Demon Slayer's biggest problem isn't Muzan, but part of its worldbuilding

Modified Dec 30, 2024 18:16 GMT

The world of Demon Slayer is shaped by its fight against Muzan Kibutsuji and his demons, but a bigger challenge comes from its worldbuilding: the unrecognized status of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite their vital role in protecting people, the Corps works without government support, balancing independence with serious risks.

This lack of recognition brings challenges like limited resources and difficulty recruiting new members. Exploring this dynamic reveals how being excluded from the official system creates struggles for the Corps, raising questions about fairness, sacrifice, and society’s values in a world that depends on them to survive.

Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's opinion.

The Demon Slayer Corps may be an unrecognized powerhouse

Members of the Demon Slayer Corps as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Ufptable)

The Demon Slayer Corps is a group that fights demons to protect humanity. Despite their heroic mission and long history, the Corps is not officially recognized by the Japanese government. This lack of recognition creates several challenges and implications for the story.

On one hand, not being recognized gives the Corps freedom to act independently without government interference. However, this independence comes with drawbacks. The Corps’ members, who risk their lives to protect others, don’t have legal protection or status.

Gyomei Himejima (Image via Studio Ufptable)

For example, Gyomei Himejima, the strongest Hashira, was falsely accused of murder when demons attacked his temple. He was only saved from execution because the Corps stepped in, showing their influence but also how fragile their position is.

The Corps relies on support from powerful allies like samurai clans and wealthy backers. Families like the Rengokus have helped the Corps survive.

The Hashira as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Ufptable)

Wealthy donors also provide shelter, funding, and resources. But this support from private sources highlights how the Corps operates outside the official system, leaving them vulnerable to neglect by society and the government.

Not being recognized also limits the Corps’ ability to expand. They cannot openly recruit members or organize large-scale efforts. Instead, they must work in secret, placing the burden of fighting demons on a small group of people. If the government supported the Corps, they could potentially use more resources and manpower to fight demons more effectively.

Why the government refuses to recognize the Corps

Kagaya Ubuyashiki (Image via Studio Ufptable)

The Japanese government’s refusal to recognize the Demon Slayer Corps seems to come from both practical and strategic reasons. A key factor is Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Corps, who deliberately keeps the existence of demons hidden from the government. Kagaya’s main fear could be that the government might try to use demons as weapons, turning them into tools for war or power struggles.

This fear is not without reason. History has shown that governments often try to control dangerous forces for their own benefit, sometimes with disastrous results. Kagaya’s decision to keep demons a secret ensures that they remain a threat to be destroyed, not something to be exploited.

Kamado Tanjiro (Image via Studio Ufptable)

Another reason for the government’s denial could be the desire to maintain public order. If people knew about demons, it could cause widespread panic and chaos. By ignoring the problem publicly, the government avoids scaring people, even though it indirectly relies on the Corps to handle the threat.

This deliberate ignorance creates a strange situation. The government benefits from the Corps’ efforts to protect society but does nothing to support them officially. This leaves the Corps in a difficult position, forced to fight in secret while carrying the burden of humanity’s survival. Kagaya’s choice to keep demons a secret shows his commitment but also exposes the challenges of operating without government backing.

Final thoughts

Kibutsuji Muzan (Image via Studio Ufptable)

The Demon Slayer Corps’ lack of recognition shows a deeper problem in the anime world. While Muzan is a powerful enemy, the Corps also fights against a society that ignores their sacrifices. Their real challenge is not just defeating demons but surviving and gaining the support and respect they deserve.

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Edited by Tiasha