Demon Slayer is regarded as one of the best modern anime for a variety of reasons. Its main storyline is compelling, its action sequences are breathtaking, and its heroes are adorable characters that fans will defend until the end. Yet, one of the most inspiring reasons for the series’ success involves the protagonist’s dialogue.
Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of Demon Slayer, spends a lot of his time on screen talking. Viewers are often granted access to his inner monologues when he isn’t speaking, which usually serve as the voice of reason during tough times. Either way, Tanjiro is an excellent source of valuable life lessons. His words carry a lot of meaning and speak volumes about his character.
Updated on July 8, 2023, by Kennedy King: With Demon Slayer’s Swordsmith Village Arc now concluded, Tanjiro Kamado is closer than ever to achieving his goal of saving his sister, Nezuko, and defeating the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji. Along the way, he has uttered some of the shonen genre’s best quotes, reminding fans why Demon Slayer is one of the most beloved anime in recent memory.
15 “Your Big Brother Will Save You No Matter What!”
Episode 1: “Cruelty”
I swear your big brother will save you no matter what!
Tanjiro Kamado loses his father before the events of Demon Slayer, and during the series’ first episode, the majority of his remaining family members are murdered as well. Only his eldest sister, Nezuko, remains, and even she is suffering from the same affliction that turns most people into full-fledged demons.
Rather than give up on Nezuko, Tanjiro pledges that he will save his younger sister, setting the tone for the entire series moving forward. They both risk their lives to protect one another from the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, and earn his begrudging respect in the process.
14 “All I Can Do Is Work Hard!”
Episode 3: “Sabito and Makomo”
Work at it. All I can do is work hard! That’s the story of my life!
The beginning of Tanjiro Kamado’s journey is defined by the same recurring theme as many modern shonen anime: hard work. The odds are stacked against Demon Slayer’s protagonist, so if he wants to have any chance at saving his sister, Nezuko, then he’ll need to outwork all of his competition.
During his training to become a demon slayer, Tanjiro is put through test after test by his mentor, Sakonji. At first, the aspiring swordsman struggles, but rather than feel discouraged, he acknowledges that only hard work will get him where he wants to be in life.
13 “You Have No Choice But To Go On Living.”
Episode 7: “Muzan Kibutsuji”
No matter how many people you may lose, you have no choice but to go on living — no matter how devastating the blows might be.
Demon Slayer consistently explores the themes of loss and grief, so it comes as no surprise that the series’ most emotional moments revolve around them. One of these instances occurs when Tanjiro consoles Kazumi, a villager who lost his fiancee to the Swamp Demon.
Few characters understand what it feels like to lose their loved ones more than Tanjiro Kamado. Despite the death of almost his entire family, Demon Slayer’s protagonist perseveres, if for no other reason than to provide solace to individuals like Kazumi.
12 “I’ll Never Forgive You No Matter What!”
Episode 10: “Together Forever”
Muzan Kibutsuji! No matter where you go, you’re not getting away! I’ll follow you to the ends of Hell, and I swear I’ll slice your head with my blade! I’ll never forgive you no matter what!
Tanjiro Kamado crosses paths with Muzan Kibutsuji, Demon Slayer’s primary antagonist, early in the series, but chaos ensues and prevents the pair from squaring off. To distract the young demon slayer, Muzan turns a passing civilian into a demon, allowing him and his family to flee.
The hatred that Tanjiro feels for Muzan is palpable, and when he realizes that the villain slipped through his grasp, he’s understandably frustrated. Later, when Tanjiro defeats two of Muzan’s subordinates, he declares that he’ll follow the Demon King to the “ends of Hell” to stop his reign of terror.
11 “Use Your Head, Not Just Spirit.”
Episode 13: “Something More Important Than Life”
Spirit alone isn’t gonna get me anywhere! Use your head, not just spirit. Think, think, think.
In Season 1 of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro encounters the demon known as Kyogai, a former member of 12 Kizuki. The demon uses drums to reorient his home, Tsuzumi Mansion, and during his fight with Tanjiro, he almost overwhelms the young demon slayer.
As Kyogai pushes Tanjiro to his limits, Demon Slayer’s protagonist is forced to pause and contemplate a different strategy. Eventually, he realizes that it will take more than “spirit” to defeat his opponent — he’ll have to use strategy and his quick wits as well.
10 “I Can Do It!”
Episode 13: “Something More Important Than Life”
I can do it. I know I can do it. I’m the guy who gets it done, broken bones or not. No matter what, I can do it! I can fight!
Going into his fight against the demon of Tsuzumi Mansion, Tanjiro Kamado is still suffering from multiple injuries that occurred in his last battle. Even though the odds are stacked against him, Tanjiro keeps his cool and stays on-task, eventually defeating Kyogai in a single blow.
One of the most inspiring things about Tanjiro is his ability to self-motivate. He has every reason to give up when he loses the advantage against Kyogai in Tsuzumi Mansion, but after a brief pep talk, he regains his footing and remembers his training under Sakonji.
9 “You Gotta Protect Nezuko!”
Episode 19: “Hinokami”
Don’t stop! Run! You gotta protect Nezuko! Even if it means getting slashed by him at the same time!
The first season of Demon Slayer is full of great moments, but none are more remarkable than Tanjiro’s fight with Rui, the Lower Five of the 12 Kizuki. The climax of their fight ranks among the most well-animated sequences in the history of shonen anime, and it sets the tone for the entire series moving forward.
Rui is easily Tanjiro’s most formidable foe by the time they square off. However, no matter how imposing the threat, Tanjiro proves time and time again that he will risk everything for the sake of his sister, Nezuko, even when the odds are stacked against him.
8 “Because Demons Were Humans…They Were Humans Like Me.”
