Hashira is the official terminology used to describe the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. These overpowered individuals receive a whole lot of respect and admiration from the other characters in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, and for good reason.

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Not many people can fight against the demons' strength, cruelty, or murderous tendencies, but the Hashira help balance the scales in favor of humanity. Muzan Kibutsuji and his Twelve Kizuki work to remain a constant threat, but Kagaya Ubuyashiki and the Demon Slayer Pillars stand as the first line of defense.

Updated on June 9, 2023, by Ajay Aravind: Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba remains as popular as ever, as evidenced by the recently released and currently ongoing Swordsmith Village arc. Although the manga officially ended in 2020, anime-only fans have a long way to go before they discover what happens to Tanjiro and Nezuko. Given the role played by the Demon Slayer pillars, we've updated this list of the strongest Hashira with some relevant information.

11 Shinobu Kocho

The Insect Pillar

Shinobu attacks with a smile (Demon Slayer).

Shinobu Kocho has been instrumental in the Demon Slayer Corp operation, and her contribution goes beyond the battlefield. Her Insect Breathing techniques and customized Nichirin Blade complement her speedy fighting style. Still, it's Shinobu's chemistry knowledge that makes her both a major threat to demons and a helper of humankind.

Shinobu's ultimate goal wasn't just to eradicate all demons but to foster an atmosphere of universal peace. Although she often lets her rage guide her actions, it's clear Shinobu wants the same thing as her Hashira counterparts — the utter and ultimate destruction of Muzan, the Demon King.

10 Tengen Uzui

The Sound Pillar

Tengen Uzui in Demon Slayer with a raised hand.

Tengen Uzui was born into one of Japan's last surviving Shinobi families during the Taisho Era. The skills gained from his upbringing made the Sound Hashira an effective fighter all-around, even after he loses a hand while fighting Upper Moon 6 Gyutaro.

Everything about this Demon Slayer Pillar expresses his favorite word: flamboyance, from the nunchuck-style wielding of his Nichirin Blades to his jewel-laced clothing and accouterments. Tengen's Sound Breathing allows him to mentally record his battles like a musical score and act upon his insight.

9 Kyojuro Rengoku

The Flame Pillar

Rengoku laughs heartily in Demon Slayer

Descended from a line of Flame Breathing swordsmen, Kyojuro Rengoku displays a deep sense of pride in his job. A great motivation for his passion is the promise he made to his dying mother, where he firmly stated that he would always use his exceptional strength to protect others.

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Kyojuro's a top combatant among the Demon Slayer Corps and exhibits one of the strongest personalities in Kagaya Ubuyashiki's group of Pillars. He serves as an inspiration to many of his comrades, including Giyu Tomioka and Mitsuri Kanroji. Although Kyojuro dies after fighting Akaza, the Flame Hashira still technically wins the battle.

8 Sakonji Urokodaki

The Former Water Pillar

Urokodaki, the Former Water Pillar from Demon Slayer, with mask on.

Famously known as the "Cultivator of Swordsmen," Sakonji Urokodaki's name carries weight within the demon slayer community. That said, achieving the Hashira position and surviving to old age is a recognizable feat for anyone in the Corps.

Sakonji is rumored to wear his tengu mask because of the demons teasing him about his kind face. He also possesses a keen sense of smell — a notable trait he shares with Tanjiro Kamado. As a testament to Sankonji's martial prowess, he successfully trains both Giyu and Tanjiro in the nuances of Water Breathing.

7 Mitsuri Kanroji

The Love Pillar

Mitsuri Kanroji wielding her Sword Whip and Urumi, the weapon it's based on, in Demon Slayer.

There was no Love Pillar in the Demon Slayer Corps before Mitsuri Kanroji. In fact, this iconic Hashira crafts the Love Breathing style to suit her personal tendencies, albeit deriving the fundamentals from Flame Breathing. Mitsuri is clearly one of the strongest characters in Demon Slayer, as seen through her fight with Upper Moon 4 Hantengu.

Not only does Mitsuri possess a unique musculature, but the Love Hashira is also renowned for her versatile fighting style and physical flexibility. Mitsuri goes on to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark when facing Zohakuten, effectively turning the tides of battle in her favor.

