The Saddest Deaths In Demon Slayer

The widely acclaimed manga and anime series, Demon Slayer, is filled with heart-wrenching events due to its dark, demon-infested world. Given that these demons prey on humans, it’s inevitable that many tragic deaths occur throughout the narrative.

Given the expanding roster of characters around Tanjiro Kamado, it can be challenging to distinguish which ones might meet their end or survive. Therefore, let’s take a look at some heart-wrenching deaths from “Demon Slayer,” explore why they are so poignant, and delve into the reasons that led these valiant characters to their untimely demises.

In the upcoming storyline, the mighty Demon Moons will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge, and that’s before even mentioning Muzan. Despite the fervent wishes of fans for their beloved demon slayers to prevail, they must recognize their limits when facing the most powerful demons in the series.

Caution: This discussion contains major spoilers about character deaths in both the Demon Slayer anime and manga. Read with discretion. If you’ve just finished watching the final episode of the Hashira Training Arc, be extremely cautious while proceeding further.

16. Kotoha Hashibira

Inosuke Is Given The Full Picture Regarding Her Death During The Fight Against Doma

Inosuke’s past remains largely unknown, sparking curiosity among fans. It turns out that there’s a history between him and Doma, revealed when Doma delves into Inosuke’s mind. Intriguingly, it is uncovered that Inosuke, unbeknownst to himself, consumed his own mother who had attempted to betray the cult he leads after she tried to deceive him.

Inosuke is enraged beyond measure, having only just learned about the truth behind his mother’s death. This fury drives him to exceed his usual capabilities and, alongside Kanao, defeat the Upper Rank Two Demon Moon. Fortunately, Shinobu’s expertise with wisteria poison leaves Doma weakened despite appearing victorious initially. In the end, he succumbs to the poison and meets his demise.

15. Kanae Kocho

Her Death Happened Off-Screen, But Its Effects Are Palpable Even Now

Kanae Kocho, also known as the Flower Hashira and Shinobu’s sister, was an exceptional demon slayer. Yet, without the power of the Demon Slayer Mark, she struggled against Upper Rank Demons, such as the Moon Demon. This weakness ultimately led to her tragic demise at the hands of Doma, who could not enjoy his victory by consuming her body due to her status as a fellow demon slayer.

In her final moments, she shared time with Shinobu before her passing. Although her death might have happened prior to the events depicted in “Demon Slayer,” her poignant departure continues to resonate within the series. Dedicating her life to a fierce rivalry against Doma, Shinobu, and later Kanao, honored her teacher’s legacy by mastering the techniques of Flower Breathing as proficiently as possible.

14. The Shinazugawa Family

Genya And Sanemi Had A Tough Life

Genya and Sanemi are two characters often perceived as harsh individuals, yet fans can empathize with Genya following his persistent desire to earn his elder brother’s appreciation. This portrayal may make Sanemi appear cold-hearted, but their tough upbringing within the Shinazugawa family has shaped them into resilient souls.

One fateful day, when their mother failed to return promptly, the family members were struck with terror upon discovering that Shizu had returned, transformed into a dreadful demon. In her demonic state, she slaughtered her own children in a brutal rage, spurred on by her transformation. It was only after Sanemi took action that she could be vanquished. This tragic incident left deep sorrow within Sanemi and Genya, who vowed to hunt down Muzan and destroy every last demon as retribution.

13. Kokushibo AKA Michikatsu Tsugikuni

His Death Isn’t Sad, But Everything Else Around Him Is

Discussing the lofty Upper Moon, it’s worth mentioning that his brother Yoriichi carries an intensely sorrowful history. Through the narrative shared by Michikatsu, we learn that Yoriichi was born with extraordinary abilities, including the Demon Slaying Mark. This difference in power created a deep sense of inferiority within Michikatsu throughout their lives. Michikatsu struggled with emotions like jealousy, self-doubt, resentment, and anger due to his brother’s exceptional abilities. Consequently, his life story is tinged with sadness as he grappled with these complex feelings.

Regardless of the obvious affection his younger brother displayed towards him, Michikatsu ultimately despised this kindness at every turn, eventually transforming into a Demon and slaughtering his fellow Demon Slayers to surpass his brother’s skills (a feat he never achieved). The first Upper Moon is mentioned on his list merely because, had he addressed his feelings towards his brother in his youth, his life likely would have taken an entirely distinct (and probably much more joyful) course.

12. Akaza

As a Human, He Was Haku; As A Demon, He Was The Third Upper Moon

It may appear quite unexpected, given that Akaza is the Third Upper Moon and the very Demon responsible for slaying the Flame Pillar, Rengoku, as depicted in the “Mugen Train” film.

Akaza, similar to numerous other Demons, hails from a sorrowful past and was exploited by Muzan rather than choosing his path willingly. However, it’s essential to note that Akaza himself wasn’t without fault; he was already a ruthless killer as a human. In the end, on the verge of miraculously regrowing his severed head, Akaza elects to succumb instead. This poignant demise is heartbreaking due to the immense potential this character had and his significant role in the series among the intriguing Demons portrayed.

