Highlights

• Tanjiro’s campaign of revenge against Muzan underlines his dedication as a demon slayer.
• Unforgettable fights and emotional moments show Tanjiro’s development and power in the series.
• Episodes such as “Bright Red Sword” and “Never Give Up” highlight Tanjiro’s courage and skill in the face of danger.

Since Tanjiro Kamado lost his family and his sister was turned into a demon, he dedicates every day to avenging his loss by killing Muzan Kibutsuji. Inspired by the manga of the same name by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba revolves around him as he joins the Demon Slayer Corps to pursue his dangerous goal, risking his life for the common good.

On his journey, Tanjiro encounters some of the most powerful demons in existence and battles them alongside his comrades. While some of these battles test his physical endurance, others test his mental strength. Some of the best episodes of Demon Slayer are unforgettable because of the role Tanjiro plays in them.

5 Season 3, Episode 5: “Bright Red Sword”

Muichiro fights Gyokko while Tanjiro awakens the Demon Slayer Mark

• Published: May 7, 2023
• Director: Takuya Nonaka
• Storyboard: Takuya Nonaka

After an unexpected attack, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito faces the Upper Rank Five in the Swordsmith Village. Meanwhile, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji receives the terrible news that the mysterious settlement has been invaded. As she rushes to the defense of the villagers, she is shocked to see the barbarism of the demons there. As a true Hashira, Mitsuri remains professional and does not let her emotions get the better of her. She fights exceptionally well and saves countless lives.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro and Nezuko battle Urogi, Karaku, and Sekido. The brother-sister duo fight until the latter uses her powers to transform the former’s blade into the glowing red Nichirin Sword. When Tanjiro unleashes Hinokami Kagura, he simultaneously activates his Demon Slayer Mark and manages to behead the three demons single-handedly. This episode is a visual spectacle full of emotion, drama, and action. On the other hand, the unleashing of the Demon Slayer Mark leaves a lot to the viewers’ imagination by giving them a glimpse of the possibilities this mysterious power can open up to a warrior.

4 Season 3, Episode 11: “A Close Bond: Daybreak and First Light”

Tanjiro beheads the four upper-ranking Hantengu

• Published: June 18, 2023
• Directors: Jun’ichi Minamino, Ken Nakazawa, Seiji Harada and Takashi Suhara
• Storyboard: Haruo Sotozaki and Takashi Suhara

In the Swordsmith Village Arc, after the historic battle in the entertainment district, Tanjiro comes to the secret settlement to have his sword repaired. While he is getting to know the people there, the mysterious village is suddenly attacked by Hantengu (upper rank four) and Gyokko (upper rank five). The ensuing battle pushes Nezuko, Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji, Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, Tanjiro and Genya to their limits.

The most exciting moments of the battle occur when Hantengu, the Upper Rank Four, makes a final attempt to save himself by attacking and consuming the villagers so he can recover from his injuries and escape. Tanjiro faces a difficult challenge at this moment as Nezuko is stuck in the middle of an open field, unprotected from the sun. As he struggles with a decision, his sister makes the brave decision and urges him to follow Hantengu.

Tanjiro eventually manages to get close to the Upper Rank Four and decapitates him before he can reach the villagers, but he assumes that Nezuko must have perished because of the sun and can’t help but cry helplessly. In a strange turn of events, Nezuko survives and manages to subdue the sun, allowing her to roam freely outside during the day. This becomes a turning point in the centuries-old war between humans and demons, prompting Muzan to give his all to become immortal. This Tanjiro episode is particularly memorable because it shows the protagonist in one of his most vulnerable moments, yet presents him as incredibly powerful.

3 Season 2, Episode 13: “Layered Memories”

Yoriichi’s memories shock Daki deeply

• Published: January 9, 2022
• Director: Jun’ichi Minamino
• Storyboard: Takahiro Miura

As the battle in the entertainment district begins, Tanjiro finds himself facing Daki all alone at one point. As the demon unleashes merciless attacks and claims many victims, it enrages Tanjiro, who cannot excuse such senseless killings. Driven by emotion, he uses Hinokami Kagura to unleash a barrage of attacks on Daki.

Tanjiro’s agitated and suddenly changed fighting style overwhelms Daki and awakens memories buried deep in her subconscious. She witnesses a man like her opponent challenging and overpowering Muzan, making her realize that the memories actually come from the Demon King himself. The fight then becomes more intense and, in a strange twist, Nezuko joins in. The drama that unfolds in this episode is incredibly exciting and full of unexpected twists that keep viewers hooked until the end.

2 Season 1, Episode 19: “Hinokami”

Tanjiro faces off alone against a member of the Twelve Kizuki

• Published: 10 August 2019
• Director: Toshiyuki Shirai
• Storyboard: Toshiyuki Shirai

On Mount Natagumo, Zenitsu bravely fights a spider demon, risking his life in the process. Inosuke is fortunately saved by Giyu’s timely arrival when things seem to be going downhill for him. Unfortunately, Tanjiro is not so lucky and ends up having to face Rui from the lower rank five. The ensuing fight is overwhelming for Kamado, as he has never faced such a strong demon before.

Just when it seems like all hope is lost, Tanjiro remembers the night-long ritual dance his father performed. It turns out to be a unique breathing style called Hinokami Kagura, which has been preserved by the Kamado family for generations. By mimicking his father’s moves, Tanjiro is able to unleash a barrage of attacks that turns the tide of the battle, nearly killing Rui in the process. This episode of Demon Slayer offers a brief insight into Tanjiro’s mysterious upbringing, but also reveals that he is far more powerful than fans initially thought at this point in the story.

1 Season 2, Episode 17: “Never Give Up”

Tanjiro defies his fears to confront Gyutarou

• Published: February 6, 2022
• Director: Toshiyuki Shirai
• Storyboard: Toshiyuki Shirai

During the Entertainment District Arc, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui confronts Gyutaro and Daki with the help of Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko. However, the battle does not go as expected, as Gyutaro overwhelms the Demon Slayers with his eccentric fighting style. At one point, Tanjiro appears to be the only conscious member of his group and Gyutaro taunts him for his pitiful state. Yet Kamado survives extraordinary adversity and keeps a clear head. He launches a stealth attack by stabbing the demon with a laced kunai.

In the moments following Tanjiro’s brave comeback, his comrades join him with renewed confidence and suddenly turn the tables. The battle that was thought to be lost no longer seems as hopeless as before. Inosuke and Zenitsu fight bravely against Daki, while Tengen and Tanjiro take on the bloodthirsty Gyutaro. In one of the most spectacular sword fighting displays, the Demon Slayers manage to behead the brother-sister duo simultaneously, ending their reign of terror and once again showing what a force Tanjiro really is.