Tanjiro and the Flame Hashira Lost! The Top 10 Most Loved Demon Slayer Characters Revealed — The Winner Is Him, Cold-Hearted on the Outside but Risking His Life for the Siblings

A Japanese polling website has released the official popularity rankings for characters from 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.' A total of 133 characters were included in the vote, drawing participation from 79,611 fans and accumulating 524,451 votes. The rankings were scored on a 100-point scale, covering everyone from the Hashira (pillars) of the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro and his companions, to Muzan Kibutsuji and the Twelve Kizuki. With the upcoming release of the first chapter of the 'Infinity Castle' movie trilogy, character discussions have reignited. Below is a full breakdown of the top 10 most popular 'Demon Slayer' characters, along with their appeal and fan reactions.

10th Place: Mitsuri Kanroji (83.1 points) Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, ranks 10th with 83.1 points. Voiced by Kana Hanazawa, she is one of the strongest swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps, wielding the Love Breathing technique. With a sweet appearance and cheerful personality, her hobbies include cooking and playing karuta. Despite her delicate look, her muscle density is said to be eight times that of an average person. Her reason for joining the Demon Slayer Corps is uniquely romantic—she sought a lifelong partner—making her a warm and humorous presence in an otherwise dark narrative.

Fans describe her as 'adorable and refreshing,' with many saying she 'brings energy just by appearing.' She's seen as a breath of fresh air amid intense storylines. Others highlight the contrast between her girlish appearance and her ability to fight Upper Rank demons, calling her 'a rare and precious character in such a violent world.'

9th Place: Inosuke Hashibira (83.8 points) Inosuke Hashibira, voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, ranks 9th with 83.8 points. A fellow recruit with Tanjiro, he uses his self-developed Beast Breathing technique. Always wearing a boar's head mask, he is aggressive and wild in combat. However, beneath the mask lies a strikingly androgynous face, creating a compelling contrast that makes him one of the most recognizable characters.

Fans say he 'energizes viewers' and praise his relentless determination. Despite often misnaming allies and speaking rudely, his pure-hearted reactions when shown kindness—like saying 'warm'—make him endearing. 'Even though he's rough, his loyalty to his friends is touching,' one fan noted.

8th Place: Tanjiro Kamado (85.2 points) Protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, voiced by Natsuki Hanae, ranks 8th with 85.2 points. A kind and family-oriented boy, he joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is slaughtered by a demon, and his sister Nezuko turns into one. He wields Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura, embodying both gentleness and resilience as the story's central figure.

Fans praise him as a 'hardworking and dependable older brother.' Many admire how he cares for others even in pain and shows empathy toward enemies' tragic pasts. 'He never gives up in crises and leads his team forward—I want to cheer for him until he finds happiness,' one fan shared.

7th Place: Shinobu Kocho (85.7 points) Shinobu Kocho, voiced by Rie Takahashi, ranks 7th with 85.7 points. A successor to the Insect Hashira, she uses Flower Breathing and has exceptional eyesight. Traumatized by her past, she initially struggled to express emotions and followed orders without question. However, under Tanjiro's influence, she gradually learns to voice her own thoughts and feelings.

Fans call her their 'favorite character,' with many falling for her during the Final Selection when she stood unharmed and calm. Others love her signature look—blunt bangs, side ponytail, short skirt, and boots. Many appreciate her growth: 'It's heartwarming to see her slowly find her voice and express herself.'

6th Place: Kyojuro Rengoku (87.5 points) Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, ranks 6th with 87.5 points. Voiced by Hiro Shimono, he wields Flame Breathing and hails from the Rengoku family. Despite his father abandoning training, he became a Hashira through sheer determination and limited guidance. His cheerful personality and care for juniors left a strong impression, especially in the 'Mugen Train' arc.

Fans praise his leadership and passion. 'Rengoku's appearance reignited my love for Demon Slayer,' one said. Others describe him as a Hashira worth following, with his battle against Upper Rank Three, Akaza, being iconic. 'His words and actions guided Tanjiro—his final scene made my chest burn with emotion,' fans noted.

5th Place: Zenitsu Agatsuma (87.8 points) Zenitsu Agatsuma, voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki, ranks 5th with 87.8 points. A fellow recruit with Tanjiro, he uses Thunder Breathing. Usually cowardly, tearful, and anxious, he's often seen as comic relief. However, when unconscious due to extreme stress, he unleashes incredible combat power—a stark contrast that fuels his popularity.

Fans say 'he's cool when asleep' and admire how he fights through fear. 'He's a scaredy-cat, but reliable when it matters most,' one fan said. His battle against his demon-turned senior, Kaigaku, was praised as 'intense and emotional,' showcasing the power of Thunder Breathing users.

4th Place: Nezuko Kamado (88.1 points) Nezuko Kamado, voiced by Akari Kito, ranks 4th with 88.1 points. Tanjiro's younger sister, she survived a demon attack but turned into a demon after being exposed to Muzan Kibutsuji's blood. Despite this, she never attacks humans and retains her humanity. Her Blood Demon Art, 'Exploding Blood,' has been pivotal in many battles.

Fans are moved by her cuteness and strength. 'She shows so many sides—from a beautiful human girl to a fierce warrior—and all are charming,' one said. Others find her bamboo muzzle and broken speech 'adorable,' yet admire how she bravely protects Tanjiro and the team. 'She's the little sister I'd most want to take home,' fans declared.

3rd Place: Shinobu Kocho (88.4 points) Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, ranks 3rd with 88.4 points. Voiced by Saori Hayami, she uses Insect Breathing and is skilled in pharmacology, creating poisons to kill demons. Unable to decapitate demons due to her physical limitations, she uses a thin Nichirin blade and toxins, combining elegance with deadly precision.

Fans describe her as a 'cute yet powerful petite Hashira.' Many are drawn to her butterfly-themed design and the contrast between her gentle smile and cold-blooded combat. 'I thought she was scary at first, but she's actually kind and intelligent,' one fan said. Her ethereal voice and Saori Hayami's performance enhance her allure.

2nd Place: Muichiro Tokito (91.3 points) Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, ranks 2nd with 91.3 points. Voiced by Kensho Ono, he is the youngest Hashira, mastering Mist Breathing in just two months. Initially emotionless and sharp-tongued due to memory loss, he gradually reveals warmth and familial bonds as the story progresses.

Fans find his 'cloud-gazing expression soothing' and note how he changes after regaining memories. His backstory with his brother moved many to tears. 'It's heartbreaking and beautiful,' one said. Despite his youth, his strength surpasses his age, earning both pity and admiration.

1st Place: Giyu Tomioka (94.7 points) The top spot goes to Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, with 94.7 points. Voiced by Katsuyuki Konishi, he is a pivotal figure who set Tanjiro on the path to becoming a demon slayer. Often misunderstood due to his quiet nature, he was the first to recognize Nezuko's humanity and risked his life to protect the Kamado siblings.

Fans describe him as 'calm and composed, yet deeply kind.' Many appreciate how, despite his cold exterior, he silently supports the siblings. 'He's the most reliable Hashira,' one fan said. His quiet strength and hidden compassion have won the hearts of countless fans.