In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Tanjiro Kamado’s journey from a humble charcoal seller to a fierce Demon Slayer is one of relentless perseverance. While his Water Breathing technique makes him a formidable swordsman, his true power lies in Hinokami Kagura, also known as the Breath of the Sun. This ancient and powerful breathing technique holds the key to defeating the most formidable demons, including the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the origins, techniques, and significance of Hinokami Kagura, along with how it elevates Tanjiro to legendary status among Demon Slayers.
The Origins of Hinokami Kagura
Hinokami Kagura traces its origins to the Breath of the Sun, the original breathing technique from which all other Breathing Styles evolved. It was created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the greatest Demon Slayer in history and the only warrior to have ever pushed Muzan Kibutsuji to the brink of death.
As the progenitor of all Breathing Styles, Breath of the Sun was passed down through generations. However, due to its overwhelming power, it became lost over time. Only the Kamado family preserved a version of it, disguised as a ceremonial dance known as the Hinokami Kagura, performed yearly as a ritual to honor the Fire God.
Unbeknownst to Tanjiro, his father, Tanjuro Kamado, had been secretly passing down the movements of this ancient art. When Tanjiro unlocks this hidden power, it becomes his ultimate weapon in the battle against demons.
How Hinokami Kagura Transformed Tanjiro’s Fighting Style
Initially, Tanjiro trained in Water Breathing, taught by former Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki. While it provided him with a solid foundation, he often struggled against stronger demons, as Water Breathing required more fluid, defensive movements rather than sheer offense.
When Tanjiro first activates Hinokami Kagura during his battle against Rui, the Lower Moon Five, his abilities undergo a dramatic transformation. The technique grants him enhanced speed, power, and precision, allowing him to deliver fiery slashes capable of decimating even the strongest demons.
Hinokami Kagura also enables better oxygen efficiency, preventing Tanjiro from exhausting himself as quickly as he did with Water Breathing. This means longer endurance in battle, an essential factor when facing Upper-Rank demons.
Additionally, Hinokami Kagura is uniquely suited for combat against demon regeneration. The flames of the Breath of the Sun prevent demons from healing instantaneously, making it one of the deadliest techniques in existence.
The Techniques of Hinokami Kagura
Hinokami Kagura consists of thirteen forms, each flowing seamlessly into the next. While Tanjiro initially learns only a few, he gradually masters them, eventually unlocking the Thirteenth Form, which was specifically designed to kill Muzan Kibutsuji.
1. Dance
This is the first form of Hinokami Kagura, where Tanjiro performs a single, powerful vertical slash engulfed in flames. It was the technique that first surfaced during his battle against Rui, marking the awakening of his hidden potential.
2. Clear Blue Sky
Tanjiro spins his body mid-air, unleashing a 360-degree flaming slash. This technique is highly effective for countering wide-range attacks and multiple enemies at once.
3. Raging Sun
A dual strike technique where Tanjiro swings his blade in two consecutive arcs, overwhelming his opponent with consecutive fiery slashes.
4. Burning Bones, Summer Sun
A technique that delivers a swift, arcing slash capable of slicing through even the toughest demon flesh.
5. Setting Sun Transformation
This technique involves flipping upside down mid-air while slashing, making it useful for dodging and attacking simultaneously.
6. Solar Heat Haze
Tanjiro swings his blade while slightly distorting the air, making it appear as though the attack misses—only for the strike to land a moment later. This technique is especially deceptive and deadly.
7. Beneficent Radiance
A spiraling dance-like movement that allows Tanjiro to spin and cut through his enemy with incredible speed and elegance.
8. Sunflower Thrust
A fast and precise thrust, ideal for pinpointing weak spots on an opponent.
9. Dragon Sun Halo Head Dance
Tanjiro unleashes a series of multiple flaming slashes in quick succession, resembling a dragon’s movements. This technique is particularly effective against larger demons with fast regeneration.
10. Fire Wheel
A circular blade swing that allows Tanjiro to counterattack while maintaining momentum, is great for offensive-defensive transitions.
11. Fake Rainbow
By twisting his body at high speed, Tanjiro creates a mirage-like effect, making it difficult for opponents to track his movements.
12. Flame Dance
A two-part attack where Tanjiro performs a flaming vertical slash, followed immediately by a horizontal strike. This move maximizes damage output.
13. Thirteenth Form
The most powerful technique of Hinokami Kagura, the Thirteenth Form is a continuous cycle of all twelve previous forms executed in rapid succession. This form was specifically developed to target Muzan’s multiple hearts and brains, preventing his regeneration and ultimately ensuring his destruction.
Hinokami Kagura’s Impact on Tanjiro’s Battles
The true power of Hinokami Kagura is showcased in Tanjiro’s battle against the Upper-Rank Six demon Gyutaro. Despite being on the verge of collapse, Tanjiro combines Hinokami Kagura with his heightened instincts, narrowly landing a fatal blow.
During the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, Tanjiro pushes himself beyond his limits, using the Thirteenth Form continuously for hours. This is the pinnacle of Hinokami Kagura’s power, proving that it was designed to counter Muzan’s overwhelming strength and regenerative abilities.
Tanjiro’s Transformation: The Connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni
Hinokami Kagura is more than just a powerful combat technique—it also serves as Tanjiro’s connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Throughout the series, numerous parallels are drawn between the two warriors. They both share similar earrings, gentle personalities, and an unwavering resolve to protect humanity from demons.
As Tanjiro masters Hinokami Kagura, he comes closer to embodying the strength of Yoriichi himself. His red-marked forehead, often mistaken for a simple injury, gradually evolves into the Demon Slayer Mark, an indication of his latent potential to surpass ordinary swordsmen.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Breath of the Sun
Hinokami Kagura is more than just Tanjiro’s ultimate technique—it is the legacy of the Breath of the Sun, the first and most powerful Breathing Style. Through its mastery, Tanjiro not only avenges his family but also fulfills the mission of Yoriichi Tsugikuni: the eradication of demons once and for all.
With its unparalleled speed, destructive power, and ability to counteract demon regeneration, Hinokami Kagura stands as the greatest weapon in the history of Demon Slayers. Tanjiro’s journey with this technique cements his place as one of the most legendary warriors of his time, ensuring that the flames of the Breath of the Sun will never be extinguished.
