Although the original manga has concluded, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba still enjoys enduring popularity. The TV broadcast of the Mugen Train Arc and the sequel, Entertainment District Arc, are gradually approaching. The Mugen Train Arc focuses on the Pillars and Upper Rank demons, and there are likely many characters who have become explosively popular in just a few episodes. In this article, we have created a ranking based on the anime's popular character rankings, taking the Mugen Train Arc into consideration. Please note that these are purely personal opinions and impressions.
10th Place: Kanao Tsuyuri
The Mysterious and Beautiful Stepdaughter of Shinobu Kocho
One of the main heroines. She's a fellow Corps member of the same generation as Tanjiro and the others, but unlike them, she's the stepdaughter of Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Pillar. She's taciturn and mysterious, but this is due to her tragic upbringing. After meeting Tanjiro and the others, she gradually begins to open up.
9th Place: Enmu
A Lower Rank Demon who uses illusion-type Blood Demon Art that causes nightmares
As a Lower Rank One, Enmu stood before Tanjiro and his friends as the main antagonist of the Mugen Train arc. Unlike previous demons, his Blood Demon Art is a type of illusion that manipulates dreams. The conductor casts the spell on the train, carefully rigging it so the troopers don't notice, highlighting his cruel, cunning, and tactical side, very much like a demon.
8th Place: Shinobu Kocho
The Insect Pillar who dances like a butterfly and stings like a bee
She is the owner of the Butterfly Mansion and the Insect Pillar. Although she has a gentle and kind personality, her older sister, Kanae Kocho, the Flower Pillar, was killed by a demon. Deep inside, she is filled with hatred and a desire for revenge against demons. Unlike the other members of the corps, she is unable to decapitate demons, so she fights them using poison. Furthermore, as a poisoner, her words are laced with venom, which adds to her charm.
7th Place: Giyu Tomioka
The Water Pillar who showed the Kamado siblings the way of life
It's no exaggeration to say that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba began with his decision. Seeing Nezuko resist despite being transformed into a demon, he sheathed his sword and guided the two to Urokodaki, their trainer, to enlist in the Demon Slayer Corps. Though he appears taciturn and unsociable, he cares about Tanjiro and the others, and was prepared to cut Nezuko's stomach open if she attacked anyone. However, his naive and clumsy side also make him a well-defined character.
6th Place: Zenitsu Agatsuma
A Thunder Breathing Swordsman Who Has Trained a Single Technique to the Limit
In the Mugen Train arc, Zenitsu Agatsuma was depicted in a dream where he seemed happy with Nezuko and chased after a man who had entered his dream. However, even though he was unable to wake up from the dream, he dashed to Nezuko's aid, showing a stark contrast to his usual self.
5th Place: Nezuko Kamado
A Kind-Hearted Demon Girl Who Protects Others
It's no exaggeration to say that Nezuko was the MVP of the Mugen Train arc. Not only was she the only one unaffected by Enmu's magic, but she also successfully woke up Tanjiro and his friends. Without her, Tanjiro and his friends would never have won. However, there were also some adorable scenes, such as when she woke him up because he wanted a head pat, or when she ended up crying after headbutting him.
4th Place: Hashibira Inosuke
A swordsman who slays demons with the fierceness of a beast
While still as fierce as ever, he has begun to fight alongside Tanjiro. Wearing a boar mask, he was able to avoid Enmu's spells and save Tanjiro from falling into a trap and attempting to commit suicide. At the end of the film, he weeps, taking Kyojuro's words to heart, and tries to inspire Tanjiro and the others, who have become overwhelmed with grief and stopped moving forward, showing his growth.
3rd Place: Tanjiro Kamado
The Merciful and Kind Bright-Scorching Swordsman
After having a dream where he reunites with his family, Tanjiro becomes enraged when he has a dream where he is insulted by Enmu, giving us a glimpse into his passionate feelings for his family. He defeats Enmu with Inosuke, but can only watch during Akaza's fight. His insults toward Akaza as he flees and his subsequent exchange with Kyojuro are sure to be heartbreaking. With Kyojuro entrusting his feelings to him, Tanjiro will continue to look forward and grow.
2nd Place: Akaza
An Upper Rank demon with overwhelming power that even the Pillars cannot match
This is the final boss of the Mugen Train arc. He appeared before Tanjiro and his friends, relieved after the battle, demonstrating the overwhelming power of the Upper Ranks. As Enmu had hinted, he was far stronger than any demon they had faced so far, and he engaged in a deadly battle with Kyojuro. However, although he won the challenge against Kyojuro, he was unable to kill Tanjiro and his friends until sunrise, and retreated. In effect, he won the challenge but lost the match.
1st Place: Rengoku Kyojuro
The Flame Pillar with a more passionate and proud spirit than anyone else
Since the release of the Mugen Train Arc, Rengoku's popularity has skyrocketed, becoming such a popular character that he's even been dubbed the 40 Billion Yen Man. He has produced many famous lines, including "Burn your heart," and demonstrated the true strength of humanity in his deadly battle with Akaza. There are many touching scenes, such as his interactions with his mother in flashbacks, his final struggle to defeat Akaza, and the smile he gives his mother after it's all over.
Summary
What did you think of this ranking, which focuses on the Mugen Train Arc? There are so many fascinating characters in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba that it can be quite difficult to choose. However, this ranking is not exhaustive, so it might be fun to think about your own ranking of the most popular characters. It might also be interesting to re-rank them after the Entertainment District Arc airs. Thank you for reading this far! Have a great Demon Slayer life!
