Demon Slayer's "Entertainment District" arc is now in full swing with Episode 9 and with it, the anime has introduced a new trope: crossdressing. Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui has been investigating the Yoshiwara District for demon activity, but his contacts have stopped communicating with him. Unable to gather the information they'd need as customers, he sends Kamado Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke undercover as young women sold into the most prominent establishments in the area.

Many anime and manga series have played with this idea, including big shonen like Mob Psycho 100, Dr. Stone and even Dragon Ball GT. Though prolific, crossdressing is a divisive trope. Some enjoy it because it's silly to see boys and men fumble through presenting femininely. Other, like portions of the LGBTQ+ community, find it offensive.

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Demon Slayer Tanjiro Zenitsu Inosuke makeup

Those who fall under the trans umbrella in particular may feel this way because crossdressing is often used for humor. Men wearing women's clothes is the joke, which reinforces harmful stigmas about trans people, especially trans women. It doesn't help that often, the male characters asked to crossdress do so against their wishes. They originally object to the idea and are forced into it by other characters. When the crossdressing actually happens, he makes his discomfort and embarrassment known to everyone else involved.

Demon Slayer, on the other hand, isn't doing this. The audience doesn't see the boys react to Tengen's idea, just the aftermath of them dressed up. However, Tanjiro doesn't seem bothered by what he's wearing at all and, while Zenitsu and Inosuke do complain, the issue is not the crossdressing itself. Zenitsu's upset because of how handsome Tengen is in his disguise, while he's stuck being called ugly. Inosuke's complaints are about how he can't speak without giving his sex away and that the kimono he's wearing dulls his senses.

Demon Slayer is also utilizing this trope for a longer period of time than usual. Typically, crossdressing bits only lost for part of a single episode. However, Tanjiro and the boys have already spent over half of an episode as their female personas and are settling into their roles. They show no sign of quitting for the time being, and even the opening sequence has their feminine selves on display. Of course, they do shed them midway and return to their normal attire, but their presence in the opening makes them important. The crossdressing is front and center rather than hidden away.

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This is an interesting change because the extended time gives the boys a chance to truly experience what it's like to live as a woman in Taisho-era sex work. They aren't just seeing the glamour that's put on for the customers, but what's happening behind the scenes as their ruse intends. Yes, this will get them the information they need regarding Tengen's wives, but they have the potential to learn so much more.

Tanjiro pretending to be Sumiko in the Demon Slayer manga

The undercover scheme may seem ridiculous on the surface, but they actually have a chance at success in both the mission and blending in. So far, Tanjiro's "Sumiko" seems to be the errand girl around her house, bringing heavy gifts up to the Oiran during the episode and carrying stacks of towels in the opening sequence. This was historically a position held by a male employee, but it gives Tanjiro an advantage. If he continues down this path, he'll become familiar with the house's layout and happen to be around for plenty of secret conversations. He can pick up the scent of a demon if they're anywhere in this building.

Likewise, Zenitsu's newly revealed expertise on the shamisen sets "Zenko" up for success. Being skilled in music and other traditional arts was part of a Geisha's job in particular, as they entertained guests while waiting for the Oiran to receive them. He may become especially notable because, around this period of time, the shamisen was seen as an erotic instrument synonymous with the night life. Even though he isn't considered attractive, he may be kept around because of the shamisen. As a result, Zenitsu will have more time to investigate and let his heightened hearing do the work for him.

Inosuke's "Inoko" has a great chance of climbing the hierarchy because he has two must-have qualities. The chaperone of the Ogimoto house snatches him up because she saw the beautiful features hidden under the makeup, and another employee comments on how he feels muscular beneath his kimono. Oiran didn't just have to have a beautiful appearance, they also had to be strong in order to maintain elegant posture under heavy robes and wigs. All Inosuke would have to do is use his strength in a different way to excel and potentially lure a demon out of hiding.

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Demon Slayer Oiran

Should they be found out, it may not even be an issue. Demon Slayer has already expressed appreciation for historical accuracy and that isn't stopping in the "Entertainment District" arc. Even with just one episode taking place in Yoshiwara District, the cultural aspects are correct. The Oiran whom the boys watch in her parade is a picture-perfect representation of her profession. Adorned in intricate, eye-catching silks with many golden hairpins in her wig, she walks on tall geta shoes in the Hachimonji or "Figure Eight" style. Tengen talks about how flashy the procession is, and that's the point. Not only is the Oiran on her way to her customer, she is also advertising the house she comes from.

Alongside the Geisha and Oiran, there was another distinction of entertainer they both stemmed from. Taikomochi, or Hokan, were the original holders of these positions and were all men. Centuries before women started doing this work, these men entertained Japanese lords and others of high status. As Geisha and Oiran became more popular, these men came to work alongside them or in their own tea houses in the red-light districts.

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Like their female counterparts, Taikomochi were experts in arts, music and conversation while taking clients as male prostitutes. Depending on the person, the Taikomochi would portray themselves as either men, women or young men. Therefore, historically it's possible that other characters won't be surprised to find a man working among them, but may wonder why they didn't just go to a Taikomochi house instead.

Season 2 of Demon Slayer has given fans plenty to be excited about so far, and it's only going to get more interesting as the episodes go by. The audience knows something sinister is lurking in the shadows but, in the meantime, it's great to see an anime take a trope and make it its own. With any luck, the "Entertainment District" arc will showcase that crossdressing can be more than just a joke.

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