Who is Tanjiro Kamado 101: Everything You Wanted to Know

By Matteo Drelli. Updated Sep 2, 2023

Tanjiro Kamado is the star of the hit anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. He's not just a Demon Slayer; he's a big brother on a mission. His goals are simple but deep: turn his sister Nezuko back into a human and wipe out demons for good. His ultimate aim? To defeat Muzan Kibutsuji, the big bad Demon King.

Before wielding a sword, Tanjiro was a humble coal burner. His life took a dark turn when Muzan attacked his family, leaving only him and his demon-turned sister, Nezuko, alive.

What is Tanjiro Kamado's Appearance?

Meet Tanjiro Kamado, a young man with an athletic build and tanned skin. His hair? It's a wild mix of black and burgundy, brushed back to show off his forehead. His eyes are a striking red, and there's a flame-like scar on his forehead. His hands show signs of tough training, setting him apart at a young age.

He bears a strong resemblance to his ancestor Sumiyoshi, down to the facial features and hair. But let's not forget his distinct attire. At first, you'll find him in a black-and-green checkered haori, white robe, and black pants. His legs are adorned with white bands, and he often wears a turquoise scarf. The cherry on top? A unique pair of hanafuda earrings that show a rising sun.

During special moments, like the Final Selection, he opts for a blue kimono with cloud patterns. His hair is short, but he keeps wearing those symbolic earrings. And yes, he also wears a fox mask crafted by his master. This mask sports red accents and a sun design that mirrors his forehead scar. Tanjiro's look isn't just about fashion; it's a window into his journey and values.

After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro's outfit changes. He adopts the standard uniform, complete with a dark-brown jacket and baggy pants. On his back? A wooden box for his sister Nezuko to sleep in, a thoughtful gift from his mentor, Sakonji Urokodaki.

However, the journey isn't all smooth sailing. During a battle with Muzan Kibutsuji, Tanjiro faces severe injuries. His right eye gets damaged, and later, his left arm is severed. But the twist? He turns into a demon, healing his injuries but also undergoing significant changes. His eyes morph, he gains fangs, and his scar transforms into a permanent flame-like pattern. His wardrobe? It’s the same, except a bit tattered and missing his checkered haori.

Tanjiro eventually returns to his human form, but not without cost. His right eye loses vision and changes color, while his regenerated left arm looks aged and loses function. It's a complex transformation that speaks volumes about his resilience and constant battles, both inside and out.

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The wooden box that Tanjiro carries for Nezuko is specially crafted to protect her from sunlight, which is lethal to demons. It's not just a box; it's a symbol of Tanjiro's love and dedication to his sister.

The Soul Behind the Sword: Tanjiro Kamado's Personality

Tanjiro Kamado isn't just a Demon Slayer; he's a kind soul with eyes that radiate compassion. When he sets a goal—like curing his sister Nezuko—he’s all in. But don't mistake his kindness for weakness. He won’t stand for rudeness and shows little patience for the whining of his friend Zenitsu or the recklessness of Inosuke.

Honest to a fault, Tanjiro takes people at their word. When told someone is a "god," he simply asks what they're the god of! Lying doesn't come easy; his face twists up, struggling with the insincerity.

A country boy at heart, Tanjiro is a bit of a fish out of water in the big city. He marvels at city lights and innocently mistakes things like trains for guardian spirits. His simple roots make his journey all the more extraordinary, as he navigates a world both wondrous and dangerous with unwavering resolve.

Tanjiro may seem like a kind soul, but make no mistake—there's a burning rage within him, especially when confronting evil. It surfaces during intense moments, like his showdowns with Muzan or the Mother Spider Demon. In the face of unspeakable acts, this otherwise compassionate hero becomes cold and formidable.

Yet, he remains deeply empathetic. He's hesitant to deal the final blow, even to demons. His unique view? If a demon regrets their actions, they shouldn't be belittled after death. This moral compass evolves as he gains more experience, becoming more calculating and stern in his judgments. He stands for justice, whether facing humans or demons, and delivers it with respect and dignity.

When transformed into a demon, Tanjiro changes drastically. He becomes feral, attacking everyone except his sister Nezuko. Was it a glimmer of his inner fight against the transformation? Perhaps. But it's clear his hostility towards Demon Slayers was amplified by Muzan’s influence.

