Demon Slayer's Tanjiro and the other slayers seem pretty young to travel around Japan and slay the most powerful monsters. Despite their relative inexperience, however, these adolescent heroes put their lives at risk to help those who need it. It's extremely common for Shonen characters to go on dangerous adventures even at such young ages. In fact, the Shonen genre is specifically aimed at preteen and teen male viewers.

That said, viewers of any age wouldn't even dream of facing a bloodthirsty monster or fighting in an intense battle in real life. However, teenage audiences can relate to the similarly aged characters in Demon Slayer, allowing them to see themselves in at least one of the heroes. On the other hand, the villains in the story are all considerably older, with Muzan himself being over a millennium old.

Updated on March 7, 2024, by Ajay Aravind: Demon Slayer is an anime powerhouse, having spawned numerous media products from box-office blockbusters to video games and beyond. Led by 15-year-old Tanjiro Kamado, this shonen series remains one of the most popular anime of the 21st century. With the Hashira Training arc awaiting release, we've updated this list of all the main characters in Demon Slayer.

Gyomei Himejima Is Always Ready To Fight At A Moment's Notice

26 Years Old

Gyomei Himejima is not only the oldest — 26 years old, to be exact — but also the tallest of the Hashira and the main cast. Gyomei's height is a whopping 220 cm, or 7'2". His appearance may be intimidating, but Himejima's a lot gentler than people think. Gyomei is also seemingly spiritual, given the persistent presence of prayer beads around his palms. He's quite gentle and tender, but that doesn't mean he's weak, either.

Gyomei admires Ubuyashiki, the young leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, and his colleagues respect him in turn. Gyomei keeps to himself most of the time, usually spending time with his prayer beads. However, he's very aware of his surroundings as a Demon Slayer and ready to fight at a moment's notice. Gyomei Himejima is arguably the calmest member of the Hashira.

Tengen Uzui Is The Flashiest Hashira In Demon Slayer

23 Years Old

The Sound Hashira is the second-oldest out of the main Demon Slayer cast. Tengen's appearance and personality are unique, but he can still hold his own as a Hashira. Although Tengen Uzui is one of the most eccentric and proudly "flamboyant" characters in the story, he never allows his personal aesthetic to interrupt his tasks.

At 23, his extensive shinobi experience carries into his work for the Demon Slayer Corps. Tengen is actually married to three kunoichi — and he's barely in his twenties. Tengen Uzui might be overly bombastic, but he honors those who fight with courage, like Tanjiro and Nezuko. At the same time, the Sound Hashira proved to be an extremely strict teacher, as Tanjiro learns during the Hashira Training arc. All things considered, Tengen is arguably one of the most popular characters in the story.

Sanemi Shinazugawa's Bark Is Just As Powerful As His Bite

21 Years Old

For someone only 21 years of age, Sanemi Shinazugawa has a lot of pent-up anger, but his hatred for demons is justified. Despite his age, one could mistake Sanemi for a teenager with a foul mouth and a notoriously short temper. That said, his bark is just as bad as his bite. Sanemi is one of the most powerful characters in Demon Slayer, wielding the techniques of Wind Breathing with a high level of proficiency and expertise.

Although he brutally rejects his younger brother, Tanjiro knows that Sanemi actually wants to protect Genya. His eagerness to kill demons is frightening to a fault, and he makes sure everyone knows it. Sanemi Shinazugawa refuses to respect anyone other than Kagaya Ubuyashiki, but he eventually learns to value his alliance with the other Hashira.

Obanai Iguro Is Known For Being Strict And Sticking To The Rules

21 Years Old

Like Sanemi, Obanai is also 21, except older by two months. The two are similar in personality, being rather dismissive and cold. However, unlike Sanemi who is hot-headed and rash, Obanai is a by-the-book individual, taking the Demon Slayer code seriously. He's strict and sticks to the rules, and he expects other Demon Slayers and the Hashira to follow suit. The problem is that he can go too far with his many mandates.

As such, Obanai doesn't hesitate to demand more from his colleagues, even if his expectations are unrealistic. These principles cause some tension between his fellow Hashira, as it occasionally seems like he's questioning their devotion to the Demon Slayer Corps. However, it's clear that Obanai respects and loves Mitsuri and Ubuyashiki, showing that he's not entirely vicious.

Kyojuro Rengoku Significantly Impacts Tanjiro's Character Arc

20 Years Old

Affectionately dubbed "Big Brother," Kyojuro Rengoku's character arc significantly impacts Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu in a short period of time. He becomes the older brother figure the three never realized they needed until meeting him. At his death, the Flame Hashira is 20 years old, with Rengoku's birthday falling on May 10.

