Unveiling the Legend of Yoriichi Tsugikuni: Is He Truly a Hashira in Demon Slayer?

When discussing the popular anime Demon Slayer, one name that consistently emerges is Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He is widely recognized as the individual who effortlessly defeated the Demon King Muzan, making him undeniably the most powerful character in the storyline.

Up until now, Yoriichi has only made a handful of brief appearances in the anime. These appearances have left fans intrigued and apprehensive due to his enigmatic and intimidating presence, leading them to question whether he was a previous Hashira. Although his backstory has yet to be explored in the anime, it has been confirmed in the manga that Yoriichi was indeed a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Exploring Yoriichi Tsugikuni's backstory in Demon Slayer

Yoriichi Tsugikuni's depiction in season 2 of Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

The early stages of Demon Slayer showcased a fleeting glimpse of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. In episode 8 of the initial season, Muzan unexpectedly encounters Tanjiro Kamado, who had donned Hanafuda earrings. These same earrings were previously worn by Yoriichi, triggering a poignant flashback where he stands tall in front of Muzan. Astonishingly, the series' primary antagonist visibly quivers upon witnessing Tanjiro, as the presence of these earrings serves as a stark reminder of the sole individual who had ever successfully defeated him in his entire existence.

The last few arcs of the manga delve deep into Yoriichi's backstory. He was a renowned Demon Slayer during the Sengoku Era and is credited as the founder of Breathing Styles. It is highly probable that he held the prestigious position of Sun Hashira, as he had a unique inscription on his sword, a tradition followed exclusively by the Hashira.

Yoriichi, possessing unparalleled strength and combat prowess, was regarded as being divinely chosen and unquestionably the mightiest Demon Slayer in the series. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in bestowing the Sun Breathing technique upon the Kamado family, indicating a close bond with them.

Yet, despite his extraordinary abilities, Yoriichi's tale is undeniably the most tragic within the entire series. Following the demise of his mother, he departed from his clan and persistently wandered from one location to another.

One day, he encountered a girl of his own age and chose to live with her. Eventually, they married and Yoriichi found a sense of peace in his life for the first time. However, on a fateful day, he returned home only to discover that a demon had taken the lives of his wife and unborn child. This tragic event deeply affected him, causing him to hold onto his wife's remains for a period of 10 days.

Subsequently, he joined the Demon Slayer Corps and quickly ascended to the position of Hashira, thanks to his exceptional skills and possession of the coveted Demon Slayer mark. Along his journey, he crossed paths with Muzan, the infamous Demon King who had tormented humanity for a significant period of time.

During their short confrontation, Muzan was effortlessly sliced into numerous fragments by Yoriichi. In the end, the Demon King barely managed to escape with his life, but this intense clash left him paralyzed with fear in the presence of Yoriichi.

Keeping Muzan alive turned out to be a grave error made by Yoriichi. His twin brother Michikatsu, who also served in the Demon Slayer Corps, became envious of Yoriichi's strength. Succumbing to darkness, Michikatsu betrayed the Corps and transformed into a demon under Muzan's influence.

Yoriichi was held accountable for his brother's rebellion and his inability to eliminate Muzan. As a result, he was stripped of his position as a Hashira and expelled from the Corps. Forced into exile, Yoriichi spent the remainder of his days in isolation. Eventually, he was confronted by his long-lost brother Michikatsu, who now went by the name Kokushibo.

Yoriichi defeated him effortlessly, before dying of old age while still being on his feet.

Is Tanjiro related to Yoriichi?

Tanjiro Kamado and Yoriichi Tsugikuni (Image via Our Website)

As a former member of the Demon Slayer Corps, Yoriichi rescued the Kamado family from a demon assault. He developed a close bond with them and frequently visited their home. On his final visit, having been expelled from the Corps, he bid them farewell.

Yoriichi demonstrated the various forms of Sun Breathing, presenting Sumiyoshi, the father, with his Hanafuda earrings. Instantly, Sumiyoshi understood that they would never cross paths with Yoriichi again. He vowed to preserve the Sun Breathing for future generations as a tribute to him.

Although the Sun Breathing was traditionally passed down through the Hinokami Kagura dance, it was only when Tanjiro came along that this Breathing style was truly utilized. The Hanafuda earrings adorning Tanjiro today are the very same ones once worn by Yoriichi.

Although there's no direct connection between them, Tanjiro's resemblance to Yoriichi is likely because of the divine nature of the Sun Breathing.

To conclude

Even after four centuries, Yoriichi's memory continued to torment Muzan until his very last breath. Undoubtedly, he proved to be the most formidable figure in the series, unrivaled until his demise.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni's character profoundly influenced the entirety of the plot. Only his earrings were enough to make the Demon King tremble with fear, placing him in a class of his own. His numerous achievements within the Demon Slayer Corps and his contributions to humanity establish him as a legendary figure in the narrative.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I find the character of Yoriichi Tsugikuni to be intriguing and captivating. His enigmatic presence and awe-inspiring strength have left a lasting impression on me. The fact that he effortlessly defeated the Demon King Muzan, a feat that no other character has been able to accomplish, solidifies his status as a legendary figure in the Demon Slayer universe.

Yoriichi's tragic backstory adds depth and complexity to his character. The loss of his loved ones and the betrayal by his own brother have undoubtedly shaped his personality and motivations. Despite the immense pain he has endured, Yoriichi remains determined to protect humanity from the threat of demons. His unwavering commitment to justice and his indomitable spirit make him a truly admirable character.