The Hashira are the strongest warriors in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. They're arguably the most significant characters in the story, as they seek to eradicate the demon menace and bring peace to the world. The Hashira are led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who only allows the strongest fighters to join the Corps. They are always searching for a successor to pass their techniques on to after their death or retirement.

This tradition is maintained so the Corps always gains stronger fighters as time passes. To become a Hashira, one must neutralize one of the Twelve Kizuki or defeat 50 demons while undergoing intense training that would take five years for the average person. Here is a list of the Hashira ranking in Demon Slayer.

Updated on February 23rd 2024 by Sage Ashford: This list has been updated to add more information about the Hashira, as well as to incorporate CBR's most recent standard in formatting.

12 Sakonji Trained Some Of The Best Slayers

The Former Water Hashira

Sakonji from Demon Slayer wearing a scowling mask.

Style:

Water Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Water Surface Slash, Second Form: Water Wheel, Tenth Form: Constant Flux

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Sakonji used to be the Water Hashira, having trained Giyu Tomioka to become his successor. He becomes Tanjiro's master at the start of Demon Slayer. Sakonji is a genius swordsman with plenty of experience and knowledge to impart to the younger generations. For several aspiring demon slayers, he's a beloved sensei and mentor.

Since Sakonji and Tanjiro possess exceptional senses of smell, he helps the latter hone his skills. Additionally, Sakonji teaches both Giyu and Tanjiro the Water Breathing Style. Even though he's an old man now, Sakonji still possesses outstanding power, on par with the strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer.

11 Jigoro Kuwajima Maintains Incredible Strength Despite His Age

The Former Thunder Hashira

Demon Slayer's Jigoro looks stunned and confused in the grass

Style:

Thunder Breathing

Special Techniques:

The Six Forms Of Thunder Breathing

Jigoro Kuwajima is Zenitsu's mentor. He was the former Thunder Hashira, later nicknamed the "Roaring" Hashira. He's an elderly man, so he's significantly weaker than he was in his prime. In his heyday, however, he was a deadly force who could use every aspect of the Lightning Breathing style.

That said, Jigoro's proven himself a wonderful teacher. He's knowledgeable about demon-slaying, so it makes sense for him to become an excellent instructor, imparting his wisdom to younger warriors. Jigoro believes it's his responsibility to prepare the next generation of demon slayers to fight Muzan Kibutsuji.

10 Kanae Kocho Maintains Her Skills Despite Not Fighting Often

The Flower Hashira

Kanae Kocho in Demon Slayer looking downwards with slightly parted lips

Style:

Flower Breathing

Special Techniques:

Second Form: Honorable Shadow Plum, Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagoromo, Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility

Kanae was the former Flower Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps, as well as the sister of Shinobu Kocho. Kanae was one of the few emotionally stable demon slayers, regularly displaying a charming smile on her face.

A loving and caring person, she always made sure to protect her family. During her lifetime, Kanae deeply hoped the world would reach a point where humans and demons could peacefully co-exist, despite their shared history of bloodshed. Kanae hasn't been seen fighting often in Demon Slayer, but her status as a Hashira is a testament to her skills. That said, most of the other Hashira are more talented than her in combat, placing her firmly in the 10th spot.

9 Shinobu Kocho Uses Chemical Substances To Compensate For Her Lack Of Strength

The Insect Hashira

Shinobu smiling mildly on Mount Natagumo in Demon Slayer.

Style:

Insect Breathing

Special Techniques:

Butterfly Dance: Caprice, Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter, Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag

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Even amid the Demon Slayer Corps, Shinobu Kocho stands out from the crowd. Despite her status as the Insect Hashira, she isn't one of the strongest Hashira in the story. As a result, she develops a fierce, piercing fighting style to compensate for her weakness.

Instead of indulging in head-on battles, Shinobu relies on injectable chemical cocktails. These substances often cause disorientation, even leading to death. She's knowledgeable about medicinal properties and the effects of certain herbal products. Shinobu uses this unique skillset to her advantage whenever the situation calls for it.

8 Mitsuri Kanroji Terrifies People Because Of The Power She Wields

The Love Hashira

Style:

Love Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Shivers of First Love, Second Form: Love Pangs, Third Form: Catlove Shower

Mitsuri is a soft-hearted, passionate person who always compliments the people around her. She seems rather preoccupied with her love life and is always on the hunt for a husband. While she hasn't been successful, fans agree her relationship with Obanai Iguro is adorable.

As the current Love Hashira, Mitsuri doesn't hesitate when fighting a demon. Instead, she proves herself to be a deadly combatant against the strongest villains. Mitsuri has special fighting skills, and her muscles are approximately eight times denser than an average human. When Mitsuri activates her Demon Slayer Mark, her power increases exponentially.

7 Obanai Iguro Uses Incredible Skill To Make Up For Pure Strength

The Serpent Hashira

Obanai Iguro from Demon Slayer in a tree with his snake on his shoulders

Style:

Serpent Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Winding Serpent Slash, Second Form: Venom Fangs of the Narrow Head, Third Form: Coil Choke

Obanai is the Serpent Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps. He takes his job very seriously and never strays from the metaphorical rulebook. As a result, has no qualms about openly criticizing and chastising members of the Corps who don't follow the rules.

