Who are the Hashira in Demon Slayer?

In the world of Demon Slayer, the Demon Slayer Corps is humanity’s last line of defense against Kibutsuji Muzan and his man-eating army. Unfortunately, however, not all Demon Slayers can hold their ground against the vile monstrosities.

The average Demon Slayer may be able to fight and even eliminate lower-ranked demons on their own, but they are helpless prey to stronger ones, especially the Upper Moons. The only Demon Slayers who can match these powerful monsters are the Hashira.

The Hashira are the strongest Demon Slayers

The Hashira is the highest achievable rank for a Demon Slayer. Unlike many organizations, the Hashira title is earned and not just handed out, especially since the Hashira are the strongest warriors among all the Demon Slayers.

Each Hashira is a master of a Breathing Style, which can either be taught to them or developed by them. They are strong enough to make easy work of the average demons, as well as hold their ground against Muzan’s strongest henchmen — the Twelve Demon Moons.

When Tanjiro joined the corps, there were nine Hashira. They were:

• Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira
• Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
• Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira
• Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira
• Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira
• Obanai Iguro – Snake Hashira
• Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
• Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira

Unfortunately, Rengoku was felled by Akaza and Tengen was incapacitated during the Entertainment District Arc. In the latest season of the anime, the Hashira Training Arc, only seven Hashira remain active.

How to become a Hashira?

To become a Hashira, a Demon Slayer must prove their capabilities. There are two known ways to do that. The first is to either slay 50 demons while still at Kinoe rank or defeat a Demon Moon. The other option is to become a Hashira’s Tsuguko, which is basically both their protégé and successor.

Becoming a Tsuguko is also a task of its own. It’s a position that can be applied for, but it is ultimately up to the Hashira whether to accept the application. The Hashira may also scout and recruit their own Tsuguko, as what Rengoku tried to do to Tanjiro.

While becoming a Tsuguko almost guarantees becoming a Hashira, that will only come to fruition should the Tsuguko’s respective Hashira perish or retire.