Demon Slayer is a popular new-gen Shonen anime that follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who lost everything in a demon attack except his sister Nezuko. Despite appearing as an ordinary kid, Tanjiro wears earrings with a deep history rooted in the Sengoku Era – The Golden Age of the Demon Slayers. The significance of these earrings in the story has captivated fans, and they are eager to learn more about Tanjiro’s Hanafuda earrings.
It is one of the best anime and manga series of this generation and was introduced with a minor controversy surrounding Tanjiro’s earrings. Tanjiro is one of the few characters shown wearing these earrings, along with his father, his ancestor, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni. These characters all share something in common that the demons are afraid of. The significance of Tanjiro’s Hanafuda earrings to the story is worth exploring.
Hanafuda Earring Design
The design of Tanjiro’s earrings in the anime sparked controversy among fans due to its resemblance to the symbol of the Rising Sun flag of Japan, which was used during World War II. Japan’s actions during this period, including its conquest of Asian nations and the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial military, have left a lasting impact on many Asian countries. As a result, the director and producer decided to alter the design of the earrings due to the controversial nature of the original design.
Demon Slayer: Hanafuda Earrings Of Tanjiro
The Hanafuda earrings of Tanjiro became popular due to their resemblance to the sun, the symbol of the Sun Breathing technique that is the greatest weapon against demons and keeping its legacy alive.
Born in the Sengoku Era – The Golden Age of the Demon Slayers from 1467 to 1615, Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the most skilled Demon Slayer whose Sun Breathing technique almost killed the Demon King. Despite beginning the most effective technique against the demons, no one can master it.
In the Demon Slayer manga, Shinjuro Kamado, Tanjiro’s great ancestor and friend of Yoriichi, watched him perform all the forms of Sun Breathing. Before leaving Kamado’s house, Yoriichi entrusted his Hanafuda earrings, which were later passed down from generation to generation in the Kamado family.
We know from the manga that Yoriich was given Hanafuda earrings by his mother because she thought he was deaf. Since his father told him he was unwanted and would bring misfortunes to the family, he never spoke a single word.
Due to the significance of Tanjiro’s Hanafuda earrings, many characters have been recognized, such as Rengoku’s father, Shinjuro, who calls Tanjiro the wilder of the first breathing technique in the anime. While pursuing the demon smell, Tanjiro encounters Muzan (the Demon King), who also recognizes the Hanafuda earrings, and in Demon Slayer season 1, episode 8, “The Smell of Enchanting Blood.”
Due to the terrible memories of the Hanafuda earrings, Muzan orders two of his followers to kill the demon slayer wearing the Hanafuda earrings. Later, it was revealed in the same episode through the flashback that the person with the Hanafuda earrings, Yoriichi, almost killed the Muzan.
This is why Tanjiro’s father passed down the earrings and was pushing for the next generation to learn Hinokami Kagura. As the only one capable of performing the Breath of the Sun, Tanjiro is destined to defeat Muzan, the Demon King. Therefore, Tanjiro Kamado wears Hanafuda earrings that were passed down to him by his father, who was also a wielder of Sun Breathing.
Why Tanjiro’s Hanafuda Wearing Earning Is Signifiance To Demon Slayer?
Tanjiro Kamado, the main character, has a link to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the first Sun Breather. Tanjiro wears Hanafuda earrings that once belonged to Yoriichi and were entrusted to Shinjuro Kamado. The earrings have been passed down through the generations of the Kamado family.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was banished from Demon Slaying after failing to kill the Demon King, allowing a demon to escape. Along his journey, he met Shinjuro Kamado, Tanjiro’s great ancestor, who provided him with shelter. Before leaving, Yoriichi gave Shinjuro the Hanafuda Earrings and was blessed to pass down the Sun Breathing technique to future generations.
After Yoriichi’s death, Muzan, the Demon King, began hunting down Demon Slayers to prevent his own demise. When Muzan encountered Tanjiro and saw the Hanafuda earrings, he became fearful of the Sun Breath technique. Muzan ordered two followers to kill the person wearing the earrings, but Tanjiro swiftly defeated the demons.
