Demon Slayer features the remarkable journey of its protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. Renowned for his extraordinary feats, Tanjiro persevered through numerous battles, ultimately defeating Lord Muzan, the source of all demons—a figure previously deemed invincible.
While Tanjiro’s evolution throughout the series is impressive, some fans expressed discontent over his lack of Hashira status. Although he embodies the physical and mental attributes required to become a Hashira, attaining that title was never his central aim. His journey was defined by purpose rather than ambition, making the title unnecessary for him.
Tanjiro’s Lack of Aspirations for Hashira Status
Tragedy Catalyzed Tanjiro’s Path as a Demon Slayer
Significantly, Tanjiro never intended to join the Demon Slayer Corps. His commitment to this path arose from dire necessity rather than a calling. Initially, Tanjiro lived a humble life as a coal burner, content with his routine existence aimed at supporting his family. This tranquility was shattered when he discovered the horrific aftermath of Muzan’s attack that left his family slain, propelling him into a world of sorrow and vengeance.
Miraculously, his sister Nezuko survived but was transformed into a demon by Muzan. Faced with this devastating reality, Tanjiro was driven by despair and resolve, understanding that joining the Demon Slayer Corps was his only hope for restoring her humanity. Without this tragedy, it is doubtful that Tanjiro would have chosen the life of a demon slayer. His ultimate pursuit was driven by love and a promise to save his sister, compelling him to navigate a dark and violent world.
Tanjiro’s Singular Focus: Rescuing Nezuko
Achieving His Goal: Nezuko’s Humanity Restored
Despite his successes as a demon slayer, Tanjiro’s accomplishments stemmed from his unwavering drive to turn Nezuko back into a human. His strength and determination are rooted in a promise of protection to his sister, serving as his primary motivation. Under normal circumstances, it’s likely he would have opted for a less dangerous profession, but the gravity of Nezuko’s situation demanded that Tanjiro take action, particularly when others deemed it hopeless.
Although adept at defeating demons, Tanjiro does not relish the kill; he often experiences profound sorrow for the demons, viewing them as victims of Muzan’s malice. His empathy sets him apart as one of anime’s most relatable protagonists. He carries the emotional weight of each confrontation, revealing that without the aspiration of saving Nezuko, the expectations of being a Hashira would not suit him.
Respect for the Hashira but No Desire to Join Them
Lack of Intent to Pursue Hashira Status
Ultimately, Tanjiro’s journey was defined by a singular aim: restore Nezuko’s humanity and shield her from further harm. Aspirations toward becoming a Hashira never crossed his mind. While he held the Hashira in high regard for their sacrifices in battling demons, Tanjiro displayed no indication of pursuing their ranks. If he had desired that path, he possessed the potential to achieve it, yet it was not part of his vision.
To qualify as a Hashira, one must either slay 50 demons or defeat one of the Twelve Kizuki solo. Tanjiro’s endeavors did not meet these criteria; however, they were also not his aims. After defeating Muzan with the collaborative efforts of his fellow demon slayers, Tanjiro felt his mission accomplished. Critics often remark on the simplicity of his character, yet he resonates with audiences for his straightforward motivation: ensuring the safety of his sister Nezuko.
Tanjiro’s Unique Motivation Distinguishes Demon Slayer
A Contrast with Typical Shonen Protagonists
Tanjiro’s clear objective sets Demon Slayer apart from numerous other shonen series. Characters in popular titles like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia are often driven by lofty aspirations of becoming the best in their realms. For instance, Deku aspires to be the top Pro Hero, while Luffy seeks the One Piece to become the Pirate King. In contrast, Tanjiro’s motivations are grounded in a far simpler desire: the restoration of his sister’s humanity.
For Tanjiro, true fulfillment lies in saving Nezuko rather than achieving accolades. While his extraordinary feats as a demon slayer are impressive, they were secondary to his primary mission. Had fate not led him down this path, he likely would have remained a regular individual with contentment in his previous life. For this reason, Tanjiro Kamado’s story does not necessitate him attaining Hashira status.
Source: u/codenamelegendary on Reddit