In the Demon Slayer series, there are two groups constantly locked in combat, namely the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons themselves. The demons are incredibly powerful beings that possess not only supernatural abilities, but also a regenerative capacity which makes them extremely difficult to kill. The demon slayers, however, are regular humans. As a result, they employ different breathing styles, granting them superhuman abilities which enable them to stand a fighting chance.
Sun Breathing is one of the many styles in the anime, and its true potential was displayed very late in the series. It is a legendary breathing style mainly used by the series protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, despite being majorly trained in Water Breathing. As a new style that has seen relatively limited use in the anime, there is still some mystery surrounding its true nature and origins. Here are some things you may not have known about the powerful breathing style.
10 It Has The Second Highest Number Of Techniques
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As stated earlier, there are different styles of breathing employed by different characters in the anime. Each style contains unique techniques that are designed for specific battles or situations. They are referred to as forms and are usually denoted by numbers.
Sun Breathing has the second highest number of known techniques of all the breathing styles. It has twelve forms that can all be combined into an extremely powerful thirteenth form. It is second only to Moon Breathing which has sixteen techniques, employed by the Upper Rank One demon Kokushibo.
9 It Is A Crucial Part Of A Sacred Ritual
After being passed on to future generations, Sun Breathing began being employed in a sacred ritual conducted by the Kamado family at the beginning of every new year. The ritual involves a series of dances facilitated by Sun Breathing, referred to as the Hinokami Kagura. Additionally, it is performed throughout the day and is offered along with other prayers to the Fire god.
Tanjiro's Mother, Kie, explained that the ritual was also aimed at warding off injuries and disasters. Furthermore, it is performed in special attire with multiple surrounding torches. Though Tanjuro is the only one that has been seen to perform this dance, Tanjiro could replicate the breathing pattern immediately after recollecting his childhood memories.
8 Tanjiro Is The Only Living User
Many powerful breathing styles have been introduced through different individuals in the series. However, not all of these breathing styles are exclusive to their respective users. Given proper time and training, other people may be able to master existing styles, meaning there are techniques that more than one person can employ.
On the other hand, Sun Breathing can, presently, only be performed by Tanjiro Kamado. Though its techniques can be taught to others provided they have the guidance of a Kamado, there are no other known users who are currently alive.
7 It Was Designed To Prevent Exhaustion
In a significant flashback during his fight with Rui, Tanjiro recalled his father performing the Kagura ritual for an entire day despite being surrounded by chilling snow. Another thing that made this feat more impressive was the fact that Tanjiro’s father was a frail man, evident from his sickly outlook.
Later in the scene, however, it is revealed that he could only do so because he employed Sun Breathing. Tanjiro’s father explains that it is a breathing technique that keeps its user from exhaustion, allowing them to move however they want for as long as possible.
6 It Was Passed Down By Sumiyoshi
Sumiyoshi is the name of Tanjiro’s ancestor, who was responsible for passing down the Sun Breathing style to future generations. Being a Kamado himself, it became a tradition for at least one son of each generation to inherit the technique from their respective fathers.
Though he was responsible for the techniques’ initial transition, he was not the original user. However, in another one of Tanjiro’s flashbacks—this time after the fight against Upper Moons Six—he was shown to be acquainted with the original creator, and through him, he learned how to use Sun Breathing.
5 Sun Breathing Is The Only Style That Deals Lasting Damage To Demons
Demons are not known to have many weaknesses. However, the one thing capable of vaporizing them entirely is sunlight. Every demon in the series lives in fear of the sun, and this holds true for even the most powerful among them.
As a result, the Sun Breathing style, which is said to mimic the sun, is extremely effective against demons. Unlike most other styles, it is capable of dealing lasting damage to its target, taking the form of majestic solar flames. Furthermore, it hampers their regenerative capabilities, leaving a burning sensation in place of whichever area was affected.
4 Sun Breathing Is The Strongest Breathing Style
There are many powerful breathing styles in the series, but as you would expect, the one with the closest connection to a demon's most feared weakness stands out as the strongest. Apart from dealing lasting damage to demons, Sun Breathing has also been used to decapitate some of the strongest beings in the series, cementing its position as the most effective.
It is so strong that the injuries inflicted on Muzan by its initial user remained present hundreds of years later. In the final battle against Muzan, Tanjiro once again proved its efficiency, arguably dealing the most significant bits of damage to the demon king.
3 Sun Breathing Is The Progenitor Of All Other Breathing Styles
All other breathing styles in the series are known to be offshoots of Sun Breathing. It was the first-ever style to exist, and its creator wished to share it with other individuals to aid them in the fight against demons. As a result, he brought new breathing forms to life, adapting Sun Breathing in different ways to each individual he decided to teach.
As stated by the former Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku, all other breathing styles were developed to mimic the effects of Sun Breathing. He also expressly stated that it was the first technique ever created, referring to it as the strongest of them all.
2 Sun Breathing Is The Perfected Version Of Hinokami Kagura
Some people may refer to Sun Breathing and Hinokami Kagura as the same style, but that is not quite the case. The Hinokami Kagura is a dance facilitated by Sun Breathing, meaning that though its moves may be suitable for battle, it is not as efficient because its primary purpose differs from that of combat.
Sun Breathing, however, as noted by Tanjiro, contains fewer unnecessary movements, which makes it optimal for combat. After witnessing its creator perform the techniques of Sun Breathing directly through another flashback, Tanjiro adopts the improved techniques and starts referring to the Hinokami Kagura as Sun Breathing.
1 It Originated From Yoriichi Tsugikuni
Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the creator of the Sun Breathing style and is also the strongest demon slayer that has ever lived. He existed nearly 500 years prior to the events of Demon Slayer and struck fear into the hearts of every demon he came across. He was extremely devoted to dispatching demons, as shown when he expressed immense regret after not being able to eliminate Kibutsuji Muzan.
Besides Sun Breathing, Yoriichi possessed a wide range of traits and abilities common with the strongest demon slayers in the series. For example, he was born with the demon slayer mark, greatly enhancing his physical capabilities. He could also see the transparent world; giving him superhuman perception and understanding of the beings around him.