Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Living… in Japan, during the Taishō era (1912-1926). Growing up with a father who also served as a high-ranking member of the Demon Slayer Corps and an ailing mother who taught him to help others, Kyojuro developed a sense of duty to fight for the weak. While his father Shinjuro initially helped train Kyojuro in the ways of becoming a Flame Hashira, Shinjuro grew apathetic and fell into substance abuse after the passing of his wife, Ruka. Kyojuro cares deeply about his younger brother, Senjuro Rengoku, continuing to be a loving and supportive role model in his life, even as their father begins to grow belligerent towards them as his substance abuse issues worsen.
Profession… demon slayer. Through his unwavering determination, Kyojuro successfully trained on his own to become a Hashira by studying three volumes of text on the Flame Breathing style. As the Flame Hashira for the Demon Slayer Corps, Kyojuro has the responsibility to investigate the potential presence of especially dangerous demons. Kyojuro is dedicated to the Demon Slayers, and he goes where the organization and endangered civilians need him most. He’s now investigating the disappearance of forty people who vanished while aboard the Mugen Train.
Interests… food. Kyojuro is known to shout “UMAI!” (meaning “delicious”) after every bite he takes, drawing the attention of everyone around him. This can be seen as both a genuine enjoyment of his meal, as well as a reference to an old Japanese tradition, where warriors were taught to enjoy every bite of food, as it may unknowingly be their last.
Relationship Status… single. Though he has no romantic interests, Kyojuro has many people that he shares a close relationship with. One being Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. Acting as her mentor, Kyojuro and Mitsuri grew close, Mitsuri looking up to Kyojuri as something like an older brother.
Challenges… staying alive. As a Hashira, Kyojuro is regularly faced with deadly challenges as he tries to protect the world from demons. On top of the danger of being a Hashira, Kyojuro has taken on responsibility for training lower-level Demon Slayer Corps members and hopefully leading them to victory. He is an empathetic and inspiring leader. As he tells his troops, “If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes and look ahead. You may feel like digging your heels in, but the flow of time waits for no one.”
Personality… spirited, dedicated, and honorable. Though his dress isn’t as flashy as his fellow Hashira Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro is notable for his enthusiastic personality. Others around him often have trouble keeping up with Kyojuro, as he talks and comes to conclusions quickly. Kyojuro often speaks very loudly, a characteristic that some may find abrasive or inappropriate for their surroundings. Kyojuro is also known for his smile, a determined and optimistic look that rarely leaves his face, even in intense moments. Most importantly, Kyojuro has a strong sense of honor and morality, principles instilled into him by his mother, Ruka, since he was young. Because of this upbringing, Kyojuro is seen as not only an extraordinarily talented swordsman, but he is also a Hashira with a pure heart.
