Demon Slayer: How Is Yoriichi Related To Tanjiro’s Family, Explained

Pavas Gagneja
1 hour ago
3 min read

How is Yoriichi related to Tanjiro’s family in Demon Slayer

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga, including shocking plot points, final battles, and major plot twists not yet covered in the anime. Proceed only if you're caught up or don't mind having key story elements revealed.

If you’ve watched the Demon Slayer anime or read the manga, you’ve probably noticed that Tanjiro looks a lot like Yoriichi and even uses some of the same fighting techniques. But are they actually related by blood?

The answer is both simple and deep. Their bond is built on legacy, gratitude, and passing down something stronger than blood — purpose. This connection goes far beyond family ties. But is Yorrichi actually related to Tanjiro or the Kamado family in any way?

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Yoriichi’s Story: The Creator Of The Sun Breathing

Yoriichi Tsugikuni standing against Muzan

Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the original creator of Sun Breathing, the very first and most powerful breathing style. He was born during the Sengoku Era and was so powerful that even Muzan Kibutsuji, the strongest Demon, feared him. Yoriichi was kind, humble, and never sought fame or praise, but he was unmatched in skill and heart.

Even though he was a Demon Slayer, Yoriichi lived a lonely life. He lost many people he loved and never had children to carry on his bloodline. But he still made sure his skills and knowledge were passed down in another way — through the Kamado family.

Tanjiro’s Ancestors And The Kamado Family

The true connection between Yoriichi and Tanjiro’s family starts with Sumiyoshi, who was Tanjiro’s ancestor. Yoriichi once saved Sumiyoshi from Demons, and in return, Sumiyoshi offered him kindness, food, and a place to rest. This small bond became something big. They became close friends

Yoriichi, feeling like his life as a Demon Slayer was coming to an end, chose to share his Sun Breathing technique with Sumiyoshi. He showed him the forms, the movements, and even gifted him his Hanafuda Earrings. Sumiyoshi carefully memorized everything and promised to pass it on to his children. This is how Tanjiro’s family learned the Sun Breathing technique, which they called the Hinokami Kagura, a dance passed down from father to son for generations.

The Hanafuda Earrings And The Breathing Legacy

Tanjiro wearing the Hanafuda earrings and using sun breathing style

The earrings Tanjiro wears are the same ones that Yoriichi wore. They’re not just accessories; they show the power and legacy of the Sun Breathing user. Muzan even panicked when he first saw Tanjiro with them, thinking Yoriichi had returned.

Even though centuries had passed, the Kamado family continued to honor Yoriichi’s memory by performing the Hinokami Kagura dance every year, not knowing it was actually the most powerful fighting style in Demon Slayer history. Tanjiro, by wearing those earrings and using those moves, carried Yoriichi’s will without even realizing it.

Not Related By Blood, But Still Brothers In Spirit

So to be clear: Tanjiro and Yoriichi are not related by blood. Yoriichi’s real brother was Kokushibo, who later became an Upper Moon Demon. But Yoriichi and Sumiyoshi (Tanjiro's ancestor) shared such a deep bond that it became a spiritual connection passed down to Tanjiro.

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You could say Yoriichi found in the Kamado family the warmth and kindness he had lost in life. In return, he gave them something powerful and life-changing. That connection lives on through Tanjiro; in his fighting spirit, his kind heart, and his desire to protect others.

Final Verdict: Yoriichi Tsugikuni Is Related To Tanjiro By Legacy

Hantengu sees Yoriichi's shadow behind Tanjiro

The connection between Yoriichi Tsugikuni and the Kamado family shows that family doesn’t always mean blood. Love, respect, and a shared purpose are also enough. Yoriichi may not be Tanjiro’s ancestor by blood, but he is definitely part of his spiritual family.

Thanks to that connection, Tanjiro was able to fight stronger Demons, stand up to Muzan, and carry forward the legacy of the greatest swordsman who ever lived.