Hashiras of Demon Slayer are humanity’s last hope against Muzan and his demons. Hashiras are the highest-ranked individuals in the Demon Slayer Corps. They hold the highest authority, second only to the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
Each Hashira has its unique breathing style, some created by themselves. To become a Hashira, a member of the Demon Slayer must have a kill count of at least 50 demons as a Kinoe-ranked Demon Slayer, or slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki.
Also to become a Hashira, members must undergo training for a few years, but there have been exceptions of those who were talented enough to become Hashiras in a very short time. Hashiras can also be succeeded by members of the Demon Slayer Corps as a Tsuguko.
Here’s a look at Hashiras, ranked from the weakest to strongest.
9. Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
Without a doubt, if this was a ranking for the most flamboyant Hashira of all, Tengen-sama would top the charts. However, the Sound Hashira comes last in this list, when compared to his counterparts.
The self-proclaimed God of Flamboyance is not a weak Hashira by any means. He single-handedly matched Upper Moon Demons, Daki, and Gyutaro and was able to fend them off even after losing his left arm and being poisoned.
Being a former Shinobi (ninja), he has enhanced hearing which he uses with his Sound Breathing to locate the demons. He also makes use of ‘Musical Score’ which deconstructs the rhythm of the demon’s movements to better understand their fighting abilities.
Breathing Style – Sound Breathing
Techniques –
- Roar
- Constant Resoundin Slashes
- String Performance, Bursting Bloom
Weapon- Dual Nichrin Cleavers, explosive beads, kunai.
8. Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira
Shinobu joined the Demon Slayer Corps with her elder sister Kanae Kocho and her adopted younger sister, Kanao Tsuyuri after a demon killed their parents. She makes use of poison techniques and Insect breathing to fight demons.
Though being the smallest in size among the Hashiras, she possesses incredible speed and reflexes and even went head-to-head with Upper Moon Demon 2, Doma in the manga. (Kimetsu No Yaiba)
Breathing Style – Insect Breathing
Techniques –
- Butterfly Dance: Caprice, Illusory light
- Swift Thrust
- Rising Thrust
Weapon – Stinger Nichrin Katana
7. Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira
Unarguably, everyone’s favorite Hashira, Rengoku Sama is one of the most loved characters in the show. He succeeded his father as the Flame Hashira. It’s a shame that he succumbed to his wounds in his fight against Upper Moon Demon 3.
Rengoku went head-on with Upper Moon Demon 3, Akaza, and would have probably even defeated him, if he had not been exhausted by saving everyone on the Mugen Train. Fans as well as the trio (Tanjiro, Zeinistu, and Inosuke) will miss him for sure.
Breathing Style – Flame Breathing
Techniques –
- Rising Scorching Sun
- Flame Tiger
- Rengoku
Weapon – Standard Nichrin Katana
6. Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira
The cutest Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji takes the spot for no.6 on this list. Though she doesn’t look like a fighter in the least, she is one of the strongest fighters in terms of raw strength among the Hashiras.
The Love Hashira is very soft-spoken and emotional but shows no mercy when it comes to fighting demons. She single-handedly took on the incarnation of Upper Moon Demon 5, Hantengu’s Zohakuten.
Breathing Style – Love Breathing
Techniques –
- Shivers of First Love
- Swaying Love, Wildclaw
- Cat-Legged Winds of Love
Weapon – Nichrin Whip-Katana
5. Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira
The youngest Hashira, at just 14 years old. He takes the 5th spot for now but who knows later when he is older he could become the strongest Hashira. He is one of the 2 members of the Demon Slayer Corps to become a Hashira within 2 months.
Muichiro is one of the few Hashiras who can claim they have killed an Upper Moon Demon. He single-handedly overpowered and killed Upper Moon Demon 5, Gyokko. In the manga, he also manages to take on Upper Moon Demon 1, Kokushibo.
Breathing Style – Mist Breathing
Techniques –
- Low Clouds, Distant Haze
- Lunar Dispersing Mist
- Obscuring Clouds
Weapon – Standard Nichrin Katana
4. Obanai Iguro – Serpent Hashira
Also known as the Snake Hashira, Obanai Iguro is one of the most mysterious Hashiras. He is currently the only user of the Serpent Breathing. Obanai wears a mask over his face to conceal his scars and has a snake around his neck.
Obanai is extremely dedicated to the Demon Slayer Corps and he berates Tengen Uzui for retiring from the Corps. He is said to be blind in his right eye and is one of the few Hashiras who went all out against the Demon King, Muzan in the manga.
Breathing Style – Serpent Breathing
Techniques –
- Winding Serpent Slash
- Coil Choke
- Slithering Serpent
Weapon – Twisted Nichrin Katana
3. Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
The stoic, expressionless Hashira is the first to come across Tanjiro and Nezuko. He has a strong sense of justice and even went so far as to violate the Demon Slayer Corps Code for Tanjiro and Nezuko.
He easily defeated Rui, Lower Moon Demon 5, something which Tanjiro and Insouke couldn’t do. In the manga, he even managed to drive Akaza and Muzan into a corner all by himself. He succeeded Sakonji Urokadaki as the Water Hashira.
Breathing Style – Water Breathing
Techniques –
- Water Wheel
- Striking Tide
- Dead Calm, Tidal Waves
Weapon – Standard Nichrin Katana
2. Sanemi Shinazugawa – Wind Hashira
Sanemi Shinazugawa is the older brother of Genya. Like his younger brother, he is hot-blooded and abrasive, and his body is covered with scars and cuts from fighting demons.
His cold and rude nature could be a result of losing those dear to him in the past which fuels his hatred towards Demons. In the manga, he held his own against Upper Moon Demon Kokushibo. He even was able to fight against Muzan along with the other Hashiras.
Breathing Style – Wind Breathing
Techniques –
- Dust Whirlwind Clutter
- Cold Mountain Wind
- Idaten Typhoon
Weapon – Standard Nichrin Katana
1. Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira
Not only is Gyomei the biggest, but he is also the strongest among the Hashiras. The Stone Hashira is blind but that does not hold him back as he became a Hashira within 2 months of joining the Demon Slayer Corps.
The gentle giant is quite pious, carrying his prayer beads all the time and offering prayers. In the manga, Kokushibo admits that in the last 300 years, he has not come against a Hashira, as strong as him. Along with Sanemi, he drove both Muzan and Kokushibo to a corner, without making use of his Demon Slayer Mark.
Special skill – Enhanced Hearing
Breathing Style – StoneBreathing
Techniques –
- Serpentinite Bipolar
- Stone Skin
- Arcs of Justice
Weapon – Nichrin Chained Spiked Flail and Axe
Source – Ufotable & Kimestu No Yaiba Fandom