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Even after turning into a demon, Tanjiro did not harm his sister Nezuko. This is a unique behavior, as newly transformed demons usually lose all sense of self and attack indiscriminately. It could be seen as a sign that deep down, the real Tanjiro was fighting against his monstrous transformation.

What are Tanjiro Kamado's Skills and Abilities?

Right from the start, Tanjiro showcased a natural flair for battle. Not just any fighter, he excels in swordsmanship and wields keen senses like a sharp sense of smell. Did he impress elite Demon Slayers? Absolutely. He caught Giyu Tomioka off guard, and outwitted a Temple Demon using a mere hatchet.

Tanjiro's skills didn't stop at natural talent. On Mount Sagiri, he caught the eye of Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Water Hashira. He dodged traps using his sharp senses and gained Urokodaki as a mentor. After rigorous training, Tanjiro learned advanced techniques like Total Concentration Breathing.

He even sliced through a massive boulder, a feat unmatched by any of Urokodaki’s former students.

Tanjiro quickly leveled up his skills. Facing a host of powerful demons, he proved his mettle. He tackled the Swamp Demon and his clones, rescuing innocent bystanders. He also matched wits with Yahaba and Susamaru, proving his tactical genius. Faced with even tougher opponents like Kyogai and the Spider Family, Tanjiro held his own.

Tanjiro's journey reaches a pivotal moment when he recalls the Hinokami Kagura, a unique Breathing Style from his father. With this, he almost took down Lower Rank demon Rui—something thought possible only by the Hashira, the elite of the Demon Slayer Corps. In short, Tanjiro is not just a fighter; he's a prodigy on the cusp of greatness.

After his intense battles on Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro took part in Rehabilitation Training. He honed his skills with Kanao Tsuyuri, a standout Demon Slayer. Mastering "Total Concentration: Constant," his physical prowess spiked. He single-handedly defeated Lower Rank One, Enmu. Tanjiro even devised countermeasures mid-battle and showed the resolve to risk his life multiple times.

With allies like Nezuko, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Kyojuro Rengoku, he defeated an even stronger Lower Rank demon. Rengoku's parting words fueled his drive, making him an even more formidable Demon Slayer. Tanjiro later squared off with Daki, an Upper Rank demon.

Despite being toyed with, a furious Tanjiro almost defeated her. He later helped a poisoned Tengen Uzui to outwit and behead Gyutaro, another Upper Rank demon. This made Tanjiro one of the first to achieve such a feat in a century.

After intensive training in Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro's swordsmanship became even more refined. He gained an ability to "smell the future," making him as nimble as a Hashira. When he faced Upper Rank Four, Hantengu, and his clones, Tanjiro showcased explosive growth. With his Bright Red Nichirin Sword and Demon Slayer Mark, he outpaced Hantengu's clones. With allies like Mitsuri Kanroji, Tanjiro took down Hantengu, cementing his legacy.

Tanjiro's Hashira Training prepped him for the final showdown against demons. Giyu, the Water Hashira, noted that Tanjiro's skill matched that of a Hashira. Together, they defeated hordes of powerful demons. When Tanjiro faced Akaza, who killed Kyojuro, he showed remarkable prowess. Using the Transparent World and Selfless State, he outmaneuvered and beheaded Akaza.

Next, Tanjiro and Giyu took on Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King himself. Despite losing an eye and being severely poisoned, Tanjiro held his own. Through ancestral memories, he refined his techniques, unlocking the thirteenth form of Sun Breathing.

Awakening to save Kanao, Tanjiro went toe-to-toe with Muzan. Even Muzan felt uneasy due to Tanjiro's resemblance to Yoriichi, the ultimate Demon Slayer. Despite fatigue and a lost eye, Tanjiro fended off Muzan's attacks. With Obanai Iguro's help, they cornered the Demon King, battling till dawn. As Muzan tried to escape in a monstrous form, Tanjiro landed the final blow. With the sun rising, Muzan disintegrated, ending the reign of demons.

Tanjiro's journey is not just a tale of survival. It's a saga of continual growth, undying will, and ultimate triumph.

Tanjiro Kamado's Normal Abilties

Pinpoint Accuracy

Even before becoming a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro had sharp aim. He once outmaneuvered Giyu by tossing a hatchet perfectly. Against Akaza and Muzan, his precision with thrown swords was spot-on.