Although he suffers from multiple fatal injuries after battling Akaza, the Rengoku manages to severely wound the Upper Moon 3 demon. Akaza is so shaken up by the encounter that his whole worldview begins to change. In the end, though, Rengoku still accomplishes his goal: he effectively protects all the Mugen Train passengers and his fellow Demon Slayer subordinates. Tanjiro holds great respect for Rengoku even after his death and seeks to follow in the Flame Hashira's footsteps.

Mitsuri Kanroji Is As Enthusiastic As She Is Ferocious In Battle

19 Years Old

Despite being a year younger than Kyojuro, Mitsuri's age doesn't make her any less competent. She and Rengoku share a disciple-teacher relationship, with the Flame Hashira teaching her Fire Breathing. Mitsuri ultimately adapts the form into Love Breathing thereby augmenting her fighting capabilities. She is first seen fighting during the Swordsmith Village arc, where she helps Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya defeat Hantengu.

Unlike the other Hashira, she's more reserved and soft-spoken, keeping her opinions to herself. On the other hand, not a single demon can expect mercy from Mitsuri, showcasing the ferocity of her determination. However, Mitsuri's still a caring, well-liked person, befitting her title as the Love Hashira. In addition, Mitsuri's loving relationship with Obanai Iguro is one of the high points of the series.

Giyu Tomioka Is Calm, Composed, And Completely Ruthless When Necessary

19 Years Old

Giyu is widely considered to be one of the strongest Hashira at just 19 years old. He's calm and composed but ruthless when he needs to be. In fact, Giyu defeats Rui, the Lower Moon 6, with a technique literally known as Dead Calm. That said, there have been times when his stoic disposition has slipped, particularly when he's angry or stressed.

Giyu sees potential in Tanjiro, after watching the latter vehemently begging to spare his demon sister. He grows attached to Tanjiro and watches over his development into a Demon Slayer. Giyu does have a somewhat frivolous side, mainly when he's exchanging banter with Shinobu. She knows just the right words to get under his otherwise impervious skin. Anime-only fans are definitely going to see a lot more of Giyu before the story ends.

Shinobu Kocho's Apparently Cheerful Demeanor Is Highly Volatile

18 Years Old

At just 18 years of age, Shinobu is the second-youngest Hashira. Her demeanor may come off as childlike and even eerily cheerful, but she does what she can to hold herself together. Like Sanemi, Shinobu has an intense hatred for demons after losing her sister Kanae and both their parents. As a result, she consistently camouflages her rage behind a range of bubbly expressions.

However, there are occasions when her cheerfulness mixes with overtly cruel teasing. And yet, Shinobu Kocho still cares deeply for her fellow Hashira and inexperienced Demon Slayers like Tanjiro and the others. This may be to carry on Kanae's legacy, which she eventually fulfills in the manga's concluding arc. Shinobu is also an exceptional combatant, as seen during her battle against a major series villain.

Zenitsu Agatsuma Doesn't Allow His Cowardice To Get In The Way

16 Years Old

Despite his ridiculously timid attitude, Zenitsu is older than Tanjiro, Nezuko and Inosuke. In other words, this 16-year-old's cowardly nature makes him seem like the youngest of the four main cast members. Unlike Tanjiro, who serves as a quasi-paternal figure, Zenitsu is an easily scared crybaby who can't seem to keep it together.

His horrendously low self-esteem contrasts with his excellent fighting skills, but no one seems capable of boosting his confidence. There are instances when Zenitsu will step up to protect those he cares about, unleashing a barrage of magnificent Thunder Breathing attacks that make short work of his opponents. Some fans argue that Zenitsu is actually the bravest of the lot, as courage doesn't really matter if there's no fear involved.

Tanjiro Kamado Takes On A Caretaker Role For Everyone Around Him

15 Years Old

In the first episode of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado was only 13 years old. This also means that he went through a horribly traumatic experience at such a young age. Although Tanjiro is the youngest of the Demon Slayer trio, he remains the most mature. Due to his position as the oldest child of his family, it's natural for Tanjiro to take on a caretaker role, even if his friends are older than him.

Zenitsu and Inosuke's antics and frequent bickering annoy him to no end, but Tanjiro wills himself to maintain an aura of peace and harmony in the group. Tanjiro does occasionally get mad, but his honest nature makes him impossible to dislike. As the protagonist of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro is going to be involved in the final war against Muzan. Watching such a young hero on the battlefield will doubtless inspire teenage viewers.

Inosuke Hashibira Is Always Recklessly Looking For A New Opponent

15 Years Old

The boar-headed warrior is a reckless and short-tempered 15-year-old, always looking for his next opponent. Inosuke is Zenitsu's polar opposite, which frustrates them both to no end. He doesn't hesitate to attack anyone he deems a challenge, or those who simply anger him, even if the outcome seems potentially devastating. Inosuke channels Beast Breathing, a special ability based on his experiences growing up in the forest.