Episode 21: “Against Corps Rules”
I will not trample on the pains of being a demon, nor on those who regret their actions. Because demons were humans…they were humans like me.
After Rui is defeated at the end of Demon Slayer’s first season, his body dissolves. Rather than show respect for his enemy, Giyu Tomioka steps on the demon’s clothes, prompting an unlikely figure to speak up in the villain’s defense — Tanjiro.
Despite Tanjiro’s determination to kill demons, he refuses to overlook their humanity. Giyu’s disrespect goes completely against Tanjiro’s perspective, and in an admirable display of sympathy and understanding, he stands up to one of the Demon Slayer Corps’ strongest members to defend the demon’s honor.
7 “If You Can’t Tell The Difference Between Good Demons And Bad Ones, Then You Don’t Deserve To Be A Hashira!”
Episode 22: “Master of the Mansion”
If you can’t tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you don’t deserve to be a Hashira!
After defeating Rui and his “family” of demons, Tanjiro and Nezuko are put on trial in front of the Nine Hashira. One of their members, Sanemi Shinazugawa, shows little restraint during the encounter and lets his hatred of demons boil over. He grabs the box containing Nezuko, runs his blade through it, and enrages Tanjiro, which eventually causes the protagonist to attack the Hashira.
Tanjiro catches the Wind Hashira off-guard with a headbutt, knocking him to the ground. While Sanemi recovers, Tanjiro challenges his worth as a Hashira and makes a distinction between his sister and the other demons that Sanemi has encountered.
6 “All Of Your Emotions, I’ll Carry Them Into The Battlefield.”
Episode 26: “New Mission”
Because you kindly helped me out, Aoi, you’re a part of me now. All of your emotions, I’ll carry them into the battlefield. If I get hurt, I hope you’ll look after me again!
By the very last episode of Season 1 of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro has fully recovered from his encounter with Rui and the demon’s followers. Before he leaves for his next mission, Tanijiro seeks out Aoi Kanzaki, the stern but kind helper who nursed him back to health at Butterfly Mansion.
Aoi puts on a gruff demeanor, but in all reality, she’s dedicated her life to rehabilitating injured members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Tanjiro recognizes her contribution, and in an effort to display his appreciation, he tells the helper that he’ll fight to defend her hopes and dreams moving forward.
5 “It’s The Heart That Drives People, So It Can Grow As Strong As You Need It To.”
Episode 26: “A New Mission”
Remember: it’s the heart that drives people, so it can grow as strong as you need it to.
Just before the beginning of the Mugen Train arc, Tanjiro Kamado has a conversation with Kanao. During the exchange, Tanjiro learns that Kanao uses a two-sided coin to make her decisions, primarily because she is completely apathetic towards her own situation.
After Kanao tells Demon Slayer’s protagonist that nothing matters to her, Tanjiro can’t help but intervene. He tells her that she must lead with her heart and make her own decisions, and with a final toss, Tanjiro helps Kanao start to realize that she no longer needs the coin.
4 “I Feel Like I’m Falling Behind!”
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Why is it [that] when you’re close to accomplishing something, another barrier appears?… I feel like I’m falling behind!
By the end of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, a major battle involving a Hashira, several demon slayers, and multiple members of the 12 Kizuki has concluded. Tanjiro Kamado is overcome with grief and frustration at the loss of Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, and he feels that no matter how hard he trains or how strong he becomes, it will never be enough.
Tanjiro’s vulnerability is a welcome reprieve from the tired shonen formula, serving as a message to its viewers that it’s normal to feel inadequate in the face of great loss or challenge. What truly matters isn’t how much one fails — it’s about never giving up on their goals.
3 “You’re The One Who Lost!”
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Rengoku didn’t lose! He didn’t let anybody die! He fought to the end! He protected them to the end! You’re the one who lost! It’s Rengoku who won!
In an effort to exact revenge for the dying Rengoku, Tanjiro hurls his Nichirin blade at the fleeing Akaza, the 12 Kizuki’s third-strongest member. The up-and-coming demon slayer manages to hit Akaza squarely in the chest, but it isn’t enough to stop the demon from disappearing into the trees.
Tanjiro knew his efforts were futile, especially after seeing the extent of Rengoku’s wounds. As his frustration boils over, Tanjiro relentlessly berates the fleeing Akaza, simultaneously venting his rage while also attempting to trick the demon into stepping back into the sunlight.
2 “Don’t Insult My Family!”
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
There’s no way they’d ever say that! Not ever! Not my family! Don’t insult my family!
In Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Nezuko, and Rengoku battle furiously to save the train’s occupants from Enmu, the strongest member of the 12 Kizuki’s Lower Six. This battle comes to a head when Enmu, whose Sleep Demon Blood Art proves to be of little use against Tanjiro, traps Tanjiro in a nightmare.
By using Tanjiro’s memories of his family to create brutal nightmares, Enmu pushes Demon Slayer’s protagonist to the brink of defeat. Unfortunately for Enmu, this attempt at psychological torture backfires when Tanjiro sees right through it, having never doubted his family’s love for him.
1 “The Strong Should Aid And Protect The Weak.”
Chapter 148: “Clashing”
The strong should aid and protect the weak. Then, the weak will become strong, and they in turn will aid and protect those weaker than them. That is the law of nature.
The Demon Slayer manga still has plenty of content that hasn’t been adapted into the anime, including many quotes that drive toward the very heart of the series. At one point, Tanjiro acknowledges his responsibility to protect others as one of the Demon Slayer Corps’ strongest combatants.
Tanjiro’s commentary is reminiscent of Roy Mustang’s quote from Fullmetal Alchemist, in which he states, “I’ll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love. In turn, they will protect the ones they love.” The concept implies a trickle effect where one person’s good intentions could empower those they help and so forth.
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