Demon Slayer’s Water Hashira Giyu Is More Similar To Tanjiro Than Fans Think (2024)

Demon Slayer definitely has a character to represent every kind of personality, from calm and reserved to boisterous and outgoing. A number of different fighting styles are also represented in the series and each Hashira possesses a unique Breathing Style based around a property like water or sound. Out of all the heroes, Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, and Tanjiro Kamado could not possibly seem more different at first glance.

Giyu has always been a stoic and reserved character who prefers to fight independently. He relies on his own abilities rather than teamwork, and even refused to participate in the Hashira Training in Demon Slayer's newest arc. In contrast, Tanjiro is more inclined to see the value of fighting alongside others, though he can certainly stand on his own.

As a person, he is more outgoing and bubbly, with a positive outlook on everything, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Few people could bounce back from the tragedies Tanjiro has faced, but no matter what happens, the young hero still sees the good in people.

Tanjiro and Giyu's Personalities and Outlooks on Life Are Monumentally Different

Giyu is Quiet and Self-contained, While Tanjiro is Friendly and Bubbly

Out of all the Hashiras, Giyu has historically been the one who seemed to relate to Tanjiro the least. However, this drastically changed after episode 2 of the Hashira Training Arc aired. This episode delved into Giyu's tragic past and revealed an astounding connection between his and Tanjiro's experiences. Throughout season four of Demon Slayer, the standoffish Water Hashira refused to teach in the Hashira Training program, refusing to give a reason for his lack of participation and isolating himself away from everyone. In this second episode, Tanjiro goes to talk with him and attempts to find out why.

After much pestering and nagging from Tanjiro, Giyu finally revealed that his best friend and hero, Sabito, and his sister, Tsutako, sacrificed their lives for Giyu, leaving him with insurmountable guilt and shame. Giyu explained that he did not feel right participating in training the newer demon slayers because he felt like a fraud who only passed his Final Selection and became a Hashira due to the sacrifices of others. At this moment, Tanjiro suddenly was able to relate a lot more to Giyu because he had almost the exact same awful experience, but in a different way.

Giyu and Tanjiro Both Witnessed Loved Ones Die For Their Sake

Both Heroes Live With The Guilt of Watching Someone Important to Them Sacrifice Themselves

The moment that inspired Tanjiro to become a demon slayer was losing every one of his family members, except for Nezuko, to a demon attack. After the tragedy, he realized Nezuko had become a demon, and he vowed to both avenge his family and turn her human again in retaliation. This was not the only horrific scenario he witnessed, as he also had to watch his mentor, the former Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, die to save him and his friends in a tense battle with the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza. Giyu and Tanjiro share common ground because of these shared tragedies.

Tanjiro was able to relate to Giyu because he suddenly understood why the Water Hashira was so broken, reclusive, and hesitant in his own abilities and skills as a demon slayer. He urged Giyu to join the Hashira Training anyway in order to make Sabito and his sister proud and not waste the opportunity that they sacrificed their lives to give him. This sentiment seemed to speak to Giyu, and he obliged, agreeing to participate in the Hashira Training going forward. It is intriguing how Tanjiro and Giyu suffered through very similar difficult circ*mstances, but handled their problems in markedly different ways.

Both Heroes Handled Their Similar Personal Tragedies Very Differently

Giyu Became Reserved and Withdrawn, While Tanjiro Became Outspoken and Uplifted Others

Both heroes are admirable, becoming strong and talented demon slayers in spite of the devastating events they both lived through. However, Giyu and Tanjiro both handled these moments differently and became almost opposite personalities. Giyu transformed into a very insecure, quiet, and independent person after losing his best friend and sister. He also continually beat himself up internally for passing out during the Final Selection and not succeeding in the challenge due to his own efforts, but because of the help of others. Tanjiro responded differently and, although he was undoubtedly heartbroken too, used the experience as powerful motivation.

Tanjiro is Demon Slayer's most upbeat, positive character, looking on the bright side and even showing kindness to demons. He lost almost his entire family and a beloved mentor, and his little sister is now a demon, but he still remains a supportive person in spite of all the hardships in his life. He is remarkably inspiring for his resilience and ability to make the most of his situation. With Tanjiro's help and encouragement, perhaps Giyu will be able to adopt some of these traits going forward and not let Sabito and Tsutako's sacrifices for him be in vain, just like Tanjiro said.

Giyu and Tanjiro Have a Lot to Teach One Another

Giyu Has Mastered Independence and Self-Sufficency, While Tanjiro Excels at Teamwork and Positivity

Tanjiro's cheerful outlook is important, but Giyu can also help Tanjiro become more independent and self-supporting as a demon slayer. Although they've lived similar lives, both characters possess remarkably different mindsets after the tragedy of losing a loved one. Everyone copes with grief differently, so it is realistic and refreshing how the series shows a variety of ways someone might deal with this uncomfortable topic, including isolating oneself like Giyu or encouraging others and being positive, like Tanjiro. As the Demon Slayer pair strengthen their newfound friendship, they will continue to influence one another, learning from each other's positive traits and shared experiences.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

TV-MA

Animation

Action

Adventure

Cast

Natsuki Hanae , Zach Aguilar , Abby Trott , Akari Kitō , Yosh*tsugu Matsuoka

Release Date

January 22, 2021

Seasons

4

Main Genre

Animation