Demon Slayer is one of the most popular anime of the last couple of years, and one need only look at its stellar animation to realize why this is the case. Ufotable has proven time and time again that their animation work is second to none, with Demon Slayer setting the bar for what is possible in the realm of animation. The show has made it quite clear time and time again that the powerful Hashira introduced near the tail-end of the first season will play a huge role in saving humanity from demons.

Time and time again, these Hashira have shown that they're not to be messed around with. The ease with which they defeated a Lower Rank Demon Moon made it clear that these demon slayers are not to be trifled with, and it seems that the Upper Rank need to fear these tough swordsmen as well. The sheer level of strength these swordsmen boast is massive, although there's no denying that some of the Hashira are simply stronger than the others in every way. Fans can't wait for all of these swordsmen to awaken their mark since it would help them stand toe-to-toe with the Upper Rank Kizuki and give them a taste of their own medicine.

Updated on March 13, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Demon Slayer is one of the most popular anime of all time. Ufotable's incredible animation work has paid dividends, with the show making a huge splash from the very first season and becoming a mainstream anime ever since. Fans love the amount of love and detail put into each frame of this series, with the widespread success of the Mugen Train movie further lending credence to this IP as one of the very best to arrive in modern times. The Hashira in Demon Slayer are the toughest swordsmen around, sharing a history with the series' toughest demons and helping Tanjiro and the other budding demon slayers become competent fighters in their own right.

13 Jigoro Kuwajima

The (Former) Thunder Hashira

In their current states, the former Hashira won't be able to hold a candle to the strengths of their modern counterparts. However, this in no way indicates that these people were weak in their past — it just means that the new generation has caught up to them and, in some cases, surpassed them.

After all, no one can say that Jigoro Kuwajima is an outright weak person. He was once the Thunder Hashira, which clearly indicates he used to possess vast power. It's only natural that he'd be overtaken, but he set the groundwork for the Hashira who came after him. The fact that he taught a genius like Zenitsu to become a master of Thunder Breathing by mastering just a single style is proof enough of how powerful he really is.

12 Sakonji Urokodaki

The (Former) Water Hashira

Just like Kuwajima, it would be impossible to write off Urokodaki as an outright weak person. His title as the Water Hashira of the past means that he was one of the most powerful Demon Slayers around, at a certain point. This is obviously a major achievement, and it can confidently said that Urokodaki would decimate most of his opponents if he'd managed to awaken his demon slayer mark too.

As a master of the technique, Urokodaki even taught Water Breathing to the current Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka. This, in itself, should prove just how vast and amazing Sakonji's legacy really is. After all, he was able to turn Tanjiro into a powerful user of Water Breathing, even though that wasn't his natural style. Given how talented and powerful Tanjiro has become since then, his mentor should be commended for setting a great foundation which Tanjiro could build upon.

11 Shinjuro Rengoku

The (Former) Flame Hashira

The Rengoku family has held the mantle of being the Flame Hashira for generations. Kyojuro's passion for his craft could be seen in each and every scene featuring him, and it's a shame that he bid his farewell a bit too soon. Not much is known about Shinjuro Rengoku, Kyojuro's father who once held the position of the Flame Hashira. However, achieving this title is no meager feat in itself. It's clear that Shinjuro had to go through a lot of trials and tribulations to be recognized at such a high level.

While his image may have been marred following his alcoholic rant deriding his own son's sacrifice, it's clear that this character has his own personal demons that he's been dealing with for quite some time. This can be seen later on in the series when he's genuinely heartbroken about his child's loss, with Tanjiro deserving some credit for making the heroic Flame Hashira's father see the light.

10 Kanae Kocho

The (Former) Flower Hashira

Just like Shinjuro, not a lot is known about Kanae's time as the Flower Hashira. However, it's a given that she was extremely powerful since everyone holds her in high regard to this day. She left behind many people who mourn her demise and actively hate the demon responsible for cutting her life short in such a brutal manner.

The fact that Doma killed her is going to be a source of great anger for both Shinobu and Kanao. Only time will tell how both warriors will deal with this battle, once they come face to face with this Upper Rank demon. Demon Slayer's manga might've ended its run, but anime-only fans are still in the dark when it comes to this impending confrontation.

9 Tengen Uzui

The Sound Hashira

The Sound Hashira might have a cool character design, but his power isn't anything noteworthy. This is especially true when compared to some other Hashira in Demon Slayer who boast truly impressive powers. Of course, this statement would be different if Tengen had awakened his Demon Slayer mark, but he retired before reaching the true depths of his potential.

As a result, Tengen Uzui has to deal with the moniker of being the least powerful Hashira around. Of course, that's not the worst thing in the world, as all Hashira are strong. He's still incredibly powerful and can give any demon a run for their money. It's a shame that he retired before getting a power boost that would let him enhance his abilities and deal with tougher demons.

8 Shinobu Kocho

The Insect Hashira

Shinobu Kocho is a capable Demon Slayer who is worthy of being the Insect Hashira. That being said, she's arguably the weakest Hashira when it comes to pure strength. However, brawn is not the only way to determine power in Demon Slayer. Shinobu's sharp mind coupled with the effective way in which she wields poisons in battle makes her a force to be reckoned with no matter what.

