Every Hashira in Demon Slayer, Ranked By Strength (2024)

The Hashira are the strongest warriors in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. They're arguably the most significant characters in the story, as they seek to eradicate the demon menace and bring peace to the world. The Hashira are led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who only allows the strongest fighters to join the Corps. They are always searching for a successor to pass their techniques on to after their death or retirement, which is how both Giyu and Tanjiro learn Water Breathing.

That being said, this tradition is maintained so the Corps always gains stronger fighters as time passes. To become a Hashira, one must neutralize one of the Twelve Kizuki or defeat 50 demons while undergoing intense training that would take five years for the average person. Given how overpowered every single Hashira happens to be, here is a list of every member ranked according to their strength.

Updated on July 29, 2024, by Ajay Aravind: Demon Slayer's Hashira Training arc brought more characters into the narrative, especially those who hadn't been properly highlighted before. Unfortunately, nearly all the Hashira will take part in the final battle against Muzan and his remaining Upper Moons. Considering their potential to change the future of humanity, we have updated this list with some more information.

13 Shinjuro Rengoku Was Once A Formidable Warrior

The Former Flame Hashira

Viewers meet the cantankerous father of Kyojuro Rengoku at the beginning of the Entertainment District arc when Tanjiro visits the Rengoku household to pay his respects. Although he was presumably a formidable fighter in his youth, Shinjuro Rengoku essentially becomes an abusive alcoholic. The former Flame Hashira began drinking after his wife's death, even refusing to take care of his two boys.

Shinjuro also rejected his post because he mistakenly thought that Flame Breathing was a cheap copy of the original Hinokami Kagura. However, he later realizes his mistake. Eventually, it becomes obvious that Shinjuro loved his dead son deeply, as he later swears to maintain the dignity of the Rengoku name. That said, his relatively advanced age and lack of practice means that Shinjuro is the weakest Hashira on this list.

12 Jigoro Kuwajima Maintains Incredible Strength Despite His Age

The Former Thunder Hashira

Jigoro Kuwajima is Zenitsu's mentor. He was the former Thunder Hashira, later nicknamed the "Roaring" Hashira. He's an elderly man, so he's significantly weaker than he was in his prime. In his heyday, however, he was a deadly force who could use every aspect of the Lightning Breathing style. He's knowledgeable about demon-slaying, while also having the patience required to train a scaredy cat like Zenitsu.

Jigoro believes it's his responsibility to prepare the next generation of demon slayers to fight Muzan Kibutsuji, thereby imparting his wisdom to younger warriors. Although Jigoro proved himself a wonderful teacher, one of his students would later become Upper Moon 6. Unfortunately, Kaigaku's decision to accept Muzan's offer causes Jigoro to take his own life out of guilt and shame.

11 Sakonji Trained Some Of The Best Demon Slayers

The Former Water Hashira

Sakonji used to be the Water Hashira, having trained Giyu Tomioka to become his successor. He later becomes Tanjiro's master at the start of Demon Slayer, training the young protagonist in the art of Water Breathing. Sakonji is a genius swordsman with plenty of experience and knowledge to impart to the younger generations. For several aspiring demon slayers, he's a beloved sensei and mentor, including Giyu and Sabito.

Since Sakonji and Tanjiro possess exceptional senses of smell, he also helps the latter hone his skills. Even though he's an old man now, Sakonji still possesses outstanding power, on par with the strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer. He may have kept his body in shape with regular training, unlike Shinjuro Rengoku, but even Sakonji Urokodaki wouldn't last too long in a drawn-out match with the Upper Moon demons.

10 Kanae Kocho Maintained Her Skills Despite Not Fighting Often

The Flower Hashira

Kanae was the former Flower Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps, as well as the sister of Shinobu Kocho. Kanae was one of the few emotionally stable demon slayers, regularly displaying a charming smile on her face. A loving and caring person, she always made sure to protect her family. During her lifetime, Kanae deeply hoped the world would reach a point where humans and demons could peacefully co-exist, despite their shared history of bloodshed.

