Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the most beloved Shōnen series in the anime industry. While Kamado Tanjiro's journey to restore his sister's humanity after his family's massacre is undeniably compelling, the series' action is its most captivating aspect. The flashy techniques employed by the Demon Slayers to vanquish demons have enthralled fans, with the Demon Slayers showcasing different fighting styles.

The various fighting styles in Demon Slayer are developed through the use of distinct Breathing Styles. These styles draw inspiration from natural elements like Water, Thunder, Sun, and others, which is vividly apparent when s employ them during attacks. However, according to an insight from the creator, Koyoharu Gotouge, these styles are not real but rather how they are perceived by others and in the imagination of the s.

The Creator of Demon Slayer Confirms the Breathing Styles Are Only Imagination

Koyoharu Gotogue Shares This Information in Extra Pages of a Volume

Demon Slayer volumes often include extra pages that provide additional insights about the characters or humorous notes from the author. In Volume #17, Koyoharu Gotouge shares details about Murata, one of the notable background characters in the series. The information explains how Murata became a Demon Slayer and his use of the Water Breathing style. However, a note from the author explicitly clarifies that Demon Slayers do not actually unleash water attacks, these effects are merely how others perceive the Breathing Style or sword style in action.

Note: Swordsmen don't actually unleash water attacks. People who see this just think they see and feel it.

Fans should recognize that the visual effects associated with each Breathing Style are not real. Instead, Demon Slayers rely on their swordsmanship as their primary fighting technique, rather than the Breathing Styles themselves. Koyoharu Gotouge's comment suggests that Demon Slayers have refined their swordsmanship to such an extent that it appears to others as if they are harnessing the elements. These styles and forms are designed to enhance the impact of their sword techniques. With this understanding, it becomes clearer why each style is tied to a specific element and why the first Breathing Style, Sun Breathing, earned its name.

The Sun Being the First Breathing Style in Demon Slayer Has a Very Compelling Reason

According to Demon Slayer lore, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the first Demon Slayer to develop a Breathing Style, later known as Sun Breathing. It is said that Sun Breathing mimics the movement of the sun. However, considering that Breathing Styles are not real, there is a compelling reason why Yoriichi’s technique is uniquely revered as the Sun. Since the sun is the demons’ only true weakness, and Yoriichi is the strongest Demon Slayer ever, capable of nearly defeating Muzan instantly, it is easy to see why others view him as a beacon of hope, shining as powerfully as the sun.

With Yoriichi effortlessly defeating demons with his swordsmanship, much like the sun eradicating demons without struggle, his technique may have earned the title of Sun Breathing. Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer does an excellent job of showcasing swordsmanship through the concept of Breathing Styles, however, understanding that these styles are not real but rather perceived adds a new appreciation for the creator’s masterful writing, introducing an additional layer of imagination to the narrative.