Mitsuri Kanroji: Dispelling the Misconceptions of an Unlovable Woman

During the Swordsmith Village arc in Demon Slayer, Mitsuri Kanroji took center stage, playing a crucial role in the fight against the infiltrating Upper Moon demons. Known for her energetic and positive personality, Mitsuri's formidable strength and unwavering positivity make her a standout character in the series.

Exploring Mitsuri’s past in the Swordsmith Village arc of the Demon Slayer series

Mitsuri Kanroji as seen in the Demon Slayer anime (Image via Ufotable)

Mitsuri Kanroji, also known as the Love Hashira, had a relatively smooth childhood in comparison to her fellow Hashiras. Born into a loving and encouraging family, Mitsuri displayed remarkable strength from a young age. One notable instance was when she effortlessly lifted an extremely heavy stone as a child, leaving her mother, known for her composure, astonished and shocked.

At that stage of the Demon Slayer series, Mitsuri Kanroji's parents came to recognize her incredible strength. Despite not having the typical muscular physique associated with strength, Mitsuri possessed remarkable power. Her muscle density far exceeded that of an average person. Even as a child, Mitsuri would frequently engage in arm-wrestling contests, not against children her own age, but against some of the top Sumo Wrestlers.

Mitsuri showcasing her strength by lifting a heavy stone as a child (Image via Ufotable)

Mitsuri has always had a remarkable appetite, being able to devour multiple bowls of Soba noodles in one sitting from a young age. It's possible that her high muscle density is the reason behind her insatiable appetite, as her body requires more nourishment than the average person. Despite her stunning beauty, men in the past were put off by her pink and green hair, and some even rejected and insulted her.

The suitor that rejected and insulted Mitsuri (Image via Ufotable)

Her appearance, remarkable strength, and hearty appetite were among the reasons a suitor rejected her, even going so far as to insult her. This rejection broke her heart.

Eventually, fans witnessed Mitsuri altering her appearance and starving herself in an attempt to be more attractive. Only then did a suitor show interest, leaving Mitsuri feeling unlovable in the world of Demon Slayer and believing that she had to change herself in order to be loved by men.

She later understood that the characteristics that made her seem "unlovable" were integral to her identity. Ultimately, she found someone (Obanai Iguro) who loved her unconditionally for who she was. As Kagaya Ubuyashiki mentioned in the Demon Slayer series, it was perceived as a blessing from the Gods. Others were envious and intimidated by her strength, urging her to use it against evil. Keep an eye out for more updates on anime and manga as 2024 unfolds.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find Mitsuri Kanroji's character arc in Demon Slayer to be both relatable and inspiring. Her struggles with self-acceptance and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards resonate deeply with me and many of my peers. Mitsuri's journey of self-discovery and ultimately finding love and acceptance for who she truly is serves as a powerful reminder that we should never compromise our authenticity for the sake of pleasing others.

Mitsuri's story also highlights the importance of embracing our unique strengths and qualities, even if they don't fit into conventional norms. Her exceptional strength and hearty appetite, which were initially seen as drawbacks, eventually become sources of pride and empowerment for her. This message of self-empowerment is particularly relevant for Gen Z, who are constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards and societal expectations. Mitsuri's character serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing our individuality and celebrating our differences.