Kanae hasn't been seen fighting often in Demon Slayer, but her status as a Hashira is a testament to her skills. Moreover, the former Flower Hashira managed to survive a battle against the Upper Moon 2 Doma, even though she later perished from the extent of her injuries. That said, most of the other Hashira are more talented than her in combat, explaining Kanae's ranking on this list.

9 Shinobu Kocho Uses Chemistry To Compensate For Her Lack Of Strength

The Insect Hashira

Even amid the Demon Slayer Corps, Shinobu Kocho stands out from the crowd. She can't tolerate the existence of demons because one of them murdered her sister, although she successfully maintains a calm and kindly exterior. Despite her status as the Insect Hashira, however, Shinobu isn't one of the strongest Hashira in the story. As a result, she develops a fierce, piercing fighting style to compensate for her weakness.

Instead of indulging in direct combat, Shinobu relies on injectable chemical co*cktails. These substances often cause disorientation, even leading to death. She's knowledgeable about medicinal properties and the effects of certain herbal products. Shinobu uses this unique skillset to her advantage whenever the situation calls for it, particularly during her final life-ending fight with Doma.

8 Mitsuri Kanroji Terrifies People Because Of The Power She Wields

The Love Hashira

Mitsuri is a soft-hearted, passionate person who always compliments the people around her. She seems rather preoccupied with her love life and is always on the hunt for a husband. While she hasn't been successful, fans agree her relationship with Obanai Iguro is adorable. Interestingly, Mitsuri develops the style of Love Breathing by using Flame Breathing as a foundation, making it the only Breathing technique of its kind.

As the current and only Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji doesn't hesitate when fighting a demon. Instead, she proves herself to be a deadly combatant against the strongest villains. Mitsuri has special fighting skills, and her muscles are approximately eight times denser than an average human. When Mitsuri activates her Demon Slayer Mark, her power increases exponentially, as fans learn during the Swordsmith Village arc.

7 Obanai Iguro Uses Incredible Skill To Make Up For Pure Strength

The Serpent Hashira

Obanai is the Serpent Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps. He takes his job very seriously and never strays from the metaphorical rulebook. As a result, he has no qualms about openly criticizing and chastising members of the Corps who don't follow the rules. Obanai also doesn't mind antagonizing people like Sanemi Shinazugawa, though that might also be because he just wants to fight the Wind Hashira.

Overall, Obanai is a fundamentalist who would sacrifice himself for the corps and encourages his comrades to do the same. He does care deeply about others — especially Mitsuri. Obanai is a skilled combatant, and his Serpent Breathing techniques make him rather deadly. Despite his short stature and relative lack of physical power, Obanai has proven himself to be one of the strongest characters; anime-only fans will have to wait and see what the Serpent Hashira is capable of.

6 Tengen Uzui Relied On His Training And Fighting Style To Set Himself Apart

The Sound Hashira

Tengen Uzui was the Sound Hashira when he helped Tanjiro decapitate Upper Moon 6 Gyutaro. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire from the Demon Slayer Corps because of severe injuries. Hailing from a lineage of shinobi, Tengen underwent brutal training as a child. He's recognized for his flashiness and desire to always stand out from the crowd and remains one of the strongest Hashira.

Tengen's experience as a shinobi grants him a certain level of expertise when it comes to fighting demons. His Sound Breathing techniques give him a significant edge over his opponents, in part due to a heightened sense of hearing. Even after retiring, Tengen still tries to assist the Corps wherever he can. He plays a notable role in the recently completed Hashira Training arc, and will also be relevant during the Infinity Castle arc.

5 Muichiro Uses Logic To Coldly Finish Any Demons He Faces

The Mist Hashira

Muichiro Tokito is the iconic Mist Hashira and a tremendous force in the Demon Slayer Corps. Relying largely on logic to complete his missions, Muichiro is stoic and believes that emotions have no place in demon slaying — and yet, he's contradicted his own sentiments on multiple occasions. Muichiro can be perceived as rather airheaded since he wanders off on his own and frequently gets carried away by his own thoughts.

