鬼滅の刃 by 吾峠呼世晴 Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge (Shueisha)
One of the most talked about literary phenomenom to hit Japan is a manga series titled Kimetsu no Yaiba, known to English readers as Demon Slayer. It was first serialized in the weekly periodical Shonen Jump before becoming available in the graphic novel format in twenty-three volumes. The manga appeals to all demographics - Elementary, junior and high school students, office ladies, salarymen alike.
The English version is published by Viz Media and was simultaneously published by Manga Plus which is an online manga platform. This series has spawned a television anime program, spin-off stories, a video game, a full-length feature film and even a stage play.
The full length movie, “Demon Slayer : Mugen Train” which was adapted from volumes 7 and 8 set a new box office record becoming the highest grossing film of all time in Japan surpassing Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” and James Cameron’s “Titanic”. Mugen translates to “infinity” or “unlimited”. The film was released on October 16, 2020 and is still being shown in theaters throughout the country. Due to its immense popularity, Kimetsu no Yaiba was also voted as one of the buzzwords for Japan in 2020.
The merchandise associated with this title is too numerous to mention - posters, calendars, cups, socks, badges, keyholders and cushions to name a few. You can also try to win limited edition plush dolls and other toys by playing crane games at game centers.
The story is set in the Taisho era and centers on two members of the Kamado family, Tanjiro and Nezuko. They live with their family in the mountains. Their father has passed away so Tanjiro makes a living by selling charcoal to people living in a village nearby. His whole life is changed in one day when he goes home to find his entire family slaughtered. They were killed by a demon. His sister Nezuko survives the attack but becomes a demon but still shows signs of human emotion.
Tanjiro meets Giyu Tomioka, a hashira of the kistatsutai who are elite members of the Demon Slayer Corps. A secret society that has been fighting demons for centuries. Tanjiro begs Giyu not to kill his sister. He is determined to find a way to turn his sister back into a human. Giyu refers Tanjiro to a man named Sankoji Urokodaki, a former Demon Slayer Corp member who then trains Tanjiro.
Tanjiro sets off to become a formal member of the Demon Slayer Corp and makes a promise to his sister to find a way to change her back into a human. He faces a number of obstacles and meets new friends - Zenitsu Akatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. The three of them set off to find and kill the strongest demon whose name is Muzan Kibutsuji.
Kimetsu no Yaiba is a dark fantasy full of action, humor and romance. It’s a universal story of good versus evil and is also about love and friendship, courage and determination. Although the series ended at the height of its popularity, the spinoffs, merchandise and fanzines will continue to keep the story in the public eye. Its potential is mugen. ~Ernie Hoyt