In the world of shonen anime, personal growth and self-discovery are central themes. Shows like Demon Slayer exemplify this tradition with their focus on young heroes overcoming immense challenges. Tanjiro Kamado, the series' protagonist, embodies this journey of self-improvement. While his progress was initially slow, recent developments in Demon Slayer’s narrative have propelled him to new heights, showcasing his full potential just as he prepares to face the ultimate adversary, Muzan Kibutsuji.
Tanjiro Kamado's early training in Demon Slayer seemed conventional and, at times, even monotonous. By the third episode, he was already undergoing rigorous training, but his most significant growth did not occur until the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs in Seasons 3 and 4. Prior to these arcs, Tanjiro’s development was relatively incremental. His training involved standard techniques like Water Breathing and basic swordsmanship, which, while necessary, failed to bring out his full potential. This made his early training sequences feel obligatory and less memorable compared to the dynamic evolution seen in other shonen anime like My Hero Academia or Naruto.
The way Tanjiro made a cute angry expression and ran as fast as he could because of Inosuke's constant questions 😭 what's wrong with him lmao pic.twitter.com/YeAB7YnJGY— Saara🇵🇸|| (@SaaraAdam21) July 29, 2024
One key reason for Tanjiro's slow start is the grounded nature of Demon Slayer's world. Unlike more fantastical series, Demon Slayer presents a more realistic approach to its characters’ training regimens. Tanjiro's initial training under Sakonji Urokodaki and later at the swordsmith village was functional but lacked the fantastical elements that often define shonen anime training sequences. The practice involved traditional drills, like hitting practice dummies, which did little to push Tanjiro beyond his current abilities. This practical approach, while effective for setting the stage, did not facilitate the kind of dramatic growth fans expect from shonen heroes.
Kamado Tanjiro no Uta is still the best insert song in anime🤷♂️ https://t.co/GCicsarpHy pic.twitter.com/ai8zJpdtNG— Esta☀️ (@knyesta) July 25, 2024
However, the Hashira Training arc marked a turning point for Tanjiro. This phase of his development introduced him to a diverse array of fighting styles and techniques that enriched his combat skills. Instead of merely honing existing abilities, Tanjiro was exposed to new breathing styles like Serpent Breathing and Mist Breathing. This exposure allowed him to integrate different techniques into his own fighting style, thus expanding his capabilities beyond what Water Breathing alone could offer. Additionally, Tanjiro embraced Repetitive Action, a technique that required him to continually push his limits and draw on deep emotional reserves. This new form of training was instrumental in revealing his true potential and setting him on a path to becoming a formidable Slayer.
We dont talk enough about how Tanjiro's resistance against Obanai was so strong that HE WAS LITERALLY STRUGGLING TO HOLD HIM DOWN? pic.twitter.com/RrVBQDBmie— Ego👑 (@N0tEgo) July 27, 2024
Tanjiro’s growth extended beyond physical and technical prowess to include his abilities in diplomacy and teamwork. Initially, his interactions with other characters were simple and lacked depth. However, as the series progressed, Tanjiro’s skills in understanding and connecting with others became more pronounced. In the Swordsmith Village arc, he successfully forged an alliance with Genya Shinazugawa, a character who had been antagonistic toward him earlier. This newfound camaraderie was hard-earned and highlighted Tanjiro’s genuine empathy and leadership. His ability to bond with Muichiro Tokito, despite the latter's initial cold demeanor, further demonstrated Tanjiro’s growth in navigating complex relationships. Winning the trust of the cynical Gyomei Himejima also underscored Tanjiro's development into a leader who is not only compassionate but also capable of inspiring trust and respect.
I really like the family themes in this series. It makes me so emotional. The fact that Tanjiro's family didn't go to heaven and they were by their side the whole time, supported them and helped them from behind and people make fun of these themes "power of family" as if it's bad pic.twitter.com/sjvlmFSz5O— Saara🇵🇸|| (@SaaraAdam21) July 29, 2024
I like how the main cast of demon slayer all have one of the 5 senses enhanced
Kanao: sight
Inosuke: touch
Tanjiro: smell
Zenitsu: hearing
Genya: taste pic.twitter.com/UgVPJbN3BA— Tan :) (@4Tanji) July 27, 2024
Tanjiro Kamado’s journey in Demon Slayer reflects a classic shonen narrative of personal growth, but with a unique twist. His early training may have been conventional, but the recent arcs have transformed him into a hero of remarkable depth and capability. As he faces the ultimate challenge against Muzan Kibutsuji, Tanjiro’s evolution into a skilled and empathetic Slayer stands as a testament to the series' commitment to character development and storytelling. His journey not only fulfills the expectations of the shonen genre but also elevates it by blending traditional growth themes with a fresh and engaging narrative approach.