That said, he is one of the most powerful Hashira in Demon Slayer. Muichiro single-handedly defeats the Upper Moon 5, albeit after his Demon Slayer Mark activates. Even before killing Gyokko, Muichiro establishes himself by becoming a Hashira at the shockingly young age of 14, making him even younger than Team Tanjiro. The Mist Hashira has yet to reveal the full extent of his powers in the anime.

4 Kyojuro Rengoku's Burning Passion Made Him One Of The Most Powerful Hashira

The Flame Hashira

Kyojuro Rengoku was the Flame Hashira, a position previously held by his now-incompetent father, Shinjuro. Kyojuro's fighting prowess was decidedly impressive, especially since he managed to keep the Upper Moon 3 on his toes for an extended period of time. Even though Kyojuro died at the end of his fight with Akaza, he managed to demonstrate his indomitable willpower in the process. In comparison, Akaza ran away like a coward rather than face death head-on.

Rengoku was passionate about everything he did and was always willing to lend someone a helping hand in their hour of need. Granted, he also had several eccentric qualities. However, Rengoku's strength and dedication outshone his other traits. He was a mighty Hashira because he extensively practiced his Flame Breathing technique, turning it into one of Demon Slayer's most deadly weapons.

3 Giyu Tomioka Represents A Standard For All Hashira

The Water Hashira

The Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka was trained by Sakonji years ago. He's come a long way in learning these techniques and has proven himself a strong combatant on several occasions. Nearly every demon he encounters is overwhelmed by his sheer talents. When his Demon Slayer Mark is activated, Giyu's strength increases beyond measure. Even though Giyu appears emotionally distant and reserved, it's just because he has difficulty expressing himself.

He's actually a sincere, kind person. With his authentic personality and undeniable physical strength, Giyu is truly one of the strongest Hashira in history. Despite Giyu's doubts about his own abilities, he's a consummate Hashira, as only a select few Hashira can come close to the strength he wields and the experience he has. In fact, there are only two others on this list more powerful than Giyu Tomioka.

2 Sanemi Shinazugawa Tricks His Opponents Then Uses His Power To Wipe Them Out

The Wind Hashira

Sanemi is the Wind Hashira and Genya's older brother. Despite his prestigious standing in the Demon Slayer Corps, he's a hot-headed individual who lives for the thrill of fighting. Because of a particularly traumatic childhood event, Sanemi is incredibly distrustful of demons. He outright refuses the notion that demons and humans could somehow coexist peacefully. Sanemi also refuses to bond with his brother Genya, but this is bound to change soon enough.

Sanemi is a fierce fighter and has a rare blood type that even the strongest demons find alluring. He often uses this as bait to lure opponents in before killing them swiftly. His Wind Breathing forms are unmatched, and, paired with his Demon Slayer Mark, Sanemi effectively becomes one of the strongest Hashira. There are very few characters in Demon Slayer on the same level as Sanemi Shinazugawa.

1 Gyomei's Natural Strength And Special Style Make Him The Strongest

The Stone Hashira

As the Stone Hashira recruited by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Gyomei's title suggests he's a stoic, patient man with unwavering willpower. According to Demon Slayer's official statistics, Gyomei's physical abilities are unmatched by any of his peers. Standing at a menacing 7'2½", Gyomei is the definition of a gentle giant.

Stone Breathing is an extremely difficult style to control — let alone master — but Gyomei is living proof that this martial art deserves a lot more recognition than it gets. After promising to participate in Ubuyashiki's dangerous plan during the Hashira Training arc, Gyomei launches an attack strong enough to obliterate Muzan's top half. Once he obtains his Demon Slayer Mark, however, Gyomei becomes nothing less than the strongest Hashira in Demon Slayer.

Demon Slayer

TV-MA

When Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family was attacked and killed by demons, he discovers his younger sister Nezuko was the only survivor. As Nezuko slowly becomes a demon, Tanjiro sets out to find a cure for her and become a demon slayer so he can avenge his family.

Release Date

April 6, 2019

Cast

Zach Aguilar , Abby Trott , Aleks Le , Bryce Papenbrook , Brianna Knickerbocker , Zeno Robinson , Johnny Yong Bosch , Erika Harlacher , Ray Chase , Kira Buckland

Studio

Creator

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll