Demon Slayer Episode 19 Re-broadcast: Nezuko’s Awakening and ‘Tanjiro Kamado no Uta’ Bring Fans to Tears

The full re-broadcast of the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba aired its 19th episode, “Hinokami,” on August 16, 2026, and fans have been calling it a legendary episode. Expectations were sky-high, with comments like “It’s a legendary episode,” “This is where I got hooked,” and “Just watch quietly because it’s a masterpiece.”

Based on the manga by Gotouge Koyoharu, Demon Slayer follows Kamado Tanjirou, a boy whose family is murdered by demons and whose sister Nezuko is turned into one. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a way to turn her back human. The series has sold over 220 million copies of its compiled volumes, and its anime adaptation, produced by ufotable, began airing in April 2019. The current re-broadcast covers the entire series, airing every Sunday morning on Fuji TV and other networks.

Giyuu and Inosuke

In episode 19, after Tomioka Giyuu slices off the head of the spider demon, Hashibira Inosuke is thrilled and challenges him, only to be tied up and dismissed. Giyuu’s deadpan reaction drew laughter and praise online: “That look like he’s staring at garbage,” “Giyuu’s response is so funny,” and “He instantly restrained Inosuke!” Meanwhile, Inosuke’s persistent confidence earned him “Inosuke is adorable” and “He’s already a comic character.”

Why Do We See Our Life Flash Before Our Eyes?

Later, Kochou Shinobu finds a poisoned Agatsuma Zenitsu and explains that what he saw might be a “life flashing before your eyes” moment—a theory that the mind searches for a way to avoid death. She administers an antidote. Fans appreciated her gentle, composed demeanor: “Shinobu’s voice is so calming,” “She’s a Hashira, yet so kind to lower-ranked members,” and “This early Shinobu is lovely.”

“A True Bond. I Want It!”

Meanwhile, Tanjirou’s nichirin sword breaks, and he finds himself helpless against the demon Rui. When Rui discovers that Tanjirou and Nezuko are siblings, he becomes obsessed with their bond, even killing his own “sister” for questioning him. Fans expressed sympathy for the sister and noted the grimness of the scene.

Rui then offers to spare Tanjirou if he gives him Nezuko, but Tanjirou refuses, declaring he will cut off Rui’s head. Rui reveals the number “Lower Five” in his eye, confirming he is one of the Twelve Kizuki. Fans were thrilled: “The moment he shows his eye is my favorite,” and “Rui’s twisted view of family is horrifying.”

The Unbreakable Neck

Rui takes Nezuko hostage, hanging her with threads and threatening to burn her by sunrise. Tanjirou’s sword cannot cut through Rui’s threads, and Nezuko is severely wounded. Fans cringed at the bloody imagery, but then a memory surfaces: Tanjirou recalls his father performing the Hinokami Kagura in the snow, teaching him the importance of breathing. The recollection builds to a climax as Tanjirou unleashes “Hinokami Kagura: Dance of the Fire God!”

Fans went wild: “Chills!” “This is the greatest scene in Demon Slayer,” and “I still rewatch this moment.” Nezuko, meanwhile, hears her mother’s voice and awakens, using her Blood Demon Art “Exploding Blood” to burn away Rui’s threads, while Tanjirou’s blade is coated with her blood. Their combined power finally breaks through.

“Tanjiro Kamado no Uta”

The episode’s ending featured “Tanjiro Kamado no Uta,” with lyrics by ufotable, composition and arrangement by Shiina Gou, and vocals by Nakagawa Nami. Fans were moved: “The way this song plays into the ending is divine,” and “I cry every time.” ufotable also released a special video for the song, which fans can watch in full.

Voice of Tanjirou’s Father

The official account also shared a cast comment from Miki Shinichirou, who voices Tanjirou’s father, Kamado Tanjuurou. He said, “Strength and pride are not things to wield or show off, but are woven together by belief alone.”

Reactions to the episode were overwhelmingly positive: “This episode is a masterpiece no matter how many times I watch it,” “I’m crying tears of joy,” and “The bond between Tanjirou and Nezuko is the core of this series.” Many also noted the animation quality: “It’s hard to believe this is TV anime.”

The next episode preview teases a story about the Kamado family’s memories from a festival.

Cast & Staff

Staff for the series includes director Sotozaki Haruo, character design and chief animation director Matsushima Akira, and music by Kajiura Yuki and Shiina Gou. Animation production is by ufotable. Opening and ending themes vary by arc, including LiSA, Aimer, MAN WITH A MISSION × milet, and MY FIRST STORY × HYDE.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is currently airing in a full re-broadcast every Sunday at 9:30–10:00 a.m. on Fuji TV and other networks.

© Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable