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written by Koyoharu Gotouge
Demon Slayer, <anchor>written by Koyoharu Gotouge</anchor>, is one of the most popular modern series published by Shueisha. In 2021, the series sold nearly 30 million copies worldwide. Demon Slayer's unique art style, lovable characters, and beautifully choreographed fight scenes make it stand out from some of its peers.
10 Fun Facts About Koyoharu Gotouge, The Creator Of Demon Slayer
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# 10 Things You Didn't Know About Koyoharu Gotouge, The Creator Of Demon Slayer

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Published Dec 26, 2023

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Koyoharu Gotouge's avatar in front of various characters from Demon Slayer

Koyoharu Gotouge, creator of the renowned Demon Slayer series, is a very private person. Not much is known about them outside their work, and the only image used to represent them is a drawing of a crocodile with glasses which they use as their universal avatar.

Considering how incredibly popular Demon Slayer has become, Koyoharu Gotouge's ability to remain anonymous is all the more impressive. Nevertheless, Gotouge has done a few interviews and Q&A sessions here and there which have revealed small tidbits of information regarding what makes them such a great artist. While Gotouge may not have much to say in regard to their personal life, the success of their work very much speaks for itself.

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## 10  Koyoharu Gotouge Is One Of The 100 Most Influential People

Rengoku the fire Hashira from Demon Slayer smiling at the camera while a fire blazes in the background..

Koyoharu Gotouge was the first mangaka to be featured as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Following Mugen Train's record-setting first week in Japan's box office, Time celebrated the immense reach of the Demon Slayer franchise in 2021.

Since then, Demon Slayer has only gotten even more popular, and the franchise shows no signs of stopping as the anime heads into its fourth season. With the series soon reaching its apex arc, as Time rightfully points out, "the reach of Gotouge’s work promises to go even further."

## 9  Koyoharu Gotouge Based Tanjiro Off One Of Anime's Most Iconic Samurai

Tanjiro from Demon slayer and Kenshin Himura from Rurouni kenshin comparison

According to Gotouge, one of the main inspirations for Demon Slayer's protagonist Tanjiro was none other than Kenshin Himura from the legendary Rurouni Kenshin. Considering their red hair and characteristic face scars, that influence isn't really too far-fetched to consider.

Tanjiro also has Kenshin's characteristic kind-hearted demeanor, as well as his insistence on never killing unless completely necessary. While it's never been officially confirmed, it wouldn't be such a leap to suggest that Yoriichi Tsugikuni could have been inspired by Kenshin as well.

## 8  Gotouge's Next Project Will Have a Very Different Setting Than Demon Slayer's

Demon Slayer's hidden Swordsmith Village in the mountains.

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In the second official Kimetsu No Yaiba fan book, Gotouge expressed their desire to try something new after the Demon Slayer anime. Apparently, Gotouge would like their next manga project to be a "science fiction romantic comedy" series.

Gotouge came up with this idea while watching old sci-fi alien movies that they hadn't seen since they were a kid. For Gotouge, trying something new and completely different after all the hard work they put into Demon Slayer would likely be refreshing. Given the fun bits of humour littered throughout Demon Slayer already, it's safe to say that a romantic comedy wouldn't be a huge leap for Gotouge.

## 7  Demon Slayer Was Based On Gotouge's First Ever One-Shot

Two panels from the Kagarigari manga by Koyoharu Gotouge

Long before Koyoharu Gotouge wrote Demon Slayer, they released their first-ever one-shot: Kagarigari. 2014's Kagarigari is essentially a series about demon-slaying, which is quite fitting considering what Gotouge would eventually go on to create.

In fact, Kagarigari was used as the initial inspiration behind Demon Slayer's world and characters, though it was notably darker in tone than Demon Slayer would become. Not only does the main character of Kagarigari sport a similar face scar to Tanjiro, but he also utilizes his super-powerful sense of smell to locate demons.