Obanai is a fundamentalist who would sacrifice himself for the Corps and encourages his comrades to do the same. He does care deeply about others — especially Mitsuri. Obanai's a skilled combatant, and his Serpent Breathing techniques make him rather deadly. Despite his short stature and lack of physical strength, Obanai has proven himself to be one of the strongest Hashira.

6 Muichiro Uses Logic To Coldly Finish Any Demons He Faces

The Mist Hashira

Muichiro Tokito playing with a small pebble during a meeting in Demon Slayer.

Style:

Mist Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze, Second Form: Eight-Layered Mist, Third Form: Scattering Mist Splash

Muichiro Tokito is the iconic Mist Hashira and a tremendous force in the Demon Slayer Corps. Relying largely on logic to complete his missions, Muichiro is stoic and believes that emotions have no place in demon slaying. And yet, he's contradicted his own sentiments on multiple occasions.

Muichiro can be perceived as rather airheaded since he wanders off on his own and frequently gets carried away by his own thoughts. That said, he is one of the most powerful Hashira in Demon Slayer. Muichiro single-handedly defeats an Upper Moon, albeit after his Demon Slayer Mark activates.

5 Giyu Tomioka Represents A Standard For All Hashira

The Water Hashira

Style:

Water Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Water Surface Slash, Second Form: Water Wheel, Third Form: Flowing Dance

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Giyu was trained by Sakonji, who taught him how to master Water Breathing. He's come a long way in learning these techniques and has proven himself a strong combatant on several occasions. Nearly every demon he encounters is overwhelmed by his sheer talents.

When his Demon Slayer Mark is activated, Giyu's strength increases beyond measure. Even though Giyu appears emotionally distant and reserved, it's just because he has difficulty expressing himself. He's actually a sincere, kind person. With his authentic personality and undeniable physical strength, Giyu is truly one of the strongest Hashira in history. Despite Giyu's doubts in his own abilities, he's a consummate Hashira, earning his spot as the fifth strongest as only a select few Hashira can come close to the strength he wields and the experience he has.

4 Tengen Uzui Relied On His Training And Fighting Style To Set Himself Apart

The Sound Hashira

Tengen Uzui from Demon Slayer lifting his hand.

Style:

Sound Hashira

Special Techniques:

First Form: Roar, Fourth Form: Constant Resounding Slashes, Fifth Form: String Performance

Tengen Uzui was the Sound Hashira before he was forced to retire because of severe injuries. He's recognized for his flashiness and desire to always stand out from the crowd but remains one of the strongest Hashira. Hailing from a lineage of shinobi, Tengen underwent brutal training as a child.

Tengen's experience as a shinobi grants him a certain level of expertise when it comes to fighting demons. His Sound Breathing techniques give him a significant edge over his opponents, in part due to a heightened sense of hearing. Even after retiring, Tengen still tries to assist the Corps wherever he can.

3 Kyojuro Rengoku's Burning Passion Made Him One Of The Most Powerful Hashira

The Flame Hashira

Style:

Flame Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Unknowing Fire, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun, Third Form: Blazing Universe

Kyojuro Rengoku was the Flame Hashira, a position previously held by his now-incompetent father Shinjuro. Even though he died at the end of his fight with Akaza, he managed to demonstrate his indomitable willpower in the process.

Rengoku was passionate about everything he did and was always willing to lend someone a helping hand in their hour of need. Granted, he also had several eccentric qualities. However, Rengoku's strength and dedication outshone his other traits. He was a mighty Hashira because he extensively practiced his Flame Breathing technique, turning it into one of Demon Slayer's most deadly weapons.

2 Sanemi Shinazugawa Tricks His Opponents Then Uses His Power To Wipe Them Out

The Wind Hashira

Sanemi grins with wide eyes in Demon Slayer anime

Style:

Wind Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter, Second Form: Claws, Purifying Wind, Third Form: Clear Storm Wind Tree

Sanemi is the Wind Hashira and Genya's older brother. Despite his prestigious standing, he's a hot-headed individual who lives for the thrill of fighting. Because of a particularly traumatic childhood event, Sanemi is incredibly distrustful of demons. He outright refuses the notion that demons and humans could somehow coexist peacefully.

Sanemi is a fierce fighter and has a rare blood type that even the strongest demons find alluring. He often uses this as bait to lure opponents in before killing them swiftly. His Wind Breathing forms are unmatched, and paired with his Demon Slayer Mark, Sanemi effectively becomes one of the strongest Hashira.

1 Gyomei's Natural Strength And Special Style Make Him The Strongest

Stone Hashira

Gyomei Himejima crying with his palms together in Demon Slayer.

Style:

Stone Breathing

Special Techniques:

First Form: Serpentinite Bipolar, Second Form: Upper Smash, Third Form: Stone Skin

As the Stone Hashira recruited by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Gyomei's title suggests he's a stoic, patient man with unwavering willpower. According to Demon Slayer's official statistics, Gyomei's physical abilities are unmatched by any of his peers.

Standing at a menacing 7'2.5", Gyomei is the definition of a gentle giant. Stone Breathing is an extremely difficult style to control, let alone master, but Gyomei is living proof that this martial art deserves a lot more recognition than it gets. After he obtains his Demon Slayer Mark, Gyomei becomes nothing less than the strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer.