The latest "Swordsmith Village" arc of Demon Slayer offers a lot of the same character interactions, mystery, and gorgeously animated action that the series is known for. The Swordsmith Village serves as the backdrop for the most recent season, when Tanjiro goes to have his sword strengthened and fixed.
The location of the Swordsmith Village is kept a complete secret because it is the only location where weapons that can kill Demons are produced. The whole population of the village, which is devoted to the production of Nichiirin blades, is required to wear a mask that hides their true identity. Why do swordsmiths wear this particular mask, and how does everyone in the profession benefit from having the same distinguishing characteristic on their face?
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What design is the basis for Demon Slayer's Swordsmith Mask?
A pale pink mask with rosy red cheeks and a tiny, projecting tube for its mouth is worn by every swordsmith in Demon Slayer's depiction of Japan. This mask, known as a hyottoko mask in real-world Japanese culture, can also be found in other anime. This mask, which is frequently worn in dance ceremonies together with a headscarf, is modeled after the visage of the popular Japanese comedic character Hyottoko.
The Japanese word "Hyottoko" loosely translates to "fire man," and in some parts of northern Japan, Hyottoko is revered as a fire god. Hyottoko masks have a history with a ceremonial dance in Iwate Prefecture, which is recognized for its iron industrial past. The Hyottoko mask is an apt representation of Demon Slayer's vocation as a swordsmith because of its associations with ironwork and fire in history and culture.
How Effective Are Swordsmith Masks in Demon Slayer as Protection?
The hyottoko mask is worn by swordsmiths to conceal their identities in-universe. Swordsmiths are a natural target for attack whenever they are out from their village to deliver Nichirin blades because they are the only ones who can manufacture weapons that may damage Demons. Given that every swordsmith wears a different form of the hyottoko, even in their own village, there are probably other cultural motivations for wearing the mask. The mask has long been a part of the swordsmith heritage and is probably a status symbol in their community.
The only persons wearing hyottoko masks in Demon Slayer are swordsmiths, which raises the question of how effective these masks are at protecting swordsmiths. After all, if every swordsmith can be recognized by a certain mask, they would be obvious targets for demons whether they were disguised or not. However, aside from its supernatural components, Demon Slayer's Japan is set in a period that is similar to the Taisho Period of actual-world Japan. Thus, if the necessity to blend in ever comes, swordsmiths may be able to pass for regular theater players who are also renowned for their use of hyottoko masks.