When Tanjiro isn't trying to make peace between them, Inosuke is usually looking for his newest battle with a mentally exhausted Zenitsu in tow. On the other hand, his exaggeratedly belligerent personality comes in handy whenever he has to fight an actual enemy. Inosuke will inevitably grow up, but fans have no idea if he's ever going to behave like a human.

Nezuko Kamado Is Arguably The Baby Of Team Tanjiro

14 Years Old

At 14, just a year younger than Tanjiro and Inosuke, Nezuko is very much the baby of the group. She's also the youngest character in the main cast. Moreover, Nezuko's short stature makes her look a lot younger than she appears — her wide eyes and diminutive features seem rather childlike. Furthermore, her shrinking and growing abilities also contribute to this aspect of hers.

Interestingly, these powers only develop when she becomes a demon, allowing her to fit into the wooden box that Tanjiro carries around. Interestingly, both human Nezuko and demon Nezuko have shown to be empathetic and protective, proving that she could control her urges because she wanted to save everyone. Nezuko is also the first and only demon to be immune to sunlight, a feature that makes her one of the most important Demon Slayer characters.

Muichiro Tokito Is A Child Prodigy With Limitless Potential

14 Years Old

At a mere 14 years old, Muichiro makes a place for himself among the nine Hashira. Much to the fandom's surprise, he's the same age as Nezuko, a year younger than Tanjiro and Inosuke, and two years younger than Zenitsu. Muichiro is quiet and seems somewhat airheaded, but no one should underestimate his abilities. Muichiro's age makes him a child prodigy who can hold his own as a Demon Slayer, reaching the Hashira position after just two months of training.

For now, he's the only Mist Breathing user and has excellent proficiency in this combat style, having managed to create an entirely new form on his own. Muichiro managed to awaken his Demon Slayer Mark during the Swordsmith Village arc, giving him enough power to defeat and destroy Upper Moon 5 Gyokko. He's only going to get stronger before the end.

Genya Intentionally Portrays Himself As A Classic Delinquent

16 Years Old

The younger brother of Sanemi, Genya Shinazugawa portrays himself as a classic delinquent. He despises the idea of seeking assistance, even if the alternative is disastrous for him. Thankfully, however, he learns how to cooperate after teaming up with Tanjiro. As such, Genya's nonconformist behavior takes a turn for the better during the Swordsmith Village Arc, where he helps Mitsuri, Nezuko, and Tanjiro fight off the Upper Moon 4 Hantengu.

Like many other characters in the story, Genya doesn't come from a very pleasant background. His father's abuse, siblings' death, and mother's demonic transformation take a massive toll on his emotional development. Many fans have also wondered if Genya is a demon, but that's not really the case. He just has a special ability that makes him access certain demon powers.

Muzan Is Overpowered, Egotistical, And Extremely Distrustful

1000+

Muzan Kibutsuji is a classic Shonen villain — overpowered, egotistical, and extremely distrustful of others. Despite having countless minions at his beck and call, Muzan refuses to place his faith in any of them, including the Twelve Kizuki. The so-called Demon King spends the bulk of his time transforming people into demons so they can carry out his bidding, while also secretly searching for the Blue Spider Lily.

Given his prime status as the progenitor of all demonkind, Muzan can physically manipulate his demonic creations. He's at least a thousand years old, making him the oldest character in Demon Slayer. Muzan is also the most powerful fighter alive in the story's main timeline, but Yoriichi Tsugikuni had already proven to be stronger than him centuries ago.

Kanao Eventually Learns To Make Her Own Decisions And Choices

16 Years Old

Kanao Tsuyuri is initially portrayed as a timid, shy, and irresolute individual, in stark contrast with Shinobu Kocho. However, it seems that her childhood trauma is the governing reason behind her emotional stoicism. After being taken in by the Kocho household, Kanao learns how to make her decisions without relying on anyone else.

She partakes in the Final Selection and becomes a Demon Slayer, eventually learning the art of Flower Breathing. More importantly, Kanao's mental fortitude is possibly her greatest asset, as seen when she takes on Doma. There are few Demon Slayer characters capable of matching her in a battle of the wills. Kanao's relationship with Tanjiro blossoms further over time, ultimately leading to their marriage.

Akaza Constantly Looks Down On Allegedly Weaker Opponents

133 Years Old

Akaza became one of the most hated Demon Slayer villains after malevolently murdering Kyojuro Rengoku, but his painful backstory helps explain some of his choices. Having lost everything, he decided to become a demon as humanity held no more allure for him. Given his martial capabilities, however, there are few characters in the story who enjoy the thrill of battle as much as Akaza.

Successfully killing a Hashira isn't a minor accomplishment. Unfortunately, the Upper Moon 3 demon constantly looks down on allegedly weaker opponents, nonchalantly deeming them unworthy of his time and attention. Arrogant anime villains either get their just deserts or go through a cycle of redemption, and Akaza is going to make one of these two choices when that time comes.