Hashira (Pillar) - Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)

What is a Hashira?

A Hashira, also known as a Pillar, is an elite warrior in the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to protecting humanity from the threat of demons in the world of Demon Slayer. These exceptional individuals possess great strength, agility, and mastery of their respective Breath Styles.

There are nine Hashira in total, each specializing in a unique Breath Style that corresponds to an element or concept, such as water, fire, wind, or love. The Hashira serves also as mentors and trainers for the younger, less experienced members. As the strongest fighters in the Corps, they are often tasked with the most challenging missions, including facing off against the powerful demons known as the Upper Moons.

List of Hashiras: Combat Techniques, Elements and Colors of the Hashiras

Nine Hashira form the backbone of the Demon Slayer Corps, leading the fight against demons and training the next generation of Demon Slayers.

Giyu Tomioka - Water Hashira: A skilled swordsman who employs the Breath of Water style, Giyu has a calm and stoic demeanor. He is one of the first Hashira to encounter and recognize Tanjiro's potential. His representative color is blue, reflecting the water element he wields.

Kyojuro Rengoku - Flame Hashira: With his fiery spirit and mastery of the Breath of Flames style, Kyojuro is a passionate and dedicated demon slayer. He plays a significant role in mentoring Tanjiro and his friends during their journey. His representative color is red, symbolizing the flames he commands.

Shinobu Kocho - Insect Hashira: Graceful and skilled in the Breath of Insects style, Shinobu is known for her unique poison-based techniques. She has a soft-spoken, caring personality and is driven by the desire to protect others. Her representative color is purple, reflecting the mysterious and venomous nature of her abilities.

Tengen Uzui - Sound Hashira: Flamboyant and energetic, Tengen is an expert in the Breath of Sound style. He is a former shinobi who joined the Demon Slayer Corps and is dedicated to eradicating demons. His representative color is bright pink, symbolizing his vibrant and lively personality.

Muichiro Tokito - Mist Hashira: A prodigious swordsman skilled in the Breath of Mist style, Muichiro appears aloof and forgetful but is incredibly focused and powerful in combat. His representative color is white, reflecting the misty and elusive nature of his abilities.

Gyomei Himejima - Stone Hashira: A gentle giant with immense strength, Gyomei wields the Breath of Stone style and a unique weapon called the "chain flail." Despite his intimidating presence, he is deeply compassionate and empathetic. His representative color is gray, symbolizing the solid and unyielding stone element.

Obanai Iguro - Serpent Hashira: A reserved and serious individual, Obanai is an expert in the Breath of Serpents style. He harbors a deep hatred for demons due to his tragic past. His representative color is green, reflecting the serpentine and cunning nature of his abilities.

Mitsuri Kanroji - Love Hashira: A cheerful personality, Mitsuri is the master of the Breath of Love style. She possesses incredible strength and flexibility, which she uses to great effect in her fights against demons. Her representative color is pink, symbolizing her loving and compassionate nature.

Sanemi Shinazugawa - Wind Hashira: Known for his abrasive and confrontational nature, Sanemi is an expert in the Breath of Wind style. Despite his tough exterior, he is driven by a desire to protect his loved ones. His representative color is green, symbolizing the swift and powerful wind element he controls.

Training and Exams of the Hashiras

The Hashiras, as the elite warriors within the Demon Slayer Corps, undergo rigorous training and exams to achieve their esteemed status. Their journey to becoming a Hashira is marked by the mastery of their chosen breathing style.

Initial Training: Before joining the Demon Slayer Corps, aspiring demon slayers must first undergo a period of intense training, often guided by a skilled mentor. For instance, Tanjiro trained under Sakonji Urokodaki to learn the basics of swordsmanship and the Breath of Water style. This initial training culminates in the Final Selection Exam, which tests their abilities and endurance in a fight against demons.

Hashira Training Arc: After becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, the most talented demon slayers are given the opportunity to train under the current Hashiras. This special training, known as the Hashira Training Arc in the series, pushes the trainees to their limits, allowing them to learn the secrets of the various breathing styles and techniques. For example, Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu trained with the Hashiras to enhance their skills and gain new techniques after their encounter with Upper Moon Three, Akaza.

Pillar Training: The Pillar Training is involving rigorous sessions to refine their skills and perfect their breathing styles. These sessions are led by the Hashiras themselves, who share their knowledge and expertise with their fellow elite warriors. This continuous training ensures that the Hashiras are ready to face the strongest demons.

Hashira Selection: The path to becoming a Hashira is not easy, and only the most exceptional demon slayers can achieve this rank. Those who have demonstrated extraordinary skills, mastery of a breathing style, and dedication to the Demon Slayer Corps' mission are considered for the position. The selection of a new Hashira often takes place after a previous Hashira has retired or fallen in battle. Ultimately, the selection is made by the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, who takes into account the candidate's performance, achievements, and overall potential.