## 6  The Real Reason Sakonji Urokodaki Wears A Mask

Sakonji Urokodaki from Demon Slayer staring ominously off-camera.

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According to Gotouge, Tanjiro's beloved mentor Sakonji Urokadaki wasn't always going to wear a mask. However, Gotouge felt that the original design for his face was far too plain, and so he was given a mask to wear to help him stand out.

This ended up being a great decision, as the mask definitely adds to the mystique behind his persona, as well as that of his past proteges, Sabito and Makomo. In-universe, Urokadaki insists that he wears a mask because demons used to joke about his gentle-looking face. Little does he know, his creator planned it all out for him from the very start.

## 5  Koyoharu Gotouge May Identify As Non-Binary

Mitsuri Kanroji from Demon Slayer smiling and blushing.

Gotouge has never revealed any personal pictures or even their real name, but fans may have been told their sex by accident. In one transcript released from Madfest's Demon Slayer Panel in Australia, Koyoharu Gotouge was referred to as "she", leading many in the anime community to conclude that they are indeed a woman.

However, Koyoharu often refers to themself as "they/them," which suggests they may actually be non-binary. This could also just be done in the interest of maintaining as much anonymity as possible though.

## 4  The Only Thing Known About Gotouge's Identity Is Their Age

Koyoharu Gotouge Demon Slayer mangaka one shot compilation

Gotouge does not reveal much about themself in terms of personal information, but their birthday is May 5th, 1989, making them 34 years old as of May 2023. Their first one-shot, Kagarigari, was published in April 2013, making them just shy of 24 at the time.

Even if not much is known about Gotouge directly, Kohei Ohnishi, one of Shōnen Jump's editors, did provide a small insight into what Gotouge may be like outside of work. According to Ohnishi, Gotouge relates heavily to Tanjiro's "serious nature, honesty, and strong sense of responsibility."

## 3  Koyoharu Gotouge Put A Lot Into Demon Slayer's Anime Adaptation

Tanjiro strikes with his Demon Blood Art sword in Demon Slayer Season 3 Episode 5

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For some mangaka, the anime based off their mange is merely another medium separate from their own work. As a result, they don't take much time to provide input into the show. That's far from the case for Demon Slayer's author though.

Gotouge apparently has a very active role in helping Ufotable get everything perfect when adapting their manga for the screen. According to series Producer Yuma Takahashi, Gotouge was in constant contact with him, and remained "intimately involved" in the entire adaptation process with Ufotable.

## 2  Gotouge Uses Real Life Inspirations For Their Characters

Mitsuri is about to arm wrestle someone in Demon Slayer.

According to Gotouge, their characters are based on real people in their life, including family and friends. For Gotouge, this is what makes a character worth creating, because they feel more genuine and realistic.

Basing their characters on real life experiences gives Gotouge the chance to implement their personal feelings into their characters, including their perspective on what kinds of characteristics are worthy of respect. While they've noted movies and other fictional works serve as an important source of inspiration for Demon Slayer's characters, nothing can beat the real thing in the end.

## 1  Three Manga Inspired Demon Slayer More Than Any Other

Demon slayer, bleach and Naruto shonen manga comparison

Demon Slayer had numerous inspirations and influences, but Gotouge cites three works in particular as more influential than any other. Those three being: Bleach, Naruto and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Considering how shōnen manga tropes are engrained into Demon Slayer's narrative, it should come as no surprise that these legendary genre staples were such big inspirations. Apparently, Bleach's Gotei 13 was also an important aspect Gotouge considered. This makes sense considering the similar role the Hashira play in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Tanjiro and the rest of the characters leaping into battle in the Demon Slayer Anime Poster

##### Demon Slayer

When Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family was attacked and killed by demons, he discovers his younger sister Nezuko was the only survivor. As Nezuko slowly becomes a demon, Tanjiro sets out to find a cure for her and become a demon slayer so he can avenge his family.

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