6 Kanae Kocho

The Flower Pillar

Kanae Kocho in Demon Slayer looking downwards with slightly parted lips

The Flower Pillar, Kanae Kocho, perished long before the Demon Slayer timeline begins. As Shinobu's older sister, almost everything she does revolves around keeping her sibling safe. Interestingly, Kanae is considerably more powerful than Shinobu, combining the style of Flower Breathing with raw physical strength to great effect.

Kanae actually manages to fight on par with Upper Rank 2 Doma for a considerable period of time but eventually loses the battle to the overpowered demon. Kanae's legendary Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion is extremely dangerous to use, but the devastating results outweigh any risks to her person.

5 Obanai Iguro

The Snake Pillar

Obanai Iguro in Demon Slayer in a tree.

Directionally nuanced attacks may be the method for Obanai's Snake Breathing techniques, but his attitude is strict and straightforward, even if it means someone has to suffer — save Kagaya Ubuyashiki, of course. The Serpent Pillar's right eye is effectively blind, but this doesn't impede his movements in the slightest.

Obanai personally crafts and hones the Serpent Breathing style, a remarkable achievement for anyone, even a Hashira. Obanai is also extremely cutting with his words toward others, but he makes it clear when someone has his favor. He doesn't hide his infatuation with Mitsuri the Love Pillar, but she seems totally oblivious until the very end of Demon Slayer.

4 Muichiro Tokito

The Mist Pillar

Muichiro Tokito holdng a sword and looking determined in Demon Slayer.

Muichiro arguably inherits his prodigious swordsmanship from his ancestor, Michikatsu Tsugikuni, who later devolves into Upper Moon 1 Kokushibo. As a result of his genetic legacy, Muichiro is strong enough to join the Demon Slayer Corps at the young age of 11.

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Muichiro quickly rises to the rank of Hashira, inevitably becoming the official Mist Pillar. Muichiro's swordsmanship is unparalleled — he can fight on even ground with Yoriichi Type Zero, an automaton that's said to mimic the movements of the eponymous demon slayer. Muichiro's greatest accomplishment is defeating and decapitating Upper Rank 5 Gyokko during the Swordsmith Village arc.

3 Sanemi Shinazugawa

The Wind Pillar

Sanemi in Demon Slayer grinning and brandishing a sword.

Because of his marechi, or rare blood type, Sanemi Shinazugawa has had plenty of experience fighting demons long before joining the Corp. His ruthless resolve as a demon slayer is easy to understand when considering that his blood is like gluten-free liquor to demons.

Not to mention the fact that, in his youth, Sanemi was forced to kill his demon-infected mother after she had finished devouring his younger siblings. As a practitioner of Wind Breathing, Sanemi's powers and abilities are equivalent to the Upper Moon Demons, all of whom turn out to be overpowered. Very few fighters are capable of defeating the Wind Hashira.

2 Giyu Tomioka

The Water Pillar

Giyu in the snow in Demon Slayer.

Giyu Tomioka is a masterful swordsman, but he doesn't always give himself the credit he deserves. The patterned half of the haori he wears is in honor of Sabito, a young swordsman who died saving all of the other students during their Final Selection Exam.

With some motivation from his peers, Giyu eventually accepts his position as the Water Pillar. His Water Breathing techniques are far beyond Tanjiro's, which is saying something. When Giyu triggers his Demon Slayer Mark, he temporarily becomes capable of fighting Muzan himself.

1 Gyomei Himejima

The Stone Pillar

Gyomei Himejima with white eyes in Demon Slayer.

Gyomei Himejima is the strongest demon slayer under Kagaya Ubuyashiki's leadership. Despite his blindness, Gyomei fights using a spiked ball and hand-axe on a chain — made of the same materials as Nichirin Blades — with very keen accuracy.

Gyomei employs chanting and meditation to augment his overall strength, but nothing bolsters his powers as much as awakening his Demon Slayer Mark. When this happens, the Stone Hashira transforms into an incomparable combatant, forcing even the likes of Kokushibo to take him seriously.

NEXT: Demon Slayer: Every Hashira, Ranked According to Strength