
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, crafted by Koyoharu Gotouge, stands out as one of the most cherished Shōnen series in the anime realm. At its core lies Kamado Tanjiro’s poignant quest to restore his sister’s humanity after their family’s tragic demise. Yet, it is the exhilarating action sequences within the series that truly captivate audiences, showcasing the Demon Slayers’ elaborate fighting techniques against formidable demons.
Exploring the Breathing Styles of Demon Slayer
The combat styles featured in Demon Slayer are intricately tied to various Breathing Styles. These styles are inspired by elements found in nature, such as Water, Thunder, and Sun, vividly represented in the unique attack patterns of the Demon Slayers. Interestingly, Koyoharu Gotouge has provided insight revealing that these Breathing Styles are more of a conceptual illusion rather than reality, encapsulated in the perceptions of both the users and observers.
Gotouge Reveals the Nature of Breathing Styles
In the additional pages of Volume #17, Gotouge offers a glimpse into the life of Murata, a significant yet secondary character who embodies the Water Breathing style. Notably, the author emphasizes that the visual effects attributed to these techniques—such as water or flame—are purely imaginative constructs. Instead, what truly matters is the Demon Slayers’ mastery of swordsmanship, which enhances the perceived impact of their fighting techniques.
This revelation underlines that, while each style is tied to an element, the reality is that true skill lies in the swordsmanship rather than the Breathing Styles themselves. Gotouge suggests that through rigorous training, the Demon Slayers have honed their skills to a point where their movements appear to summon elemental forces, making their sword techniques all the more dramatic.
The Significance of Sun Breathing in Demon Slayer

Delving deeper into the lore of Demon Slayer, the character Yoriichi Tsugikuni holds the distinction of creating the first Breathing Style, known as Sun Breathing. This technique is said to replicate the sun’s movements in its execution, which bears significance in the world of the series. The sun is recognized as the demons’ ultimate weakness, aligning well with Yoriichi’s status as the most powerful Demon Slayer in history, who nearly defeated Muzan, the principal antagonist, effortlessly.
Yoriichi’s ability to vanquish demons speaks to the symbolic connection of Sun Breathing with the life-giving and purifying properties of the sun itself. Through this relationship, Gotouge not only showcases his characters’ swordsmanship but also builds a compelling narrative that suggests a deeper understanding of elemental forces in the world. Moreover, recognizing that these styles are not tangible but represent a shared imagination enhances the depth of the storytelling, offering a rich layer for audiences to appreciate.
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