【DEMON SLAYER・Kimetsu no Yaiba】What is the origin of the “HASHIRA”? - Anime Introduction by Japanese anime nard

Hello everyone. My nickname is Inumarudashi.

This time, I’d like to introduce the origin of HASHIRA in DEMON SLAYER.

I introduce the relationship between Japanese anime and Japanese culture. Thank you for your continued support!

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①What is the “HASHIRA”?

HASHIRA is a term used to describe a title within the Demon Slayer Corps, and refers to the members who have earned the title of the strongest in the Demon Slayer Corps.

It is said that the pillars are the ones who actually support the Demon Slayer Corps.

HASHIRA consists of nine members, and when a seat becomes vacant, a person of ability is selected from among those whose rank is “Kinoe”.

Also, to become a pillar, you need to “defeat the Twelve Kizuki of t” or “defeat fifty demons”.

For this reason, it is said that it takes about five years to become a HASHIRA, but there are some strong people who reach the top in two years.

②What is the origin of “HASHIRA”?

HASHIRA is the English word for pillar.

And according to the official fan book, “As the name implies, these swordsmen form the core of the Demon Slayer Corps’ supporting force”.

If you knew that HASHIRA is a pillar in English, you’d think it was simple, right?

③Why does “HASHIRA” have nine members?

There are nine HASHIRA in total, but there is a little secret behind this number of nine.

In fact, there are nine strokes of the Chinese character for “柱,” which represents HASHIRA, which is why there are nine HASHIRA members.

This was also written in the official fan book.

This is like a pun, isn’t it?

④Relationship between “HASHIRA” and Japanese Gods

In Japan, we count the number of gods as “_ pillars” instead of “_ people”.

It is said that the “木”(wood) in the word “柱”(pillars) represents the “yorishiro” (the place where the gods dwell when they appear), and the “主”(lord) represents the place where they stay.

Japanese anime fans have also considered that the HASHIRA in “Demon Slayer” were named after the HASHIRA as if they were warrior gods, since they are the ones who have the power to defeat the Twelve Kizuki.