strong sense of right and wrong and his kindness, even toward enemies, make him a unique and special hero.
10. His Signature Trait is Kindness
Tanjiro is known for his incredible kindness and understanding, even toward his enemies. In a world full of pain and loss, this makes him stand out, as he often shows compassion to demons who have done terrible things.
His ability to understand others’ pain helps him connect with people, inspire his friends, and even make some demons feel regret before they die. This rare trait makes Tanjiro one of the most emotionally powerful characters in anime.
9. His Sense of Smell is Incredibly Sharp
One of Tanjiro’s special abilities is his sharp sense of smell, which helps him spot dangers from far away, find demons, and sense people’s emotions. This unique skill also lets him find an enemy’s weak spot by sensing an “opening thread,” giving him an edge in battles.
8. He Wields a Unique Black Nichirin Sword
Tanjiro’s Nichirin Blade turns black, a color that is mysterious and often linked to short-lived Demon Slayers. However, Tanjiro proves this wrong by using his blade to fight for hope and justice while mastering the powerful Sun Breathing technique.
Tanjiro’s black Nichirin Blade is seen as mysterious because people believe Demon Slayers with this blade don’t live long. However, Tanjiro proves this wrong by showing that with courage and determination, even the toughest challenges can be used for good.
7. He Trains Under Sakonji Urokodaki
Tanjiro’s journey to becoming a Demon Slayer starts with intense training under Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Water Hashira known for his strict and effective teaching methods. Urokodaki not only teaches Tanjiro the Water Breathing technique but also pushes him to improve his strength, speed, and stamina through grueling physical exercises.
He trains Tanjiro to use his Nichirin Blade effectively and sharpens his focus and determination by having him overcome seemingly impossible challenges, like slicing a massive boulder.
6. He Possesses the “Sun Breathing” Technique
Tanjiro’s skill with the Hinokami Kagura, or Dance of the Fire God, is a big part of his strength. This powerful fighting style comes from the Sun Breathing technique, the first and strongest of all Breathing Styles in the Demon Slayer world. Even though it’s hard to learn and uses a lot of energy, Tanjiro masters it, giving him an advantage against even the toughest demons.
The Hinokami Kagura, passed down in Tanjiro’s family as a ritual dance, turns out to be a hidden technique tied to the legendary Sun Breathing style. Tanjiro discovers its true power during critical battles, using its fiery, high-speed movements to overwhelm powerful demons. Though it pushes his stamina to the limit, his determination and ability to adapt make this technique one of his greatest weapons in the fight against evil.
5. He Mastered Water Breathing Faster Than Most Characters
With Sakonji Urokodaki’s help, Tanjiro learned Water Breathing in less than two years a huge achievement because the technique is very difficult. This shows his hard work and natural skill.
Tanjiro’s quick mastery of Water Breathing under Sakonji Urokodaki’s training shows his incredible focus and determination. Despite the intense challenges, including harsh physical training and life-threatening tasks, Tanjiro’s strong will and natural talent allowed him to perfect this complex technique in a short time, preparing him to face powerful demons.
4. His Earrings Have Deep Symbolism
Tanjiro’s Hanafuda earrings are more than just family keepsakes—they are connected to the Sun Breathing technique. The earrings are linked to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the first Sun Breather who fought Muzan Kibutsuji. Their unique design and history make them an important symbol in the story.
Tanjiro’s Hanafuda earrings are a key part of his character and the series’ lore. Passed down through generations, these earrings symbolize his connection to the powerful Sun Breathing technique and Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Their distinctive design not only makes Tanjiro stand out but also serves as a reminder of the legacy he carries in his fight against demons.
3. He Has a Superhuman Stamina Threshold
Even before becoming a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro showed amazing physical strength and stamina. His daily chores, like carrying heavy firewood and running long distances in tough conditions, helped him get ready for the hard training and challenges of being a Demon Slayer.
Tanjiro’s hard life in the mountains built his strength and endurance long before he became a Demon Slayer. This natural toughness gave him an advantage during his intense training and in battles against powerful demons.
2. He Is Inspired by Rurouni Kenshin’s Protagonist
Tanjiro’s character draws inspiration from Kenshin Himura in Rurouni Kenshin. Like Kenshin, Tanjiro is kind and caring, yet incredibly strong in battle. This influence shows in Tanjiro’s unwavering sense of justice and his drive to protect others, even at great personal cost.
In addition to their shared qualities of kindness and strength, both Tanjiro and Kenshin have a strong sense of responsibility for their past actions. Kenshin seeks redemption for the lives he took as an assassin, while Tanjiro carries the weight of his family’s death and the curse on his sister, Nezuko. Both characters strive to protect others and avoid unnecessary violence, making them standout heroes with a deep emotional journey that resonates with fans.
1. He Was Initially Meant to Use an Axe
In early designs, Tanjiro was originally going to use an axe instead of a sword. However, switching to a Nichirin Blade fit better with the samurai-inspired look of Demon Slayer. This change made Tanjiro more like a traditional warrior, while still allowing his character to have a unique style.
The decision to switch Tanjiro’s weapon to a Nichirin Blade also helped emphasize the connection between him and the Demon Slayer Corps, who all wield these special swords. The Nichirin Blade is not only a powerful weapon but also has symbolic meaning, as it changes color based on the user’s fighting style.