Summary

  • Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a legendary demon slayer, invented Sun Breathing and had a profound impact on the Demon Slayer Corps.
  • His prowess as a swordsman and creation of unique styles saved the Corps from demons, shaping its future success.
  • The upcoming Infinity Castle movie promises to unveil the mysterious past and life of the enigmatic Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba focuses on the seemingly endless demon-human conflict that has gripped the world in a cycle of violence and tragedies for many centuries. Throughout the series, several characters from diverse backgrounds and walks of life are introduced who impact the narrative in complex ways.

One memorable recurring character is a swordsman from the Sengoku Era who frequently makes appearances in people's memories. On most occasions, these appearances paint a grand picture of this special demon slayer but keep the details about his life a secret. Based on everything that has been said about him in the anime so far, let's understand who he is, what makes him special, and why the Infinity Castle movie is all set to give him the limelight by uncovering intimate details of his life.

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Why Does Yoriichi Tsugikuni Matter So Much?

The Strongest Swordsman to Have Ever Lived

  • Manga Debut: Chapter 99

Demon Slayer Corps is a historical organization that has fought against Muzan and his underlings for millennia to protect humanity. Throughout its history, many brave warriors have been born who have put their lives on the line for the greater good. While almost all of the Corps members deserve praise for their contributions, there are a select few who have had such a great impact on the organization that they have etched their names into legend.

Sumiyoshi... Those who master their trade all arrive at the same place. Even if the times change or the way to that place changes they are certain to reach the same place. You seem to think I'm someone that's special but I'm not. I cannot protect anything that's important to me and I was unable to accomplish even one thing that I should have in this life. I am a man without any value. ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni

Demon Slayer Corps has honed talented swordsmen to fight demons for centuries. But none of its members have shown the talent and dexterity possessed by its naturally gifted warrior, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Even at a young age and without any formal training, he was able to overwhelm adult swordsmen. He was so overwhelmingly strong that even the Demon King feared him and struggled to land a single blow when the two crossed paths with one another.

Tsugikuni's Legacy Has Had Far-Reaching Consequences

The present generation of demon slayers is quite talented. The wisdom and knowledge that the Demon Slayer Corps has accumulated over the centuries help them thrive against dangerous demons. But in spite of all that, they wouldn't have stood a chance against most Upper Moons without the Demon Slayer Mark or, more importantly, the unique breathing styles.

Interestingly, it was Yoriichi who invented the Sun Breathing which ended up becoming the basis for developing other swordsmanship styles. If it wasn't for him, demons in later generations would have overwhelmed the Demon Slayer Corps and perhaps even eradicated it. Tsugikuni was also born with the Demon Slayer Mark, which he passed to other Corps members during the Sengoku Era. This allowed the ancient organization to thrive against demons even in the modern day.

Infinity Castle Movie is All Set to Reveal the Truth About His Past

Yoriichi's Past is Shrouded in Mystery

Yoriichi Tsugikuni has made a few appearances throughout the series so far. It has been strongly hinted in the Hashira Training Arc that the Demon Slayer Mark emerged in his era. Interestingly, in the previous arcs, some instances alluded that he defeated Muzan Kibutsuji, and the Demon King still feared his memories. But aside from those brief moments, nothing concrete is known about the greatest swordsman of all time.

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Yoriichi's personal life is barely mentioned, and it's unclear what he was like at a young age, except for the fact that he was a naturally gifted fighter. Since he has had such a huge influence even on the present generation of demon slayers, it's strange that his life is shrouded in mystery. Learning about him will also reveal how he ushered in the Golden Era of Demon Slayers and what made his generation special.

Most backstories in the series so far have had a deep emotional impact on the overall narrative, so it would not be surprising that once Yoriichi's life story is revealed, fans will have a new appreciation for his character and get a fresh perspective on the tragedies that have shaped the Demon Slayer Corps into what it is today.

What is the value of a life to you? ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni to Muzan Kibutsuji

Luckily for the fans, their wait to learn about Yoriichi's life will finally come to an end, as the Infinity Castle movie is all set to shed light on his past. The arc is expected to explore the circumstances he was born in and the struggles he underwent in his early life. Furthermore, fans will finally get to know how he shaped himself into one of the strongest demon slayers alive and became the source of innovation that continues to impact even the modern generation of demon slayers.

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Demon Slayer
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Release Date
April 6, 2019
Network
Adult Swim
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Studio
ufotable
Creator
Koyoharu Gotoge
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
MyAnimeList Score
8.26 (Hashira Training Arc)