The full rerun of the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba aired its twenty-second episode, “Oyakata-sama,” on August 30, 2026. This was the episode where the Hashira finally assemble, and fans were already excited before it even began, with comments like “Today is the Hashira gathering episode!!!” flooding social media.
Key visual for the TV anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” full rerun
The series, based on the manga by Gotouge Koyoharu, follows Kamado Tanjirou, a boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. After his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon, he joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a way to make her human again. The story’s blend of heartbreaking human-demon drama, intense sword fights, memorable characters, and occasional comedy has made it a massive hit. The Jump Comics edition, published by Shueisha, has sold over 220 million copies across all 23 volumes.
Produced by ufotable, the anime began with the TV series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Tanjirou Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc in April 2019. The Hashira Training Arc aired from May 2024, and the story continues in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle movie trilogy. The first part, Infinity Castle Arc: Akaza’s Return, was released in theaters on July 18, 2025.
※ The following contains spoilers for those who have not yet seen the series. Please proceed with caution.
The Hashira Appear!
After the battle at Mount Natagumo, Tanjirou is restrained and brought to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. When he wakes up, he finds a group of flashy, overbearing people looking down on him.
“I heard there was a Demon Slayer with a demon, so I was expecting someone flashy, but you’re pretty plain, aren’t you?”
“Indeed! Now, let us hold this boy’s trial!”
Overwhelmed by the colorful personalities, Tanjirou is scolded: “Do you know who you’re standing before? These are the Hashira!” Hashira? What are Hashira? Tanjirou is completely lost. Who are these people? Where is he?
Fans, however, were overjoyed at the Hashira’s arrival. Comments included “Eek! The Hashira-sama!”, “They look divine!”, “Ah… Rengoku-san…!!!”, and “Tanjirou hasn’t been told about the Hashira yet, has he?”
Scene cut from Episode 22: Kochou Shinobu
Kochou Shinobu, whom Tanjirou met at Mount Natagumo, explains, “This is the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. You are about to stand trial, Kamado Tanjirou-kun.” Before the trial begins, Shinobu asks Tanjirou to explain his crimes, but the other Hashira start interrupting. Let’s introduce them!
■ Flame Hashira: Rengoku Kyoujurou (CV: Hino Satoshi)
“Protecting a demon is a clear violation of the rules! We can handle this ourselves! Behead him along with the demon!”
■ Sound Hashira: Uzui Tengen (CV: Konishi Katsuyuki)
“Then I’ll cut his head off in a flashy way. I’ll show you the most spectacular blood spray. It’ll be flashy, flashy.”
■ Love Hashira: Kanroji Mitsuri (CV: Hanazawa Kana)
(Inner thought: “Ehhh… killing such a cute boy… it hurts my heart… it’s so painful…”)
■ Stone Hashira: Himejima Gyoumei (CV: Sugita Tomokazu)
“Ah… what a pitiful child. How sad. It’s sad that he was even born.”
■ Mist Hashira: Tokitou Muichirou (CV: Kawanishi Kengo)
“What was that cloud shape again? What’s it called?”
What Are the Hashira?
The Hashira are the highest-ranking swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps, the pillars of the organization. Even in front of them, Tanjirou remains calm, worrying about Nezuko (in her box) during the discussion. Where is Nezuko? His close friends Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke, and Murata, whom he met at Mount Natagumo, are nowhere to be seen.
“Let’s kill him.”
“Indeed!”
“Yeah, let’s do it flashily.”
The Hashira, oblivious to Tanjirou’s feelings, say whatever they want. Viewers were worried Tanjirou would be killed, and many admitted they didn’t have a good first impression of the Hashira either.
Comments included: “Rengoku-san and Uzui-san looked like total psychopaths at first glance”, “Yeah, at this point they all seem like jerks”, “The Hashira’s first impressions are really bad”, “Himejima Gyoumei had the worst line”, “Once you know Himejima’s past, it makes sense”, and “The way these nine Hashira act here all clicks once you learn their backstories”.
