Why Is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba So Popular?

One of the most popular anime today is revving up fans in Australia and all over the world, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down! Demon Slayer (Kimetsu No Yaiba) has made a mark in the minds of anime enthusiasts and Japanese culture buffs, that many experts believe it will be one of anime history’s most propagated and most talked about franchise. We won’t be surprised if Demon Slayer would have spin-offs (and even a reboot in the future, just like Rurouni Kenshin).

So what do you expect when an anime series is so critically acclaimed that it becomes too hot to handle? It reaches out to more fans with officially licensed toys and collectables, allowing them to take the action to their homes. The good news – Mr Toys is here to bring them to you!

Yet, what is it about Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba in Japan) that has gripped the hearts of kids and fans in Australia and around the globe?

Tanjiro’s Life Journey Cuts through the Heart

Based in the historical backdrop of Taisho-era Japan, the Demon Slayer epic saga centres around Tanjiro Kamado, a young man thrust into a life of demon slaying after the demon lord, Muzan Kibutsuji, almost annihilated his entire family. The sole survivor is his younger sister, Nezuko, who is turned into a demon albeit not completely.

Tanjiro learns to channel his grief into resolve, embarking on a quest as a Demon Slayer to seek vengeance against Muzan and his horde of demons, while looking for a cure to Nezuko’s forced transformation.

Despite the sorrow and the gut-wrenching reality that engulf Tanjiro, his story delivers a beacon of hope, spotlighting the inspiration he draws from his family and friends. As the episodes unfold, viewers are immersed into a world where good and evil draw the line. In trying to find ways to avenge his family, Tanjiro discovers that the demons he fights have a not-so-monstrous backstory of a past life.

Throughout his journey, Tanjiro retains his sense of sympathy and kindness, demonstrating the ability to see the existence of humanity behind the monsters and villains. Because of this, many fans attribute him the title of “Compassionate Avenger.”

Have a look at our range of Tanjiro Kamado toys!

Nezuko – The Demon and Human Collide

Nezuko Kamado, Tanjiro’s younger sister, is a unique character in the Demon Slayer series. Because her transformation into a demon is not complete, Nezuko retains human emotion and thought, setting her apart from other villainous demons. Instead of consuming human flesh, Nezuko replenishes her strength through long periods of sleep, a notable divergence from typical demon behaviour.

In the series, Nezuko demonstrates her kindness, protective instincts (especially towards her brother Tanjiro), child-likeness, and strong resolve to prevent her demon-self from taking full control of her character.

The reason for Nezuko’s incomplete demon transformation is not known. Yet, some fans theorise it’s because Tanjiro and Nezuko’s bond and sibling-love for each other is stronger than the curse.

Have a look at our range of Nezuko Kamado toys!

The Demon Slayer Corps

After the massacre of his family, Tanjiro’s life takes another dramatic turn when he is recruited by Giyu Tomioka, a member (and Hashira) of the clandestine Demon Slayer Corps. Tanjiro undergoes training under the stern guidance of Sakonji Urokodaki, learning the Water Breathing technique.

As the series progresses, viewers are taken along Tanjiro’s journey from an ordinary young man to an official member of the Demon Slayer Corp. He later discovers his ancestral link to the more powerful Sun Breathing technique, which becomes his signature demon-slaying arsenal.

Hidden from the awareness of the Japanese public, the Demon Slayer Corps has been waging a centuries-long battle against Muzan Kibutsuji and his army of demons. Without recognition and support from the existing government, the members of the Corps conduct their operations covertly, led and financed by the Ubuyashiki family. Their primary goal is the total eradication of demons, including saving the victims.

The Hashira – Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corp

Just like any paramilitary organisation, the Demon Slayer Corps has a hierarchical structure. The pillars are called Hashira. To become a Hashira, one must have either slayed a member of the Kizuki (an elite group of demons) or have defeated at least 50 demons. The Hashira serve as the second-highest authority under the Corps' leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. They are responsible for maintaining order in the Corps, conducting patrols, and gathering crucial information in their designated regions throughout Japan.

Each Hashira is a master of a unique Breathing Style, the fighting technique they use during battles. These elite Demon Slayers undergo special training to enhance their physical abilities and coordination in cooperative attacks for total demon destruction. Some have achieved the exceptional status of awakening their Demon Slayer Mark.

Muzan and the Vile Kizuki Elites

In the shadows of Taisho-era Japan lurk the elite and powerful lackeys of Muzan – the Kizuki! They are divided into 2 groups: Upper Rank and Lower Rank. Each Kuzuki possess a distinct Blood Demon Art which they use as their main killing weapon.

Muzan bestows special privileges upon the Kizuki, including increased strength and the power to turn humans into demons. The Kizuki are specifically tasked to find the elusive Blue Spider Lily (the medicine flower that cured Muzan’s disease but turned him into a demon), destroy the Demon Slayer Corps, and capture Nezuko Kamado due to her unique immunity to sunlight. If they fail or are defeated, they face dire consequences... even death!

Fun Fact about the Inspiration for Demon Slayer

Many anime series draw inspiration from other anime franchises, and even from Western pop culture. For Demon Slayer, longtime anime fans can’t help but notice the parallelisms between Tanjiro Kamado and Kenshin Himura (the main character of another legendary anime, Rurouni Kenshin).

Recently, the creator of the Demon Slayer manga, Koyoharu Gotouge, reveals that the techniques, themes, and character development she uses for writing the story were inspired by watching Naruto, Bleach, and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Fans are not surprised since these anime shows are popular and influential in the anime community as well.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Toys for Kids and Fans

Have you been captivated by the art, animation style, character development, dialogue, action scenes, soundtrack, and overall plot of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba? Bring the heroes and villains home, and re-create your favourite battle scenes by shopping for Demon Slayer toys! Our range includes Pop! Vinyls, action figures, and other fun collectables.

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