Most Polarizing Demon Slayer Characters Ranked

The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.

Summary

Obanai is cold and unlikable, with few warm moments. Fans are divided between anime and manga readers on their opinion of him.
Tengen is loved for his flashy fighting style but criticized for inappropriate behavior and actions. Fans are polarized in their view of him.
Shinjuro’s tragic backstory and changed behavior do not justify the damage he caused. Fans remain divided on whether to forgive him for his actions.

In “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” we encounter characters with varying upbringings, many of whom have endured unimaginable hardships. Consequently, certain individuals exhibit peculiar behaviors and sometimes take actions that may seem unwise or unusual to others.

It seems there’s a lot of debate among fans regarding these characters. Some viewers feel the complex backgrounds and motivations offered for their actions make the questionable choices they’ve made understandable, while others still aren’t convinced. Based on online chatter and discussions, these characters are generating the most heated debates within the series.

6. Obanai Iguro

The Serpent Hashira

Manga Debut: Chapter 45, titled “Trial by Hashira”

Obanai Iguro’s chilly demeanor and haughty attitude often make him a challenging character to connect with. From the start, he seems to pick on those weaker than himself and appears condescending towards others. Even upon his arrival in Yoshiwara after Gyutaro and Daki’s demise, he fails to express any compassion for Tengen, who has lost an arm and narrowly escaped death.

In simpler terms, I long to vanquish Muzan and hope that act will cleanse my tainted blood. If I’m reborn in a tranquil world free of demons, I promise to express my feelings towards you.

In most instances, Obanai seems cold towards others, but Mitsuri is the rare case where he exhibits warmth. This might explain why many anime enthusiasts aren’t fond of him, yet manga readers often hold a more complex view of his character, appreciating the depth of his personality.

5. Tengen Uzui

The Sound Hashira

Manga Debut: Chapter 44, titled “Against Corps Rules”

Tengen Uzui, an extravagant character, is adored by numerous fans. His dazzling combat techniques and unyielding spirit are admirable. Notably, Uzui plays a pivotal part in defeating Gyutaro and Daki, the ruthless siblings who claimed the lives of approximately 22 Hashira.

At first glance, Uzui may appear as a respectable figure, someone worthy of admiration. Yet, there are numerous fans who feel it’s important not to ignore his actions such as attempting to conscript the girls at Butterfly Mansion for a potentially hazardous task. Things become even more problematic when we consider his inappropriate behavior towards Aoi, despite being married to three women.

4. Shinjuro Rengoku

Former Flame Hashira

Manga Debut: Chapter 67, titled “Looking for Something”

Once upon a time, Shinjuro held a noble position as a Hashira, driven by his commitment to serve the greater good. In the course of his life, he found companionship in a woman named Ruka, and together they welcomed two children into their lives. At first glance, it seemed that the Rengokus were flourishing. However, tragedy struck when Ruka was diagnosed with an incurable illness, which ultimately led to her untimely demise.

Shinjuro resorted to drinking as a means to handle his wife’s passing. Discovering Sun Breathing was the root form of all other swordsmanship techniques left a profound impact on him. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy, he found it challenging to overcome this complex. In the end, Shinjuro neglected his own kids and harbored bitterness for an extended period. Despite showing affection for Kyojuro later on, it came too late to rectify past mistakes. Many viewers found Shinjuro’s altered behavior insufficient to make amends for the harm he had already inflicted.

3. Akaza

The Upper-Rank Three

Manga Debut: Chapter 63, titled “Akaza”

Akaza stands out as a captivating antagonist among Demon Slayer enthusiasts, given that he isn’t universally despised. In fact, certain fans admire him for adhering to an honor code and refraining from killing women for sustenance. However, it’s essential to remember that he is a demon, and as such, can exhibit extreme cruelty.

Indeed, Tanjiro, it’s not that I dislike you, but rather those who are feeble. I contemptuously scorn the frail. Absolutely, they make me feel unwell. In essence, nature dictates that the weak should perish.

In my perspective, Akaza unquestionably believes that the feeble should be eradicated, while only the robust have a claim to survival. Despite some supporters disregarding his harshness upon understanding his past, others struggle to pardon him for slaying Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku.

2. Sanemi Shinazugawa

The Wind Hashira

Manga Debut: Chapter 45, titled “Trial by Hashira”

Sanemi Shinazugawa is a fiery and brusque individual, harboring intense animosity towards demons due to his past experiences. Although his dislike for demons can be empathized with, upon examining his history, it seems that Shinazugawa’s character has been significantly shaped in such a way that he often makes questionable decisions that are difficult to defend.

As an observer, I’ve noticed that opinions about Sanemi among Demon Slayer fans can vary quite dramatically. It seems that this divide stems from whether one has read the manga or only watched the anime. Those who have delved into the manga usually hold a more positive view of Sanemi, while those who have only seen the anime often find him rather grating.

Many fans find themselves critical of Sanemi due to several instances, however, the one that stands out most is when he attempted to render Genya blind during their Hashira training, merely because Genya approached him to discuss their differences. This act has led many manga readers to dislike Shinazugawa and feel that his actions were unjustified, regardless of the hardships the two brothers have endured together.

Supporters of Sanemi frequently highlight the selfless acts he has performed in order to safeguard Genya and guarantee his well-being and longevity.

1. Zenitsu Agatsuma

Jigoro Kuwajima’s Disciple

Manga Debut: Chapter 6, titled “A Mountain of Hands”

Without a doubt, Zenitsu Agatsuma stands out as a highly debated character within the series. On one hand, numerous fans wholeheartedly appreciate and cherish him. However, on the other, there is a considerable group who express discomfort due to his persistent whining and questionable conduct towards women.

I dislike myself more than anyone else, and I often find myself falling short. Despite my constant yearning for self-improvement, I tend to shrink back, flee, or weep instead of taking action. I long to transform, to become a capable individual.

It’s worth mentioning that Agatsuma is often praised by fans as one of the top characters in various surveys. However, he frequently receives criticism from numerous viewers who dislike his excessive theatrics and dramatic behavior.

2025-05-18 18:47