11. The Kamado Family

The Tragic Deaths That Started it All

In the early stages of Demon Slayer, viewers may not immediately notice, but the story unfolds following a sequence of heartbreaking losses. The main character, Tanjiro Kamado, transforms into a Demon Slayer due to personal reasons – he wishes to save and heal his sister Nezuko, who was turned into a demon by Muzan Kibutsuji after he brutally murdered their entire family. Throughout the narrative, we are introduced to Tanjiro’s father, mother, and siblings through flashbacks and significant moments, making them all endearing characters.

Why do the loving family members, whose lives were tragically cut short, rank so low? This could be due to the limited screen time they have outside of Tanjiro’s Sun Breathing-related flashbacks in the anime. Although there are some flashbacks and dreams to offer a glimpse of their characters, viewers don’t get enough time with them to truly appreciate the depth of Tanjiro’s love for his family.

10. Sabito & Makomo

Finding Out About These Deaths Still Hits Pretty Hard, Despite Their Lack of Screentime

In the following sequence, the demise of Sabito and Makomo is revealed to the audience shortly after the passing of the Kamado family. This duo was former pupils of Sakonji Urokodaki, with Sabito even having undergone training alongside Giyu, the Water Hashira.

It transpired that Sabito met his end in a Final Section Test against the Hand Demon, a formidable creature, which usually targeted disciples of Urokodaki, such as Makomo and Sabito. Fortunately, Tanjiro was able to vanquish this terrifying demon, thus releasing both Sabito and Makomo from their lingering regrets and permitting them to move on to the next realm. However, it’s deeply saddening that Urokodaki and Giyu had to endure the loss of their comrades and kin in such a tragic manner.

9. Gyomei Himejima

The Stone Hashira Finally Gets The Apologies He So Deserves

Initially, I thought Gyomei Himejima would be a stereotypical character, all prayer and tears as a monk. Yet, beneath his pious exterior lies a depth I never expected. Although he often fits that mold, there’s a world hidden behind those eyes. This seemingly gentle soul is not just another monk; he’s one of the Pillars with powerful Stone Breathing abilities. But what truly sets him apart is his heart-wrenching backstory. His connection to the twisted Demon, Kaigaku, adds layers to his character that make him so much more than meets the eye.

Gratefully, upon Gyomei’s sad demise during combat with Muzan, he encounters the monastery’s children once more. They deeply regret their mistaken accusations towards him and express sincere apologies. While the story doesn’t explicitly confirm it, it seems plausible that these were genuine encounters rather than mere hallucinations on Gyomei’s part due to the frequent depictions of souls conversing or spirits appearing briefly in this series.

8. Tamayo

A Demon Who Truly Redeemed Herself

Tamayo is one of the kindest and most compassionate characters in “Demon Slayer”. She selflessly cares for humans without expecting any gratitude, making her an exception among demons. Remorseful about her actions, she stands out as one of the few demons trying to make amends. However, beneath this gentle, almost maternal exterior lies a fierce hatred for Muzan, a long-lived demon, which fuels her determination. In a final act against Muzan, the Ubayashikis manage to injure him in a brave yet suicidal attack. Seizing the opportunity, Tamayo restrains Muzan and forces him to absorb her hand along with the Blood Demon Art Spikes that were holding him back. This drug she administered has multiple effects, the most significant being its ability to transform demons back into humans.

Indeed, because Muzan possesses an overwhelming power, his actions don’t yield immediate success, and tragically, he takes Tamayo’s life immediately afterward. However, Tamayo had accounted for her untimely demise in her plans. It’s heartbreaking to see such a lovely character voluntarily give up her life, merely to enhance the prospects of vanquishing Muzan, despite his villainous background in the past.

7. Jigoro Kuwajima

The Previous Thunder Hashira & Zenitsu’s Mentor

The venerable Jigoro Kuwajima, once the Thunder Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, is a character adored by many. Contrary to popular opinion about Zenitsu, one of the main characters often met with disfavor among viewers, Jigoro stands out as a charming and kind-hearted elder, mostly. He held a special affection for Zenitsu akin to a grandfather, patiently endured his excessive cowardice, and was always lending a helping hand to others.

In my observation, his demise was far from peaceful. Stricken with guilt after his disciple, Kaigaku, turned traitor and aligned himself with Demons, he felt compelled to perform Seppuku – a ritual suicide – as a form of penance. However, tragically, no one was present to execute the final beheading, traditionally performed by an assistant during Seppuku. Consequently, Jigoro endured a prolonged and agonizing death due to excessive bleeding.

For those familiar with Demon Slayer lore, it’s worth noting that Kaigaku played a pivotal role in this storyline. Not only did he betray Jigoro, but he also facilitated the arrival of the Demon at Himejima’s monastery, causing devastation in the lives of two pillars.

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2025-09-12 08:39