Quick-Thinking Genius

Tanjiro's mind works fast. He can spot weaknesses in fighting styles almost instantly. Even when outmatched, he crafts strategies on the fly. This knack for analysis helps him adapt and grow rapidly during battles.

Master of Adaptation

Tanjiro can turn the tables by using his opponents' powers against them. He picks up on clues during fights, decoding abilities swiftly. He's even created new Breathing Styles on the spot, like when he saved Hinatsuru from Gyutaro by combining Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura.

Instinctive Combatant

When Tanjiro first met Giyu, he nearly pulled off a surprise attack. This showed his natural aptitude for combat. Without formal training in martial arts, he still matched Inosuke's wild fighting style.

Rock-Solid Skull

Tanjiro has a skull as hard as a rock. It's not just for show—his headbutts stun enemies and even cause bleeding. He's used this special trait against formidable foes like Sanemi Shinazugawa and Akaza, surprising everyone with its effectiveness.

Iron Will

Tanjiro's mental strength is awe-inspiring. He doesn't back down, even when the odds are against him. His family's memory fuels his willpower, helping him overcome even the toughest challenges.

His will has been put to the test multiple times. On Mount Natagumo, he risked his life to save his sister. Facing Enmu, he showed extreme resolve by waking himself up from a deadly spell. His willpower shot up after a crucial battle, pushing him to new heights, even in dire situations against strong demons like Muzan.

Tanjiro Kamado's Demon Abilities

Demon Slayer Mark

Tanjiro has a unique Demon Slayer Mark. It's a flame design on his forehead, growing bigger when activated. It boosts his natural abilities like speed and strength. Tanjiro first unlocked it during a tough fight, giving him the upper hand. But, it drains him, so he uses it sparingly.

Fiery Nichirin Sword

Tanjiro's sword can turn bright red, making it super powerful. This ability first appeared thanks to his sister Nezuko. It lets him slow down enemy healing. Later, he masters this power to use whenever he needs, even in the final showdown against the demon Muzan.

Transparent World

Tanjiro can tap into something called the Transparent World. Here, he can predict enemy moves by watching their blood flow. It's like his sixth sense for battle. This skill comes in handy against top-tier demons, enhancing his evasion and intuition. Though powerful, it's hard to maintain due to the sheer physical toll it takes on him.

Repetitive Action

Tanjiro uses a skill called Repetitive Action. It's like a cheat code to maintain peak focus and strength for a long time. He combines it with another skill called Total Concentration Breathing. The result? Unstoppable strength that can match even the toughest demons. Tanjiro powers up by remembering his loved ones and a motivating phrase from his friend Kyojuro.

Selfless State

Tanjiro can also enter a Selfless State. In this mode, he becomes almost invisible to his enemies. It hides his fighting spirit, making it hard for foes to detect him. This trick helped him outsmart and defeat a powerful demon named Akaza.

Tanjiro Kamado's Physique Abilities

Strength Beyond Limits

Tanjiro is insanely strong. How strong? He can jump over buildings, break boulders, and even take down demons with one punch. He trained with heavy logs and pushed a giant boulder through a town. He's so strong, he managed to do what even skilled warriors couldn't: cut off the head of a powerful demon named Akaza.

Speed & Reflexes

But that's not all. Tanjiro is fast—blindingly fast. Even before his high-level training, he could move quicker than the eye could see. After mastering special breathing techniques, his speed became almost unreal. He can dodge attacks from top-tier demons and react faster than they can think.

When Tanjiro unlocks his Demon Slayer Mark, a special battle mode, he becomes even faster and more responsive. His reflexes are so sharp, even the quickest enemies can't keep up.

Stamina & Toughness

Let's talk about Tanjiro's grit. This guy has stamina and endurance that go through the roof! Even before becoming a Demon Slayer, he trained in harsh conditions, like low-oxygen mountains and deadly traps, for two whole years.

Guess what? He leveled up even more after mastering special breathing techniques. These let him stay in high-focus mode 24/7. He can dance like his dad from evening to morning, recover quickly from fatigue, and keep fighting even after taking a serious beating.

But it doesn't stop there. Imagine training non-stop for seven days with no food, sleep, or water. Tanjiro did it. He even battled demons for hours on end and still had the strength to face the demon king, Muzan. Despite all the odds, his willpower kept him standing and fighting till the end. Now that's tough!

