The Hashira, or Pillars, were the nine most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps during the Taisho Period in Japan. They were the ones who could stand up against the powerful Twelve Demon Moons that served under Muzan Kibutsuji, the first Demon. Though the Hashira worked together, they eventually started dying off one by one in their battles against the demons, until only one remained.
Who were the Hashira?
The nine Hashira, in order of strength, were:
| 1. Kokushibo |
| 2. Akaza |
| 3. Doma |
| 4. Sanemi Shinazugawa |
| 5. Giyu Tomioka |
| 6. Obanai Iguro |
| 7. Mitsuri Kanroji |
| 8. Muichiro Tokito |
| 9. Gyomei Himejima |
As the most elite warriors in the corps, the Hashira were dispatched to deal with the highest level threats and had special privileges. They worked independently, each covering a different region of Japan. Their diverse breathing styles, experience, and teamwork made them a formidable force against the demons.
What challenges did they face?
The Hashira faced numerous threats during the Taisho era:
– Powerful demons like the Twelve Demon Moons who could challenge and kill Hashira in single combat.
– Swarms of lesser demons that could overwhelm them through numbers.
– Demons who disguised themselves and blended into human society.
– Finding and confronting the elusive Muzan Kibutsuji.
– Coordinating their efforts and sharing information.
– Training junior demon slayers to continue the fight.
– Coping with personal tragedies and losses among their ranks.
The Hashira system had been developed over generations specifically to produce warriors who could overcome these types of challenges. But the Upper Moons also evolved and grew stronger over time, eventually exceeding some of the Hashira’s capabilities.
The Hashira Deaths
Despite their strength, most of the Hashira died in their struggles against Muzan’s demons:
Kokushibo
As the strongest Hashira ever, Kokushibo survived for centuries before finally being killed by the demon slayer Tanjiro Kamado. Originally a human named Michikatsu Tsugikuni, Kokushibo became a demon after willingly turning himself into Muzan Kibutsuji’s “moon”. His enhanced powers allowed him to live on far beyond normal human limitations.
Akaza
Akaza was killed in a battle with Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka. A flamboyant fighter, he was obsessed with personal strength and saw compassion as a weakness. His belief that the strong should mercilessly crush the weak ultimately led to his demise.
Doma
The ice-wielding demon Doma fell in battle against Kanao Tsuyuri and Inosuke Hashibira after Shinobu Kocho sacrificed herself to poison him. His cold and sadistic personality was his downfall, as he underestimated the teamwork of the demon slayers he faced.
Sanemi Shinazugawa
The hot-headed Sanemi fought bravely but was gravely injured by Kokushibo and died shortly after the final battle. Though rough around the edges, he was dedicated to destroying demons despite a tragic past.
Obanai Iguro
Obanai, a stylistic swordsman, was killed while protecting Tanjiro and Kanroji from Muzan Kibutsuji’s tentacles. Though reserved and cynical, Obanai found meaning in helping Kanroji and died heroically for his comrades.
Mitsuri Kanroji
The flamboyant Mitsuri fought hard but ultimately succumbed to her injuries after battling Upper Moon 4. Her empathy and dedication to helping the weak embodied the ideals of the the Demon Slayer Corps.
Muichiro Tokito
The prodigy Muichiro fell against Upper Moon 1 Kokushibo. The youngest Hashira, Muichiro mastered the Mist Breathing technique but even his genius was no match for Kokushibo’s hundreds of years of experience.
Gyomei Himejima
Despite being blind, Gyomei developed an acute sensory ability and almost demon-like strength. But even he could not overcome the coordinated attacks of the Upper Moons and died defending Tanjiro.
The Final Hashira: Giyu Tomioka
After all his comrades perished, Giyu Tomioka became the last remaining Hashira.
Background
Giyu was a dedicated demon slayer ever since his sister was killed by a demon and he was saved by Sakonji Urokodaki. He wielded the distinct Water Breathing technique with precision and skill. Though reserved and stone-faced, he was fiercely protective of his fellow demon slayers.
His Survival
Giyu managed to survive the battles against Muzan’s forces through:
- Masterful swordsmanship allowing him to defeat powerful demons like Akaza.
- Avoiding reckless actions and measuring his risks carefully.
- Coordinating with Tanjiro’s group and the other Hashira.
- Staying focused on his duty of protecting others.
While many of his peers were brash or driven by emotion, Giyu maintained calm discipline even after the losses of his friends. This caution may have helped sustain him.
Final Battle
In the climactic confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji, Giyu put the lessons and sacrifices of his fellow Hashira to use. He:
- Combined his Water Breathing with Tanjiro’s Dance of the Fire God technique to press the attack.
- Covered for Tanjiro when he needed to recover.
- Coordinated distractions and diversions with the other slayers.
- Unleashed all of his strength and techniques to finally destroy Muzan.
Though wounded and exhausted, Giyu endured and survived the final spectacle.
Conclusion
Giyu Tomioka’s survival was due to a combination of skill, discipline, and luck. He lived on to inherit the sacrifices and hopes of all the fallen Hashira. By enduring Muzan Kibutsuji’s assaults and outlasting his comrades, Giyu upheld the Pillars’ duty to protect humanity from demons to the very end. He emerged the last testament of the Hashira’s resolve.