Demon Slayer: Who is Yoriichi Tsugikuni? (2024)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba'sEntertainment District Arc revealed a lot of new information; starting from the unveiling of Upper Moon six to some explanation of the mystery behind Tanjiro’s Sun Breathing style. In the Entertainment District Arc, the series subtly depicts a mysterious character - a Demon Slayer, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, through Kamado Tanjiro, using some eye-catching foreshadowing.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni is a supporting character in the series, but he’s central to the culture-rich history of the Demon Slayers. However, little information has been shared regarding this mysterious Demon Slayer in the anime. Regardless, most fans are intrigued about the character's background since Muzan, and some of his blood-linked minions expressed visible fear after encountering anything that closely resembled Yoriichi.

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Who is Yoriichi?

Yoriichi was a member of the Demon Slayer corps. He wore Hanafuda earrings like Tanjiro and is revered as the first breath user. He was the creator of the legendary Sun Breathing style, the style which other breathing forms originate from. Yoriichi is the younger of two twins who appeared weak after his birth. However, it appears that wasn't the case. He only appeared weak since he was a quiet child with remarkable emotional intelligence. At some point, everyone thought he was deaf due to his unresponsive nature. Even his elder brother failed to see Yoriichi’s true strength until much later. Yoriichi was born with the Demon Slayer mark on his forehead, proof of his immense strength and skill as a fighter. After Yoriichi's father discovers his strange birthmark, mistaking it for a bad omen, he threatens to kill his son but is prevented by Akeno, Yoriichi's mother.

Yoriichi’s parents then agree to send him to a monastery when he clocks ten. Later on, Yoriichi's mother dies, and he escapes from his house, running for a full day and night in the mountains without showing symptoms of fatigue or exhaustion. At this point, the manga begins to offer glimpses of Yoriichi's capability. Soon, he meets a girl named Uta, whose age is similar to his. Everyone in Uta's family is dead, so Yoriichi decides to live with her. About a decade later, they marry, and Uta gets pregnant.

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One fateful day, Yoriichi decides to search for a midwife to check on his wife, but he encounters an old man that needs his assistance and offers aid. After helping the old man, he decides to head home to meet his wife, rescheduling his appointment with the midwife. To his horror, when he arrives, he discovers that a demon had slaughtered Uta and his unborn child. The whole scenario shocks him so much that he carries his dead family in his hands for ten days before burying them, following a member of the Demon Slayer Corps’ advice. After this tragedy, Yoriichi picks up his blade and trains as a Demon Slayer.

Why is Muzan Scared of Yoriichi?

After Yoriichi becomes a Demon Slayer, he soon encounters Muzan, the archenemy and long-standing villain of the Demon Slayer Corps. Instantly, Yoriichi's ability, the power to see the transparent world with his heightened perception, enables him to see through Muzan and discover that the powerful demon possesses five brains and seven hearts that can move at will within his body. Taking advantage of this revelation, Yoriichi attacks Muzan with resolve, inflicting mortal wounds on the supposedly immortal creature. As the fight continues, for the first time in centuries, Muzan becomes scared and feels despair while clashing with Yoriichi. Soon, he is unable to re-attach his head. As a last resort, he split his body into 1800 pieces. Amazingly, Yoriichi still manages to kill 1500 pieces, while Muzan barely escapes.

Unarguably, this feat alone makes Yoriichi the strongest Demon Slayer to exist. This also exposes the reason behind Muzan’s order for the execution of Tanjiro; he triggers the frightening memory of his confrontation with Yoriichi.

What’s the Connection between Yoriichi and His Brother?

Yoriichi’s elder twin brother, Michikatsu, was the successor of their family. Initially, he pitied Yoriichi because he was discriminated against due to his Demon Slayer mark on his forehead. Viewing him as inferior and clingy since he was always attached to his mother, Michikatsu still felt responsible for his brother, so he gave Yoriichi a whistle to use to contact him whenever he was in dicey situations. Soon, Yoriichi's talent for swordsmanship is revealed, and Michikatsu covets his brother's skill, fearing his father might make him their family's successor after discovering his talent. However, it didn't work out that way since Yoriichi ran away after his mother's death.

Decades later, Michikatsu is revealed to be the Upper Moon One demon, Kokushibo. Yoriichi, who is currently 80 years old, questions his brother's reason for becoming a demon. This results in a battle between the brothers. Yoriichi easily handles Koskushibo inflicting injuries on him. Sadly, old age catches up to him, and the legend dies in a breathing stance while standing.

Is Yoriichi Tanjiro’s Ancestor or Relative?

Many Kimetsu no Yaiba fans deduce that Yoriichi is Tanjiro’s father, but that isn’t the case. However, Yoriichi is responsible for teaching Tanjiro’s ancestors the Hinokami Kagura, which has been passed down for generations. This is ultimately the reason why Tanjiro can use the Sun Breathing Style, making this vague connection between the two one of the most important in the series.

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