The demon slayers of Demon Slayer stand as the final protectors of humanity against the demonic forces that stalk the night. These brave warriors belong to an organization devoted to defeating Muzan Kibutsuji and his monstrous army. Among their ranks are the Hashira, elite fighters who sit near the top of the Demon Slayer Corps hierarchy as the strongest slayers.
But even the mighty Hashira cannot evade the grasp of death. As the manga reached its conclusion and Muzan Kibutsuji was cornered, the Hashira began falling one by one against the demon lord and his strongest minions.
Although Demon Slayer‘s manga ended in 2020, anime fans can expect to see plenty more of their favorite demon slayers on screen. The anime is currently adapting the action-packed Swordsmith Village Arc, where the Hashira engage in intense battles.
While none have fallen in this arc yet, many are likely to perish against Muzan. The Hashira deaths so far have occurred in order of events within the story.
List of Deceased Hashira in Demon Slayer Manga
Here is the complete list of Hashira that are dead in Demon Slayer manga.
8. Kanae Kocho
Kanae Kocho stands as one of the earliest named human fatalities beyond Tanjiro’s family. She was the older sister and predecessor of Shinobu Kocho. While soft-spoken and kind, Kanae was no pushover. Her life was cut short by Doma, a powerful Upper Moon demon ranked second amongst that group.
Not much is revealed about Kanae aside from what the story shares. But despite her limited presence, her death still carried weight, catalyzing Shinobu’s motivations to become a demon slayer herself. Kanae’s demise represented a tragic loss while also helping drive the development of another key character.
Cause of Death: Killed by Upper Moon Two (Doma)
7. Jigoro Kuwajima
Mentors are a beloved trope in fiction, and most Shonen heroes have one. Like Tanjiro has Urokodaki, Zenitsu has Jigoro Kuwajima, the former Thunder Hashira.
The old warrior trained two known disciples: Zenitsu and Kaigaku. Zenitsu became a strong demon slayer, but Kaigaku went down a dark path.
Tormented by the shame of losing a student to evil, it’s revealed that Kuwajima took his own life. The exact timing is unclear, but readers can assume it occurred shortly before Zenitsu left for the Final Selection.
As a mentor, Kuwajima represented both the highs and lows of that role. He cultivated a powerful slayer in Zenitsu but also lost another to darkness, a failure that haunted him.
Jigoro’s death reflected the tragedy of a mentor unable to save a prized student.
Cause of Death: Committed Seppuku
6. Kyojuro Rengoku
Kyojuro Rengoku wasn’t the first Hashira introduced, but he left one of the biggest impacts. His flashy design, formidable skills, relatable philosophy, and catchphrase made him an instant fan favorite.
This tragic Hashira death occurs at the end of Mugen Train. While battling Akaza, the Upper Moon Three demon, Rengoku suffers a lethal wound.
However, not before showcasing the Demon Slayer Corps’ might against the fiend. Although Rengoku didn’t get much screen time, he used every moment to inspire that greatness lies within anyone.
Kyojuro’s death was heartbreaking yet heroic. Despite limited time, Rengoku proved himself through his actions and words, making his loss especially devastating.
Cause of Death: Killed By Upper Moon Three (Akaza)
5. Shinobu Kocho
The Demon Slayer Corps knew the odds of survival were slim when confronting Muzan Kibutsuji directly. But not even those odds could deter them, especially Shinobu, who finally had a chance at vengeance against Doma for killing her sister.
Shinobu and Doma’s battle was one of the first when the heroes infiltrated Muzan’s castle. It proved to be a savage fight, ultimately ending in Shinobu’s defeat.
However, she managed to weaken the demon enough for Kanao and Inosuke to rejoin the fray. Shinobu bravely sacrificed herself in a long-awaited confrontation with her sister’s killer.
Despite the tragic outcome, her efforts opened the door for others to continue the fight. Shinobu remained determined for justice even in the face of overwhelming odds, defiant to the end.
Cause of Death: Killed by Upper Moon Two (Doma)
4. Muichiro Tokito
Despite being only 14, Muichiro Tokito was a man of action. His mist techniques were swift and mesmerizing. That may imply a support role, but Muichiro was actually one of the Corps’ greatest swordsmen.
