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The popular horror Anime known as Demon Slayer arguably has one of the greatest visual impacts in the Shonen genre, providing fans with a plethora of colorful characters each with a rich backstory.

With a narrative that is dripping in Japanese cultural history, it is safe to assume that every element of Demon Slayer has reference to traditional representations, from the settings to the garments, weapons, customs, and more. Masks play a subtle role in the overall narrative, but their relevance is undeniable, as each character that wears a traditional Japanese mask becomes a representative of the rich culture.

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Tanjiro's Hakuko Mask

Demon Slayer: Collage Of Tanjiro With Mask And Wielding Nichirin Sword

Traditionally, a fox face is chosen for a Kitsune mask because the cunning mythological animal is believed to be a shapeshifter and has been used in Japanese theatres since the 14th century. The fox is a contradicting animal, capable of both sincere and cunning deeds, but that character trait does not suit Tanjiro Kamado. What is a strong contrast is the fact that the boy wears a Hakuko Mask depicting a white fox denoting a good omen, and yet he wields an auspicious pitch-black Nichirin Sword, suspected to be an unfortunate harbinger. True, Tanjiro wears the kitsune mask that all Urokodaki's pupils do, but a Ryuko Mask (aka dragon fox) may have been better suited to his fire breathing techniques. However, considering the deeper symbolism of the Kitsune, it may just be the perfect fit.

According to folklore, the Kitsune served as a bridge to connect mortals to Inari, a god who first came to Japan riding on the back of a magical white fox. Inari brought prosperity and saved the people from starvation, and when a shrine was constructed on a mountain in Kyoto, the Kitsune subsequently stuck around to protect the deity's honor. The resemblance between this myth and Tanjiro and Nezuko's tale cannot simply be a coincidence.

The most obvious connection is the fact that the Kitsune exists to protect Inari with a passion so fierce that it becomes all-consuming. Not only does Nezuko ride on Tanjiro's back just as Inari did, but she also symbolizes prosperity in her own way. The girl may not influence the growth of crops as her counterpart does, but Nezuko's self-restraint and incredible willpower are undoubtedly inspiring people to reassess their initial perception of demons. If Tanjiro is successful in curing his sister, then countless more demonic entities could possibly follow suit, eliminating the need for bloodshed and violence.

Urokodaki's Tengu Mask

Sakonji Urokodaki from Demon Slayer

Not to be confused with the popular Oni Mask, Urokodaki Sakonji's Tengu Mask does not symbolize demonic forces but a protective entity instead. These angry red-faced demi-gods were said to be the guardians of nature, renowned for their martial art skills and often living the life of a recluse, just as Urokodaki does.

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Tengu are also known to possess the ability to manipulate the weather, which is reflected in the clouds on the Water Hashida's robes. Out of all the tengu in history, Sōjōbō is arguably the most significant not only because he was the King, but for his reputation as a teacher. He allegedly trained legendary warriors in improving their swordsmanship in much the same way that Tanjiro found help in the Urokodaki's mentorship.

Sabito, Makomo and Giyu's Kitsune Masks

Demon Slayer Giyu, Sabito and Makomo  Kitsune Masks

As the Hand Demon so eloquently points out in episode 4 of Demon Slayer, Urokodaki's students are instantly recognizable by their iconic Kitsune masks. These veneers have all been hand carved by the Water Hashida himself, and sometime during their creation, Urokodaki ensured to cast a protection spell on the wooden fox faces before personalizing them and gifting them to his apprentices before sending them off to the Final Selection.

Sabito and Giyu were actually part of the same group of applicants for the Demon Slayer Corps, where Sabito sacrificed his life in an attempt to distract the Hand Demon from claiming any more victims. In the Demon Slayer Manga, Giyu now wears Sabito's mask in honor of his fallen friend, and the green patterned portion of his haori in the anime is of the same fabric as Sabito's was.

Hotaru and Kozo's Hyottoko Masks

Demon Slayer Hotaru and Kozo Hyottoko Masks

Hotaru Haganezuka and Kozo Kanamori each wear the most comical version of all the traditional Japanese masks, which are generally reserved for entertainers and clowns. The Hyottoko is associated with fire and the puckered mouth of the mask is indicative of pipe smoking, however, the Hyottoko is said to blow fire through the bamboo pipe as opposed to inhaling fumes.

It seems quite strange that such a silly mask would be bestowed on one of the most vital characters of the Demon Slayer Corps because as the official swordsmiths, there would be much fewer Nichirin swords without Hotaru and Kozo! Perhaps the connection has to do with the fire breathing reference of the Hyottoko, which would be beneficial in the smelting process. The swordsmiths' all-consuming obsession with their craft is pushed to the extreme and their over-reaction about anything sword-related inspires a chuckle from most viewers. It would be hard to argue that, as important as Hotaru and Koto's positions are, they still fulfill the comic relief role in Demon Slayer.

Inosuke's Boar Headdress

Demon Slayer Inosuke Hashibira

Inosuke Hashibira might not wear a traditional mask, however, it would be improper not to mention this iconic character among the other Demon Slayer mask enthusiasts. The symbolism of the Inoshishi (or wild boar) in Japanese culture matches up perfectly with Inosuke's personality, which is audacious, hot-headed, and determined, and is viewed to be a particularly masculine creature. Inosuke apparently wears the boar head to hide his handsome face, the beauty of which does not provoke fear in the hearts of his opponents. The animalistic visage also helped the boy to bond with his new family, having been raised by wild boars from a young age and knowing very little about the human world.

Being raised in the wilderness, Inosuke likely did not have access to the tools or skills to carve his own mask, however, if he did, the Demon Slayer would likely opt for a Gigaku mask, which matches his personality to a tee. The Gigaku is said to be worn by the fiercest of warriors and usually depicts a terrifying, monstrous face that covers its owner's head completely. These masks were initially worn by only the most eccentric characters. The Mask of Konron, in particular, portrayed a human-beast amalgamation, the perfect complementary component to Inosuke's backstory.

MORE: Demon Slayer's Clothing Patterns Are Rooted in Japanese History

Sources: History of Masks, Traditional Kyoto, WordPress and Sugoii