Brute strength may be missing in Shinobu's arsenal, but it's her other powers that really make her a force to be reckoned with regardless. The show has revealed the grudge she has against Doma for killing her sister, Kanae Kocho. It's clear that this demon slayer is on a collision course against the Upper Rank 2 Demon Moon, and fans can't wait to see how their conflict shapes up in the events to come.

7 Kyojuro Rengoku

The Flame Hashira

Rengoku is easily one of the most lovable Hashira in Demon Slayer. This is why it's a shame that he succumbed to the wounds that he suffered in his fight against Akaza. Regardless, the strength that Rengoku showed in this encounter was still incredible to behold. In fact, he could've actually defeated Akaza had he not been exhausted after saving everyone on the Mugen Train.

Fans will rue the fact that he missed out on a power-up that would've made this likable character even more daunting in battle. His death was a huge turning point in the series, showing just how much of a gulf there was between the Upper Rank demons and the Hashira at that point. It was an emotional moment that drove Tanjiro, his friends, and the rest of the Demon Slayers to get as strong as possible and deal with the threat posed by Muzan's top brass.

6 Mitsuri Kanroji

The Love Hashira

At a glance, the Love Hashira doesn't really look like a fighter who boasts a ton of raw strength. However, looks can be very deceptive — Mitsuru Kanroji actually boasts one of the highest raw strength levels in the Hashira. After all, no mere mortal would be able to rip out Muzan's tentacles with ease.

Swordsmith Village showed just how strong this Hashira is, wielding a whip-like nichirin blade that looked pretty unique and gave Hantengu's toughest form a run for his money. She also managed to manifest the demon slayer mark in record time, allowing her to fight on equal ground against this powerful foe and emerge victorious! It was a great moment that redeemed a character who didn't get a lot of screen time during her battle, with Tanjiro and Muichiro hogging a lot of the spotlight instead.

5 Obanai Iguro

The Serpent Hashira

The Serpent Hashira hasn't really got the time to shine in the anime. However, manga readers know precisely how much power Obanai Iguro houses. He's easily one of the strongest members of the Hashira and can hold his own in a fight against the toughest demons around. One can only wait and see how the anime will do justice and display the massive strength of this character.

As one would expect from the Serpent Hashira, Obanai is cold, calculating, and ruthless. His debut appearance has already made these aspects of his personality fairly obvious for viewers to see. However, this doesn't mean that he's a complete savage, and will definitely stand on the side of good in the battle against Muzan and the remaining Upper Rank Kizuki. Fans can't wait to see his powers in action when the Serpent Hashira is eventually called into battle.

4 Muichiro Tokito

The Mist Hashira

Muichiro is a fascinating character who seems a bit too apathetic for his own good, even if his indifferent nature doesn't stem from any malice. The Mist Hashira whipped out a litany of amazing moves and took Gyokko out after manifesting his demon slayer mark and completely obliterating this twisted artisan who loved to mangle the bodies of people for his sickening amusement.

He was pushed to the very brink, yet managed to still snatch victory back from the jaws of defeat and single-handedly killed an Upper Rank demon, which is no mean feat. Muichiro's tragic backstory makes it clear that he's a fascinating character whom viewers have gotten pretty attached to over the course of the series. The way he shone during the Swordsmith Village arc was incredible and led to the demon slayer amassing a huge number of fans in no time.

3 Giyu Tomioka

The Water Hashira

Out of all the Hashira present in Demon Slayer, Giyu Tomioka has had the most valuable screen time in the anime as of now. His powers were a treat to behold, and the manner in which he was able to make short work of Rui made it extremely clear that the high-level Hashira was a force to be reckoned with.

Given Tanjiro's talents with Water Breathing, most people assumed that he'd spend a ton of time with Giyu Tomioka in a bid to improve his swordsmanship. Of course, Tanjiro's real ace in the hole turned out to be Hinokami Kagura, and one can only wait and see how this Sun Breathing develops over the course of the anime. Still, that doesn't take away from Tomioka's allure in the slightest, He's still a highly adept swordsman who can take out most high-level demons without breaking a sweat.

2 Sanemi Shinazugawa

The Wind Hashira

Like most of the Hashira in the series, anime viewers don't know a ton about Sanemi Shinazugawa. However, his wild look and demeanor should be indicative enough of just how powerful this Hashira really is. This ferocity, coupled with the cutting nature of his Wind Breathing, should make it infinitely clear that Sanemi has a ton of tricks up his sleeve. Hopefully, the anime will give this ferocious fighter the spotlight he deserves.

Unlike most of the other members of this heroic group, it's clear that Sanemi is far from an upstanding individual. He has no problems torturing Nezuko in front of her own brother and emits an unnerving vibe whenever he appears on screen. Hopefully, he manages to redeem himself in battle against the Upper Rank in the anime's upcoming arcs.

1 Gyomei Himejima

The Stone Hashira

At a glance, Gyomei Himejima might not seem like all that powerful a fighter. The fact that he carries the unimpressive title of being the Stone Hashira means that most people won't take him all that seriously either. However, these people are bound to be surprised when they find out that Gyomei is the strongest Hashira in the entire group. Suffice it to say, his destructive power will be an absolute treat to witness in the series.

With the advent of the Demon Slayer Mark, anime fans have to wait quite a while before seeing what this powerful Hashira has to offer. He seems like one of the more pious and calmer members of this elite group, so it would be entertaining to see how powerful he is when his services are required in battle.