The Power of Scent

Tanjiro's nose is like a superpower. Even before slaying demons, people in his village knew he had an amazing sense of smell. He can sniff out the tiniest details from miles away. Imagine being able to smell the perfect moment to strike an enemy—that's Tanjiro for you.

Beyond the Nose

But wait, his nose does more! He can sense emotions, intentions, and even the strength level of his enemies. It's like his nose gives him an extra set of eyes and ears. Cool, right?

Smelling the Future

Here's the kicker: his smell-tastic skills level up even further. After some intense training, he can now predict the future—up to six moves ahead! This edge lets him react super fast, making him a match for even the strongest enemies. With a nose like that, who needs a crystal ball?

What is Tanjiro Kamado's fighting style?

Tanjiro is a natural when it comes to sword fighting. Imagine being a newbie and still outclassing veterans—that's him! He even beat a monster who had ended the life of a super-strong student, Sabito. Talk about fast progress!

But he didn't stop there. After recovering from some major injuries, he took on even tougher foes. Imagine standing toe-to-toe with opponents who have a century of experience—that's the kind of growth we're talking about!

After hardcore training, guess what? He could match the skills of the Hashira—the crème de la crème of swordsmen. He even faced off against Akaza, a martial arts genius with tons of experience, and held his own.

And let's not forget, he stood equal to Muzan, one of the toughest enemies out there. Sure, he's not at the legendary Yoriichi Tsugikuni's level yet, but he's already one of the strongest swordsmen of his time. Talk about being on the fast track to greatness!

What is Tanjiro Kamado's breathing style?

Tanjiro's go-to at first was Water Breathing. Taught by the master Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro got so good he could adapt the moves to any situation. Water Breathing helped him defeat tough enemies like Rui and Enmu.

But guess what? He realized his body wasn't built for Water Breathing. So, he shifted gears to Hinokami Kagura, a style he discovered when he was in a tough spot against Rui. This new style let him crush enemies, but it was super hard on his body.

Training after the Mugen Train Arc made him better at using Hinokami Kagura. He could now pull off multiple moves one after the other. Sure, it was still tiring, but he was getting there!

By learning from the ultimate swordsman, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Tanjiro unlocked Sun Breathing. This let him go toe-to-toe with the demon king, Muzan. Imagine Muzan seeing the legendary Yoriichi when fighting Tanjiro—that's how good he got!

Tanjiro Kamado Equipment

Tanjiro started off with a basic Nichirin Katana. The blade had a dull blue color and an oval-shaped handguard. He used it for training and during the Final Selection test.

After passing the test, he got a new sword made by Hotaru Haganezuka. This one was special—obsidian black with a wagon-wheel-like handguard. But luck wasn't on his side; the sword broke three times in battles against tough foes.

Things got even better after visiting the Swordsmith Village. Tanjiro got his hands on an advanced katana. It had a new flame-shaped handguard, a tribute to the late Kyojuro Rengoku. And guess what? The blade was extra strong.

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The final version of Tanjiro's sword broke only once—at the end of his ultimate showdown with demon king Muzan. After the battle, it was repaired and is now a prized keepsake in his descendants' home. Cool, right?

Debunked Myths of Tanjiro Kamado

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanjiro Kamado

How old is Tanjiro Kamado in the first episode of Demon Slayer?

Tanjiro Kamado is 13 years old in the first episode of Demon Slayer. As the series progresses, he ages, but that's where it all begins for him.

How many siblings does Tanjiro Kamado have?

Tanjiro Kamado has five siblings in the Demon Slayer series. He is the eldest among them. His siblings are Nezuko, Takeo, Hanako, Shigeru, and Rokuta.

Who is Tanjiro Kamado voiced by?

Tanjiro Kamado is voiced by Natsuki Hanae in the Japanese version of the Demon Slayer anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by Zach Aguilar.

Tanjiro Kamado Quotes

Here are some of Tanjiro Kamado's most famous quotes.

If you can't tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you don't deserve to be a Hashira!

Use your head, not just spirit.

All of your emotions, I'll carry them into the battlefield.

To see more Tanjiro Kamado quotes, we recommend visiting the Tanjiro Kamado Quote section in Quotes Analysis.

We hope we have been helpful to you in this "Who is Tanjiro Kamado" article, and we hope you have a better understanding of who Tanjiro Kamado is!