Tanjiro’s Ranking in the Demon Slayer Corps, Explained (2024)

Tanjiro Kamado joined the Demon Slayer Corps at the beginning of the story, an organization founded during the Heian Era, when Muzan Kibutsuji became the first demon more than a thousand years ago. As with every organization, the Demon Slayer Corps' has an established hierarchy conformed by the leader, the rear support, and the front lines, with the latest being the main force formed by the Hashiras, tsugukos, and corp members known as demon slayers.

The members of the front-line faction are categorized by ranks according to their abilities and accomplishments; this determines the level of their skills and which mission they are assigned to. Despite becoming a member fairly recently, Tanjiro has quickly risen through the ranks by fighting powerful demons and actively contributing to the defeat of several Twelve Moons.

Although this ranking system hasn't been brought into the story since the Swordsmith Village Arc, Nezuko's older brother's numerous achievements and incredible growth in strength throughout the story make fans wonder what Tanjiro's current rank is in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Tanjiro’s Current Rank During the Hashira Training Arc

The Demon Slayer’s Fanbook Reveals Tanjiro’s Rank Before the Infinite Castle Arc.

After passing the First Selection, Tanjiro started from the bottom as a rookie slayer with the lower rank, Mizunoto, and steadily climbed the ladder by facing strong demons and going out victorious. By fighting Lower Moon 5 Rui in Natagumo Mountain and Lower Moon 1 Enmu in Infinite Train, Tanjiro and his gang went up 3 ranks to become Kanoe, as revealed by Inosuke during the Entertainment District Arc. Kanao, being Kocho’s tsuguko, had the rank of Tsuchinoto. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke’s participation during the battle against Upper Moon 6, Gyutaro and Daki certainly guaranteed them a promotion.

However, in the next arc of Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro’s new rank wasn’t revealed; Genya only mentioned the reason why he didn't become a Hashira after killing Upper 6. The Demon Slayer Corp’s ranking system was introduced in the series with the purpose of stating the difference in experience and skills between a regular slayer and the Hashiras, and due to the high pace of the story and the slayers getting close to finally facing Muzan, the rankings were never brought up again.

The Demon Slayer’s fanbook finally revealed Tanjiro's rank at the start of the Infinite Castle Arc, showing that Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke managed to reach the rank of Hinoe (3rd highest), while Genya and Kanao reached the rank of Hinoto (4th highest). It's unclear whether Tanjiro reached this rank after Entertainment District or after Swordsmith Village, with his contribution beheading Upper Moon 4 Hantengu. Kagaya Ubuyashiki's decreasing health at the start of the Hashira Training Arc and the focus of the corps’ members on getting the demon slayer mark could explain why promotions within the organization weren’t a priority anymore.

Why Tanjiro Didn’t Become a Hashira

Tanjiro Never Defeated a Twelve Moon on His Own.

The criteria to become a Hashira were stated in the Spin-Off Rengoku Gaiden and were to be ranked Kinoe and defeat 50 demons or more, or defeat a Twelve Moon. The reason why Tanjiro hasn’t become a Hashira is because he still isn't a Kinoe, and he didn't defeat a Twelve Moon on his own. Rengoku and Sanemi both defeated a lower moon with the support of another slayer. However, Tanjiro, in every encounter with a Twelve Moon, had the assistance of a Hashira, which was vital for the victory.

Genya said to Tanjiro during the Swordsmith Village Arc that he didn't become a Hashira for killing Upper 6 because he got help from Tengen. Therefore, despite Tanjiro being one of the strongest characters, he still doesn’t meet the requirements. The Hashiras aren’t only the strongest slayers; it means pillar, and they are the supports that hold up the Demon Slayer Corps, and the difference in strength between them and Tanjiro is still remarkable, being more notorious during the Hashira Training Arc.

Even so, there is no doubt that Tanjiro has the potential to become one; Giyu even said that he wanted him to become the Water Hashira in his place. However, Tanjiro’s goal isn’t to become a Hashira; it is to defeat Muzan, and his power level will only keep rising in preparation for the final fight in Demon Slayer in the Infinite Castle.

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