Why Was Kokushibo The Only Upper Moon Who Could Use A Breathing Technique?

Daksh Chaudhary
Mar 30
3 min read

Updated: Apr 25

Kokushibo is the only Demon who can use Breathing Technique

When it comes to Demon Slayer's Upper Moons, Kokushibo stands out for one crazy reason: he’s the only Demon who could use a Breathing Technique. Yeah, the same sword styles that Demon Slayers rely on to fight Demons, and this guy had one himself. How does that even work? And why didn’t any other Upper Moon pull this off?

Turns out, Kokushibo’s past holds the key. Before becoming a Demon, he was a legendary swordsman, just like his brother, Yoriichi, the guy who invented Sun Breathing. But while other Demons rely purely on raw power, Kokushibo kept his swordsmanship, making him terrifyingly unique. So why was he the only one? Let’s break it down.

UPDATE: This article was updated by Daksh Chaudhary on April 25th, 2025. We have added a YouTube Short based on this article for a better experience of our readers.

Check out our YouTube Short and learn more about Kokushibo's Moon Breathing Technique.

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Kokushibo’s Past: A Swordsman With Breathing Technique Turned Demon

Kokushibo wasn’t always a Demon. Centuries ago, he was Michikatsu Tsugikuni, a top-tier Demon Slayer and the older brother of Yoriichi, the strongest slayer, whom even the Demon King Muzan feared. He trained in Moon Breathing, a technique he created after failing to master Sun Breathing. When he became a Demon, he didn’t lose those skills, he used them even better.

Most Demons abandon their humanity completely, but Kokushibo held onto his swordsmanship. Maybe it was pride, or maybe he just couldn’t let go of the power he’d spent his life chasing. Either way, his Breathing Technique gave him an edge no other Upper Moon had. While Demons like Akaza or Doma relied on brute strength or blood magic, Kokushibo fought like a master swordsman, because he was one.

Why Didn’t Other Upper Moons Use Breathing Techniques?

Why no other Demon can use Breathing Technique

Here’s the thing: Breathing Techniques are tied to humanity. They require discipline, training, and a connection to human emotions, stuff most Demons lose when they turn. Akaza was a martial artist in his past life, but as a Demon, he just brawled with his fists. Doma? He didn’t even care about fighting until Muzan forced him.

Kokushibo was different. His obsession with surpassing Yoriichi kept him clinging to his swordsmanship. Other Demons embraced their new monstrous powers, but he used his Breathing Technique as a Demon because it was part of his identity. For everyone else, it was easier to just rely on Muzan’s blood gifts than to keep human skills.

Moon Breathing: A Demon’s Version Of A Breathing Style

Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing Technique wasn’t exactly the same as a human’s. He twisted it with his Demon powers, creating slashes that looked like crescent moons and could cut through almost anything. Normal Breathing Techniques need oxygen and human stamina, but as a Demon, he had infinite energy. That’s why his attacks were so overwhelming; he merged human skill with Demon strength.

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No other Upper Moon could pull this off because none of them had his background. Even if they tried, they lacked the centuries of training Kokushibo had. His Breathing Technique wasn’t just a weapon, it was proof that he never fully let go of his past. And that’s what made him so dangerous.

Could Another Demon Have Learned Breathing Techniques?

Technically, yes, but none had the right mix of skill and obsession. Tamayo kept her human intelligence, but she wasn’t a fighter. Nezuko developed her own Blood Demon Art, but she never trained in swordsmanship. The only way another Demon could use a Breathing Technique is if they were already a master before turning, and cared enough to keep it.

But Muzan wouldn’t allow it. He wanted Demons to rely on his power, not human techniques. Kokushibo was an exception; clearly because he saw Breathing Technique's potential while fighting with Yoriichi, and wanted to use the human-built technique against humans through Kokushibo. Anyone else trying this might’ve been seen as a threat. After all, why would Muzan want a Demon who didn’t fully depend on him?

Final Verdict: Kokushibo Was One Of A Kind

So, why was Kokushibo the only Upper Moon who could use a Breathing Technique? Because he was the only one stubborn enough to keep his human skills and powerful enough to make them work as a Demon. His past as a swordsman and his rivalry with Yoriichi made him unlike any other Demon in the series.

No other Upper Moon came close because they either didn’t have the training or didn’t care. Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing was a reminder that even as a Demon, part of him was still human, and that’s what made him the deadliest Upper Moon of all.