Hello there, anime enthusiasts! Junko from Japan here. Today, we’re delving into the enigmatic character of Akaza from the acclaimed anime series, Demon Slayer.
One question that frequently pops up among fans is his self-inflicted end. So, let’s unravel this mystery together from original manga and official information released in Japan!
Understanding Akaza’s Choice
To comprehend why Akaza chose self-destruction, we need to delve into his complex character and his journey in Demon Slayer.
Born as a boy named Hakuji, Akaza’s life was marked by tragedy and hardship. His transformation into a demon was a desperate attempt to escape death and live on for his loved ones.
Yet, even as a powerful Upper Rank demon, Akaza was haunted by the guilt and sorrow of his past actions.
The Inner Struggle of Akaza
Akaza’s decision to end his own life wasn’t impulsive. It was a culmination of his inner struggle with his demon nature.
Despite his demonic transformation, Akaza retained a sense of humanity, illustrated by his refusal to consume human flesh. This internal conflict ultimately led him down the path of self-destruction.
The Truth of Akaza’s End
Yes, Akaza did meet his end by his own hand. In his final battle, the weight of his past actions and the realization of his true desires became overwhelming. He chose to cease his existence as a demon, seeking an end to his torment.
Akaza’s Search for Redemption
In his final moments, Akaza showed regret for his actions and sought redemption. He yearned to return to his human life, to apologize to those he had wronged, and to live a peaceful life with his loved ones.
Meet His Master and Beloved Woman
After his death, Akaza met a man and a young lady. The man’s name was Keizo, and he ran a martial arts gym. Since his daughter Koyuki was prone to illness, Keizo asked him to take care of her. Akaza got to live with them in the gym and nursed Koyuki while having martial arts training from Keizo.
After a few years, Hakuji and Koyuki promised to marry. They went to view fireworks, and Hakuji made a promise to Koyuki.
“I’ll be stronger than anyone and protect you for a lifetime.”
But the tragedy happened suddenly. Koyuki and Keiji got killed by men from a rival gym. They knew they could never defeat Hakuji and Keizo in a real fight, so they used poison. When Hakuji got back to the house from an outing, Koyuki and Keiji had already passed away. Hakuji lost his precious people again.
He got furious and attacked the gym, which resulted in the death of 67 men in total. When he wandered the town after the incident, he met Kibutsuji Muzan. The murder in the gym was so disastrous that people rumored that a demon did that, which caught Muzan’s attention and brought him to the place.
Become a Demon by Muzan
Hakuji attacked Muzan, but he had a counterattack and got a lot of Muzan’s blood injected. Normal humans can’t bear it and will die. However, he could resist, turned into a demon, and lost all the memories of being a human. Only his desire to become strong was left while its true goal was forgotten.
Akaza’s appearance and Demon Blood Arc are all related to his past.
- The blue-lined tattoos on his body: Tattoos given to sinners in the Edo period (Hakuji had 6 tattoos)
- Red hair: The same color as Koyuki’s Kimono
- Snowflake-shaped crest of Jutsushiki Tenkai (Technique Development): Koyuki’s hair accessory (YUKI is for snow in Japanese)
- The names of his Demon Blood Art: All come from fireworks (memory with Koyuki)
- His battle style: The same as the Soryu style he learned from Keizo
- Hate the weak: Self-hatred
Akaza’s self-inflicted end added a layer of complexity and depth to the series. Even after his death, his character continues to evoke discussion and analysis among fans, reinforcing his significant impact on the series.
You know, his life was so harsh and sad. But in the extra content Kimetsu Gakuen, Hakuji and Koyuki live happily. I felt saved to see that!
Related Posts about Demon Slayer
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Does TANJIRO DIE at the End of Demon Slayer? The Unexpected Ending
What Does RENGOKU KYOJURO Mean in Japanese?
How Did Muzan Become a DEMON? The Blue HIGANBANA’s Dark Secret
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