His technical skill allowed him to match blades with Upper Moon One, himself a former swordsman. When infiltrating the castle, Muichiro teamed with Genya, Sanemi, and Gyomei against Kokushibo.
Even together, they barely stood a chance against this overpowered foe. Tragically, the Mist Hashira was sliced apart and cast down. Muichiro’s prodigious talents belied his young age, making him a crucial asset.
His misty techniques dazzled, but his swordsmanship truly shined in battle. Despite the odds, Muichiro bravely clashed blades with the Upper Moon One, showcasing tremendous courage and skill.
His savage defeat demonstrated the immense threat posed by Kokushibo.
Cause of Death: Killed by Upper Moon One (Kokushibo)
3. Mitsuri Kanroji
Mitsuri Kanroji instantly won fans over with her debut in the Swordsmith Village Arc, wielding her deceptive Love Breathing style. Though seemingly meek, Mitsuri was not to be underestimated.
During the Infinity Castle Arc, she teamed with Obanai against Nakime, Muzan’s samisen demon who altered the castle’s layout.
Together, they overcame this foe, enabling Tanjiro to confront Muzan. But that was the end for Mitsuri. Although surviving to witness the battle’s conclusion, she ultimately succumbed to injuries from both fights, dying in Obanai’s arms.
Mitsuri subverted expectations, revealing formidable strength behind her gentle nature. Her partnership with Obanai showed complementary teamwork, overcoming a tricky enemy.
While claiming victory, Mitsuri paid the ultimate price, finally falling to accumulated wounds. She persevered to the end, playing a key part in the final confrontation.
Cause of Death: Succumbed To Injuries
2. Obanai Iguro
Obanai was among the least developed Hashira, so his death may not have struck as hard. But he built a manga fanbase by showcasing hidden strength and kindness beneath the bandages.
Like Mitsuri, he battled Nakime and persevered until his final breath, aiding Tanjiro against Muzan. He died mere moments after Mitsuri, swearing if they ever met again, they would marry and find happiness.
As promised, both were reborn and reunited. Despite limited screen time, Obanai revealed depth, becoming devoted to Mitsuri.
Together, they took down a formidable foe. Obanai fought courageously to the very end, upholding his vow to find Mitsuri again one day.
Obanai’s death was bittersweet, losing his life but gaining love’s promise. Obanai left a mark through his selfless actions and hopes for the future.
Cause of Death: Succumbed To Injuries
1. Gyomei Himejima
Gyomei Himejima stood as the physically strongest Hashira, also boasting a unique fighting style as the sole user of blunt weapons rather than blades.
During the infiltration, his might proved a major asset to the Demon Slayer Corps, even turning the tide against Muzan in the climactic battle.
Though his final blow wasn’t depicted, it was clear Gyomei sustained major damage amidst the struggle. When the dust settled, he succumbed to his extensive injuries, welcomed in the afterlife by the orphans he had raised.
Gyomei’s singular talents and kindness left a mark on the Corps. His brute strength shifted the battle’s flow at critical moments.
Despite violent clashes claiming his life, Gyomei found peace in reuniting with his loved ones after death. He persevered through pain until his final breath, a testament to his selfless spirit.
Cause of Death: Succumbed To Injuries
About Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer unfolds in a fictional version of early 20th-century Japan, where the countryside is plagued by man-eating demons that emerge under the cloak of night.
When 13-year-old Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family viciously murdered, with only his sister Nezuko having survived but been turned into a demon, his world is shattered.
Fueled by grief and a mission to find a cure for Nezuko, Tanjiro begins an arduous journey to join the Demon Slayer Corps – an underground order of elite warriors who have devoted themselves to protecting humanity from these supernatural threats.
As Tanjiro joins their dangerous ranks, the story follows his struggles and triumphs within the organization while also developing an expansive cast of allies, enemies, and complex characters along the way.
Originally serialized in the iconic manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump, which has been home to juggernaut series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and One Piece, Demon Slayer made its debut in 2016, running in the magazine periodically until the finale in 2020.
While the printed volumes saw modest success at first in Japan, the manga exploded in popularity in 2019, coinciding with the release of its 26-episode anime adaptation, capturing fans’ hearts through its beautiful animation and emotional storytelling.
