Despite being a show about family, Demon Slayer remains enigmatic in its portrayal of familial connections. Throughout season one, we were introduced to Tanjiro’s family, including his mother and five siblings, one of which was Nezuko. Tragically, they were all slain by Muzan, with Nezuko being the only one spared and turned into a demon.
Nevertheless, inquiries arise – Where is his father? Is he deceased? What became of him? Dear readers, do not fret; we possess all the answers. Therefore, let us delve in.
Tanjiro’s Father
In Demon Slayer, Tanjuro Kamado was Tanjiro Kamado’s father who had passed away before the main events of the story. While the exact timing of his passing is not explicitly stated, flashbacks of their interactions imply that he had been absent for a significant amount of time.
Tanjuro’s existence was defined by the weight of an unspecified ailment, which left his physique gaunt and delicate, and his complexion pallid. It could possibly be typhoid or tuberculosis, as these illnesses were incurable at that time.
Despite being bedridden in his later years, Tanjuro made use of any strength he had to teach Tanjiro everything, acting as a caring father figure.
Tanjuro Kamado’s Role as a Demon Slayer
Even without being a certified demon slayer, Tanjuro Kamado’s immense potential and abilities were apparent. In the manga, he effortlessly vanquished a colossal bear, showcasing his impressive skills.
Although, what makes him stand out is his exceptional proficiency in the Transparent World skill, a rare ability possessed only by a select few who bear the Demon Slayer Mark. This skill is closely connected to the Mark on his forehead, much like Yoriichi’s. Tanjuro revealed that he was born with the mark and it’s likely that he unlocked its powers during his early years.
However, that is not the only thing to consider. The laws of Marks are governed by a rule – those who activate the Mark will gain incredible strength, agility, and endurance, but their lifespan cannot exceed 25 years. However, Yoriichi defies this rule.
The famed swordsman’s life spanned 80 years and he passed away from natural causes related to aging. As Tanjuro was over the age of 25 and a skilled user of Sun Breathing with the Mark, this could have also contributed to his eventual death.
Relationship between Tanjuro and Yoriichi
Tanjuro Kamado was not a direct descendant of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, but rather, Yoriichi was the closest friend of Sumiyoshi, the ancestor of the Kamado family.
Yoriichi and Sumiyoshi developed a strong bond after Yoriichi rescued him, most likely from a demon. His frequent visits to the Kamado (Sumiyoshi’s) household gained them much admiration.
Sumiyoshi and his wife once requested Yoriichi to showcase the Sun Breathing Techniques, a request he happily fulfilled. Sumiyoshi carefully studied Yoriichi’s movements, committing them to memory. Yoriichi also confided in this kind family, confiding his hardships. As they bid farewell, Yoriichi entrusted his Hanafuda Earrings to Sumiyoshi, leaving a meaningful legacy.
Tanjiro inherited the Hinokami Kagura and the Hanafuda earrings, which had been passed down through generations. As a child, he watched his father perform the Hinokami Kagura relentlessly from dusk until dawn, despite his frailty. The memory of his father’s dance remained ingrained in Tanjiro, empowering him to use it against Muzan.
Besides mastering the Hinokami Kagura, Tanjiro also acquired two other techniques from his father: the Transparent World and the Selfless State. The Transparent World grants the user the ability to anticipate attacks by sensing their surroundings. On the other hand, the Selfless State enables concealment of the user’s intentions. When utilized together, these techniques are powerful enough to vanquish any demon with ease.
The Connection Between the Kamado Family and the Demon Slayers
The demon slayers have greatly benefited from Tanjiro’s striking resemblance to Yoriichi, a renowned demon slayer. This could possibly explain why Muzan saw fit to eradicate Tanjiro’s entire family. Even the Demon King himself is said to harbor great fear towards him, often assigning powerful Upper Moons to eliminate him.
In the third season, Nezuko acquires immunity to the sun, making her a target for Muzan’s abduction. As a result, the heroes must plan and strategize beforehand. I won’t give away any spoilers, but it’s important to mention that the current Kamado family members play a crucial role in the Demon Slayer Corps’ success.
About the Anime Series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
Koyoharu Gotoge is the author and illustrator of the Japanese manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The series was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020 and has a total of 23 tankōbon volumes.
In a world where demons and demon slayers roam, Kimetsu no Yaiba tells the story of siblings Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado, who must cope with the loss of their family at the hands of a demon. Their struggles continue when Nezuko is spared but forced to live as a demon.
Tanjiro, as the eldest sibling, makes a promise to protect and heal his sister. The story follows their unbreakable bond as they face off against a powerful enemy and navigate society as a demon slayer and demon duo.
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