Suddenly, a voice from above Tanjirou asks, “More importantly, what about Tomioka?” Someone perched in a tree starts nagging.
■ Serpent Hashira: Iguro Obanai (CV: Suzumura Kenichi)
“It gives me a headache that he wasn’t even restrained. According to Kochou, Tomioka is equally guilty of breaking the rules.”
■ Water Hashira: Tomioka Giyuu (CV: Sakurai Takahiro)
The taciturn swordsman stands alone at a distance. Love Hashira Kanroji Mitsuri thinks to herself, “Tomioka-san, standing alone over there. How cute!”
Mitsuri’s inner voice seemed to speak for the viewers, with comments like “Mitsuri-chan is literally voicing our (otaku) thoughts, she’s a goddess wwww”, “I love Mitsuri’s inner monologue here lol”, and “Kanroji’s narration is hilarious”.
■ Insect Hashira: Kochou Shinobu (CV: Hayami Saori)
About Giyuu, she says, “Well, it’s fine. He came quietly. We can decide his punishment later.”
She then asks Tanjirou to explain why, as a Demon Slayer, he was traveling with a demon. Tanjirou explains the whole story about his sister Nezuko, adding, “She became a demon, but she has never eaten a human. Not in the past, and not in the future.”
“Anyone Who Hurts My Sister, Even a Hashira, I Won’t Forgive!”
“If she’s family, it’s natural to protect her. I can’t trust a word you say” (Serpent Hashira Iguro Obanai)
“Ah… she’s possessed by a demon. Let’s kill this poor child quickly and set him free” (Stone Hashira Himejima Gyoumei)
“Prove that she hasn’t eaten humans and won’t in the future, not just with words, but in a flashy way” (Sound Hashira Uzui Tengen)
The Hashira are unconvinced by Tanjirou’s explanation. Love Hashira Kanroji Mitsuri comes to his aid, this time speaking aloud: “I don’t think Oyakata-sama is unaware of this. Is it okay to dispose of him on our own?”
Then, a late arrival appears, carrying the box with Nezuko inside.
■ Wind Hashira: Shinazugawa Sanemi (CV: Seki Tomokazu)
“So you’re the idiot Demon Slayer with a demon? What the hell is your problem?”
He continues, “What about demons? Hey, brat. Can you fight to protect people as a Demon Slayer?” Then, without warning, he draws his sword and stabs it into the box containing Nezuko.
Enraged, Tanjirou shouts, “Anyone who hurts my sister, even a Hashira, I won’t forgive!” and delivers his signature headbutt to Sanemi.
Fans were shocked by Sanemi’s ruthless actions, with comments like “He’s way too aggressive”, “Sanemi-san’s early creepiness is intense”, “I really thought Sanemi was a bad guy in this episode”, “With those eyes, I thought he might be a demon spy or something”, and “I get why Sanemi-san is so angry now, though”.
@anime_kimetsu_official “Anyone who hurts my sister, even a Hashira, I won’t forgive!!” | Kamado Tanjirou: Unwavering Resolve Arc, Episode 22 “Oyakata-sama” – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Part 1 now in theaters nationwide from July 18! #鬼滅の刃#DemonSlayer#無限城編#InfinityCastle#アニメ#映画#anime Original song – Anime “Demon Slayer” official
Oyakata-sama Appears
In the middle of the commotion, a mysterious man appears. It is Oyakata-sama, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Ubuyashiki Kagaya. Tanjirou is astonished to see all the Hashira line up and bow deeply. He is even more shocked when Sanemi greets him politely: “Oyakata-sama, I am glad to see you in good health. I sincerely pray for your continued happiness.”
Tanjirou thinks, “He seemed to have no intelligence or reason at all, but now he’s speaking so properly!” Viewers also noted the change: “Sanemi-san’s transformation”, “His polite and calm greeting is really cool”, “This shows Sanemi isn’t just a violent guy”, and “It’s hilarious that he seemed to have no intelligence or reason”.
