The enormously successful anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba continues its triumphant run. After a highly anticipated premiere, it has become one of the most-viewed shonen anime of all time.
The show’s protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, has garnered fans across the world, who tuned in en masse for the third season last year. This tremendous popularity has earned Demon Slayer another honor – its latest season was reported as the most-viewed anime program of 2023 in Japan.
According to data from the research firm Video Research Ltd, the Swordsmith Village story arc of Demon Slayer season 3 was the most-watched anime program nationally, averaging around 15.4 million live viewers per episode. Viewership even peaked at nearly 22.8 million viewers towards the thrilling season finale.
These figures demonstrate the continued popularity of the anime among longtime global fans and viewers in its home country alike. With each new season, Demon Slayer retains and grows its devoted audience, underscoring its dominance as one of the biggest anime phenomena today.
The remarkably high viewership statistics make clear the immense popularity and influence commanded by Demon Slayer. It is evident that when anime aficionados declare it one of the greatest shows ever made, they mean it sincerely.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 3 Sets Records as the Most-Watched Anime in 2023
The series has earned a place among legendary battle shonen anime like Naruto and My Hero Academia. Protagonists Tanjiro and Nezuko have resonated strongly with audiences.
Production companies Aniplex and Ufotable have announced there is more to come for the franchise. A fourth season is already in development, which will adapt the Hashira Training arc when released. So for anyone not caught up yet, there is still time to enjoy the acclaimed show.
With each new arc, Demon Slayer continues to captivate viewers. Its success cements its status as a modern anime phenomenon.
The passion from global fans indicates the series will likely remain influential for years to come. While the heights of its popularity are remarkable, the exceptional production values and storytelling make it deserving of recognition.
More About Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 3
After the devastating battle at the Entertainment District, Tengen Uzui emerged gravely injured, having lost an arm. Recognizing it was time to retire from demon slaying, he made the difficult decision to step down.
Alongside him were Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Tanjiro, all unconscious and comatose from their efforts fighting the demons. Some helpers quickly found them and brought them to the Butterfly Mansion to receive medical care and recover.
Meanwhile, the demon Muzan Kibutsuji was enraged by the failures of his demon followers in the Entertainment District. He summoned the remaining Upper Demon Moons to his Infinity Castle.
After scolding them for their failures, he dispatched two of them, Gyokko and Hantengu, to the Swordsmith Village to find and destroy everyone there. Back at the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke had awakened from their comas.
Zenitsu and Inosuke were sent on different missions, while Tanjiro focused on rehabilitating from his injuries.
Since Tanjiro needed a new sword, he was told to meet with his swordsmith Hotaru Haganezuka at the Swordsmith Village. Traveling there with his sister Nezuko, Tanjiro met the village chief Tecchin.
The chief promised he would bring Hotaru to the village to forge a new sword for Tanjiro. While there, Tanjiro visited the hot springs and met fellow demon slayers Mitsuri Kanroji, Muichiro Tokito, and Genya Shinazugawa.
A Battle Against a Robotic Doll and the Emergence of a Mysterious Sword
From afar, Tanjiro observed as Muichiro argued with a young villager named Kotetsu. Tanjiro glimpsed the back of a man who seemed familiar from his dreams.
For interfering, the indifferent Muichiro knocked Tanjiro out, even as he tried defending himself. Upon waking, Kotetsu revealed the “man” was actually an advanced robotic training doll crafted by his ancestors, modeled after a legendary swordsman from long ago.
Tanjiro vowed to protect the doll, but Muichiro suddenly reappeared after intense training and began destroying it. Kotetsu eventually discovered the doll still worked and urged Tanjiro to train with it to surpass Muichiro.
The training was tough – Kotetsu withheld food and water from Tanjiro as punishment when he failed to hit the doll.
When Tanjiro finally passed out from exhaustion, he dreamed of the afterlife and spotted a strange stone in the Sanzu River. This stone enhanced his sense of smell even beyond the Opening Thread.
Using this new ability, he landed a mighty blow on the doll’s head, shattering it and unveiling a hidden sword inside.
To Tanjiro and Kotetsu’s disappointment, the sword was tarnished. Just then, Hotaru appeared, now buff from his own intense solo training.
He promised to craft a superior sword for Tanjiro, then wrestled the old sword away, vowing to improve it. Meanwhile, the two Demon Moons, Gyokko and Hantengu, had infiltrated the Swordsmith Village.
Hantengu encountered Nezuko, Tanjiro, and Muichiro, who swiftly beheaded him.
