Summary
Demon Slayerhas received quite a few prestigious awards, recently winning the2024 Crunchyroll Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Animation. The series has been widely appreciated worldwide since its first episode was released in 2021. However,Demon Slayer’sviewers do not fit into one neat, simple category, as the franchise has attracted avid fans from all walks of life.
Tanjiro Kamado’s Japanese voice actor, Natsuki Hanae, revealed in aTimes of Indiainterview theone quality that he believes makesDemon Slayerso universally relatableto all different age groups and genders.
It is very rare to find a series that appeals to such diverse demographics, butDemon Slayer’sfocus on deep and loving relationships with family and friendsresonates with fans from all walks of life, transcending differences like gender and age. This makes the popular shonen series one of the most touching franchises out there, bringing viewers of all generations together with this shared and universally relatable theme.
“At the same time, I think it’s a story that speaks to many fans, regardless of age or gender. And I believe that’s because there is a universal theme of love for siblings and family and the bond between friends at the core of this series.” - Natsuki Hanae,Times of India
Demon Slayer’s“Universal Theme of Love” Makes It Relatable to Many Different Fans
Viewers of Many Ages, Genders, and Life Experiences Can Connect With the Series for This Touching Reason
This theme of “universal love” is present in the lives of nearly every character inDemon Slayer,asthe narrative is very relationship-focusedand heavily explores the bonds between different characters. Tanjiro himself has a number of close, fulfilling relationships with others. One of these ishis sibling relationship with Nezuko. Theirsolid brother-sister bond is specialto each of them, as the pair protect one another from demonic threats, share laughs and smiles, and offer unending support even in the most gruesome and hopeless of circumstances. Even Nezuko becoming a demon was not enough to break apart the sibling pair.
Nothing is more important to this devoted protagonist than the people he loves. His entire inspiration for becoming a demon slayer is centered around his deep affection for others anddesire to keep them safe and protected. Until demons murdered his family, he did not realize how large of a threat they posed. The tragic wake-up call caused the hero to reorder his priorities and devote his life to fighting to stop the demons who threaten the lives and safety of those he loves. After experiencing horrific loss once, he became dedicated to preventing any more from occurring.
Members of the Demon Slayer Corps Fight To Protect Loved Ones From Evil Demons
These Brave Fighters Also Possess an Appreciation for the Sanctity of Human Life in General
Not only does Tanjiro have this crucial family relationship,his friends are always by his sidetoo. Zenitsu and Inosuke are two of the first heroes to cross paths with the young demon slayer and from these initial interactions, the trio became inseparable. They not only help one another in battle, but support each other as people, appreciating the special qualities they each bring to the group. Zenitsu’s thoughtfulness, Tanjiro’s calmness, and Inosuke’s fervor cause all of them to see the world differently, offering unique perspectives to the trio andbringing out the best in each of them.
Apart from Tanjiro’s own interactions, dedicated family and friendship relationships seem to be the thread tying the entire story ofDemon Slayertogether. Many members of the Hashira, including Muichiro and Giyu, for example, fight because they are impacted by experiences of losing someone close to them to a demon. The vast majority of members of the Demon Slayer Corps fight to keep humans safe from demons, realizing the sanctity of human life and how crucial interpersonal relationships are, so they must be protected at any cost from the murderous creatures who kill indiscriminately with no regard for humanity.
Demon Slayer’s Water Hashira Giyu Is More Similar To Tanjiro Than Fans Think
Giyu and Tanjiro, two of Demon Slayer’s most popular heroes, share one surprising and heartbreaking past experience that ties them together.
Love And Cherished Relationships TieDemon Slayer’sStory Together
Even the Demons Possess Their Own Versions of These Enriching Bonds, Although Theirs Are Corrupted by Evil
Interestingly,even some of the demons themselves seem to possess relationshipsand love for other creatures of their kind. For example, Daki and Gyutaro, featured in the Entertainment District arc, are a devoted brother-sister pair, similar to Tanjiro and Nezuko, although they fight for very different goals than the iconic sibling duo. Many of the Upper Rank demons work together amicably and protect one another, although most are unfortunately underthe first demon Muzan’s tyranny. Many of these interpersonal relationships among demons are corrupted by malice and evil, but it is interesting that the story emphasizes bonds between even the most vile, bloodthirsty characters.
Hanae was correct toemphasize how important love is to the story ofDemon Slayer,because without this quality, the franchise would not have had the impact it has enjoyed among countless viewers. Nearly everyone can think of at least one fundamental, satisfying relationship in their life with a person they love deeply, and relate it to the Demon Slayers' care and adoration for the individuals they fight to protect. Furthermore, the story emphasizes how human life should be cherished as a precious treasure, with Tanjiro and other demon slayers expressing their disgust at how casually demons end this beautiful experience for innocent people.
The Prevalence of Death inDemon SlayerMakes Love Even More Important
This Beautiful, Universal Quality Helps Viewers Feel Connected to the Characters and Story
AsTanjiro’s quote to Dakiduring their brutal clash expresses,“A life that’s lost can never return. It’s gone forever.“This quote really hammers home the permanence of death and emphasizes what Tanjiro and the demon slayers battle so fervently to protect. These brave individuals fight out of love, not just for specific humans close to them, but for an all-encompassing, universal human love and desire to protect fellow people. This emphasis on love isone of the most beautiful, heartwarming qualities ofDemon Slayer,creating a universal connection point for nearly anyone who finds themselves watching an episode of the enjoyable series.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Cast
Set in Japan’s Taisho Period, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro, a young boy whose family is killed by demons. With his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a quest to become a demon slayer, seeking vengeance and a cure for his sister’s condition.