Then Oyakata-sama declares, “I have approved of Tanjirou and Nezuko. I want all of you to accept them as well.”
Even with Oyakata-sama’s words, the Hashira object. They cannot forgive a demon. Opposition pours in, but then a letter is presented. It is from former Hashira Urokodaki Sakonji, who trained Tanjirou.
The letter states that Nezuko has maintained her rationality through immense willpower, that she has gone over two years without eating a human even in a starving state, and that “if Nezuko ever attacks a human, Kamado Tanjirou, Urokodaki Sakonji, and Tomioka Giyuu will commit seppuku as an apology.” Tanjirou’s eyes fill with tears upon hearing this.
Fans were moved: “Urokodaki’s letter!!!”, “Without that letter, Tanjirou would have been killed right there”, “Of course Tanjirou cries when he learns about it now”, “Giyuu’s life being on the line makes him even cooler”, and “That letter really saved Tanjirou”.
Nezuko’s Trial
Sanemi snaps at the letter: “So what if they’ll commit seppuku?” But Oyakata-sama responds, “We cannot guarantee she won’t attack humans. We cannot prove it. However, we also cannot prove that she will attack humans.” He suggests that those who deny Nezuko must offer something more substantial than the fact that she hasn’t eaten a human for over two years and that three lives are on the line.
He asks the Hashira, “Do you all have such a will?” He also reveals that Tanjirou has encountered Muzan Kibutsuji and that Muzan has sent pursuers after him. Still, the Hashira are not convinced. Sanemi, in particular, refuses, cutting his own left arm and letting the blood flow to prove the ugliness of demons (Nezuko).
“Come out, demon! Here’s the human blood you love!” Nezuko emerges from the box…
Fans were tense: “Sanemi-san, stop!”, “Sanemi looks truly malicious here”, “Even knowing the backstory, this is a hard scene”, and “Nezuko keeping her sanity in front of Sanemi’s blood is insane”.
Will Nezuko be able to resist?
Ubuyashiki Kagaya Voiced by Morikawa Toshiyuki
The official Demon Slayer account has been posting weekly cast comments to celebrate the full rerun. This week’s comment comes from Morikawa Toshiyuki, who voices Oyakata-sama, Ubuyashiki Kagaya. He is also known for his roles as the second voice of Nohara Hiroshi in Crayon Shin-chan and as the Japanese dub voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars films.
Morikawa commented on Oyakata-sama: “There is strength in his stillness, and a gentle embrace. I act while cherishing what resides in his voice. Even though he doesn’t say much, I hope each word stays in your hearts. I’d be happy if you can feel the charm of Oyakata-sama in Episode 22.”
That was the summary of the twenty-second rerun episode, “Oyakata-sama.” After the broadcast, comments included “This is the only time all nine Hashira are together, before and after” and “The Hashira were harsh to Tanjirou at first, but now that we know their circumstances, it all makes sense”.
The next episode preview shows the Hashira all gathered, and the aftermath of Tanjirou’s headbutt causes a big uproar. Namu Amida Butsu.
The full rerun of the series began on April 5, just before the seventh anniversary of the original broadcast on April 6, 2019. The next episode is Episode 23, “Hashira Meeting.” Tanjirou will reunite with that girl from the Final Selection!
■ TV Anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Full Rerun
Started April 5, every Sunday from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
※ On Fuji TV and other stations
※ Broadcast stations outside the Kanto region will be announced on the official website later.
Cast:
Kamado Tanjirou: Hanazawa Natsuki
Kamado Nezuko ※: Kitou Akari
Agatsuma Zenitsu: Shimono Hiro
Hashibira Inosuke: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
Others
※ The correct notation for Nezuko’s “Nezu” is “Ne + Ji” (禰).
Staff:
Kamado Tanjirou: Unwavering Resolve Arc
Original: Gotouge Koyoharu (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sotozaki Haruo
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Matsushima Akira
Sub Character Design: Satou Miyuki, Kajiyama Youko, Kikuchi Mika
Script Production: ufotable
Concept Art: Etou Kouji, Yanaka Masaru, Takeuchi Kasumi, Kabasawa Yuuri
Photography Director: Terao Yuuichi
3D Director: Nishiwaki Kazuki
Color Design: Oomae Yuuko
Editing: Jinno Manabu
Music: Kajiura Yuki, Shima Gou
Production Producer: Kondou Hikaru
Animation Production: ufotable
Opening Theme: LiSA “Gurenge” (SACRA MUSIC)
Ending Theme: LiSA “from the edge” (SACRA MUSIC)
Mugen Train Arc
Original: Gotouge Koyoharu (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sotozaki Haruo
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Matsushima Akira
Script Production: ufotable
Sub Character Design: Satou Miyuki, Kajiyama Youko, Kikuchi Mika
Prop Design: Koyama Masaharu
Concept Art: Etou Kouji, Yanaka Masaru, Kabasawa Yuuri
Photography Director: Terao Yuuichi
3D Director: Nishiwaki Kazuki
Color Design: Oomae Yuuko
Editing: Jinno Manabu
Music: Kajiura Yuki, Shima Gou
Animation Production: ufotable
Opening Theme: LiSA “Akeboshi” (SACRA MUSIC)
Ending Theme: LiSA “Shirogane” (SACRA MUSIC)
Entertainment District Arc
Original: Gotouge Koyoharu (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sotozaki Haruo
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Matsushima Akira
Script Production: ufotable
Sub Character Design: Satou Miyuki, Kajiyama Youko, Kikuchi Mika
Prop Design: Koyama Masaharu
Art Director: Etou Kouji
Photography Director: Terao Yuuichi
3D Director: Nishiwaki Kazuki
Color Design: Oomae Yuuko
Editing: Jinno Manabu
Music: Kajiura Yuki, Shima Gou
Animation Production: ufotable
Opening Theme: Aimer “Zankyou Sanka” (SACRA MUSIC)
Ending Theme: Aimer “Asa ga Kuru” (SACRA MUSIC)
Swordsmith Village Arc
Original: Gotouge Koyoharu (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sotozaki Haruo
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Matsushima Akira
Script Production: ufotable
Sub Character Design: Satou Miyuki, Kajiyama Youko, Kikuchi Mika
Prop Design: Koyama Masaharu
Art Director: Etou Kouji
Photography Director: Terao Yuuichi
3D Director: Nishiwaki Kazuki
Color Design: Oomae Yuuko
Editing: Jinno Manabu
Music: Kajiura Yuki, Shima Gou
Animation Production: ufotable
Opening Theme: MAN WITH A MISSION × milet “Kizuna no Kiseki” (Sony Music Records)
Ending Theme: milet × MAN WITH A MISSION “Koikogare” (SME Records)
Hashira Training Arc
Original: Gotouge Koyoharu (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Sotozaki Haruo
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Matsushima Akira
Script Production: ufotable
Sub Character Design: Satou Miyuki, Kajiyama Youko, Kikuchi Mika
Prop Design: Koyama Masaharu
Art Director: Yanaka Masaru, Kabasawa Yuuri
Art Supervisor: Etou Kouji
Photography Director: Terao Yuuichi
3D Director: Nishiwaki Kazuki
Color Design: Oomae Yuuko
Editing: Jinno Manabu
Music: Kajiura Yuki, Shima Gou
Animation Production: ufotable
Opening Theme: MY FIRST STORY × HYDE “Mugen” (Sony Music Labels / BEAT SEEKER MUSIC)
Ending Theme: HYDE × MY FIRST STORY “Tokoshie” (Sony Music Labels / BEAT SEEKER MUSIC)
(C) Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
