The name Tanjiro has become more widely known recently thanks to the popular anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, in which the main character is named Tanjiro Kamado. But what exactly does the name Tanjiro mean in Japanese? Here we will explore the origins, meanings, and significance of the name Tanjiro.
The Meaning of “Tanjiro”
Tanjiro is made up of two kanji characters: 炭 meaning “charcoal” and 次郎 meaning “next son.” Together, Tanjiro can be interpreted to mean “charcoal next son” or “second son like charcoal.”
The “tan” part of Tanjiro refers to charcoal, which has symbolic meaning in Japanese culture. Charcoal is seen as a source of energy and warmth. It also represents resilience, as charred wood can still ignite and burn. Calling someone “Tan” is like saying they have a strong, warm spirit.
The “jiro” part means second son. First born sons in Japan traditionally inherited family names, wealth, and status. Second sons had more freedom to chart their own paths in life. So Tanjiro denotes someone who is spirited and independent like a second son.
Origin of the Name
Tanjiro as a name has been used historically in Japan, though it was never extremely common. It seems to have peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some real life figures with the name Tanjiro include:
- Tanjiro Toba – a Japanese painter who lived from 1713 to 1784
- Tanjiro Kume – a minister in Japan’s early Meiji government in the late 1800s
So while not a terribly common name, Tanjiro does have some history of usage as both a given name and surname in Japan prior to the Demon Slayer series.
Significance in Demon Slayer
In Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado is the kind hearted protagonist. He is the eldest son in his family, but exhibits traits often associated with second sons in Japan – he is more emotional, compassionate, and open minded compared to many rigid first born sons. Despite hardship, Tanjiro remains strong willed and warm spirited in his fight against demons.
So the name Tanjiro seems very fitting for his personality – he is spirited and warm like “tan” charcoal, but also independent and free thinking like a “jiro” second son. The author likely chose the name purposefully to align with the character’s nature.
Tanjiro’s compassion and resilience in the face of adversity make him a character many fans look up to. His name evokes the image of someone who overcomes challenges through inner strength and determination. So the meaning behind the name Tanjiro is very relevant to his character arc in the series.
Popularity Due to Demon Slayer
Since the launch of the Demon Slayer manga in 2016 and anime in 2019, the name Tanjiro has skyrocketed in popularity for Japanese babies. It went from basically unlisted in Japan’s top 100 baby names to coming in at #13 for boys in 2020!
Clearly, the heroic protagonist has made the name much more visible and appealing to modern Japanese parents. The positive traits associated with Tanjiro are driving this surge in popularity.
Tanjiro in Japan’s Top Baby Names
| Year | Rank for Boys |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Not ranked |
| 2019 | Not ranked |
| 2020 | #13 |
Demon Slayer has turned Tanjiro from an obscure name to a top choice seemingly overnight! This reflects the cultural impact the series has had in Japan. Parents want their child to have the strong, kind-hearted spirit of the protagonist.
Tanjiro in Pop Culture
Beyond its use as a baby name, Tanjiro has become entrenched in pop culture thanks to Demon Slayer’s massive success. Some examples include:
- Music – J-pop singer Da-iCE released a song titled “Tanjiro no Uta” in 2020 which is dedicated to the character.
- Events – People dressed as Tanjiro frequently appear at anime conventions and cosplay gatherings.
- Goods – Tanjiro is featured prominently on all kinds of Demon Slayer merchandise, figurines, and toys.
Tanjiro’s popularity rivals that of other classic anime protagonists like Son Goku, Naruto, and Monkey D. Luffy. He has essentially become the face of 21st century anime fandom along with Demon Slayer’s other iconic characters.
Conclusion
So in summary, the meaning behind the name Tanjiro relates symbolicly to the character’s strong spirit and kind nature. Its usage in Demon Slayer has caused the previously obscure name to skyrocket in popularity for Japanese babies. And Tanjiro has become a highly recognizable figure across anime and Japanese pop culture. So the name Tanjiro now carries a distinct image and significance thanks to its association with the beloved protagonist.