Tanjiro’s Water Breathing: All 11 Forms Explained in Japanese

Hi, it’s Junko from Japan! If you’re wondering how to say “Water Breathing” and the Water Breathing all forms in Japanese, or if you’re a fan of Demon Slayer, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we will be discussing Tanjiro and Giyu’s Water Breathing in Japanese: MIZU NO KOKYU.

MIZU = water
NO = of
KOKYU = breathing

The term KOKYU comprises two Kanji symbols. The KO letter stands for “call” or “exhale”, and KYU signifies “inhale”. Together, they form the meaning of “breathing”.

The Water Breathing technique, as you may know, has 11 forms in total (though the eleventh one is exclusive to Tomioka Giyu). But what about these forms? Let’s delve deeper into the Water Breathing all forms!

Understanding the 10 Forms of Water Breathing (Mizu no Kokyu)

Water Breathing, or Mizu no Kokyu, is one of the primary breathing styles derived from Sun Breathing. Urokodaki, the mentor of Tanjiro and Tomioka Giyu, once stated, “Water can take any form.” This means that, like water, this breathing style is versatile and can adapt to any target. The number of forms in this style is the highest among the breathing styles, making it adaptable to a variety of situations.

Due to its versatility and ease of use for beginners, Water Breathing is the most commonly used breathing style within the Demon Slayer Corps. The Nichirin Blade corresponding to this style is blue.

Here are the Water Breathing all forms and what the original Japanese mean.

Water Breathing First Form: Water Surface Slash

Water Surface Slash says MINAMOGIRI.

MINAMO = water surface
GIRI = slash

Water Breathing First Form: Surface Slash is the fundamental technique where the Nichirin sword is swung horizontally, creating an extension of the water’s surface.

As demons are fatally wounded by neck slashes, this technique is focused on precisely striking the neck. It’s the most fundamental technique of Water Breathing, known for its stable combination of speed and power.

Second Form: Water Wheel

Water Wheel says MIZUGURUMA.

MIZU = water
GURUMA = car, vehicle

Water Breathing 2nd Form: Water Wheel is a technique where the body rotates vertically like a waterwheel, using that rotational force to cut enemies in half from top to bottom.

It has a 360-degree attack range, and its power increases with acceleration, making it effective against larger enemies.

Third Form: Flowing Dance

Flowing Dance says RYURYU MAI.

RYU (x2) = flow
MAI = dance

The kanji symbol “RYU” embodies flowing water and is a perfect representation for Water Breathing.

Water Breathing 3rd Form: Flowing Dance utilizes footwork resembling the flow of water, skillfully evading enemy attacks while manipulating them. This technique involves countering with strikes, capitalizing on openings.

It excels in offense and defense, allowing simultaneous attacks from multiple directions and combining both offensive and evasive maneuvers—a technique of great versatility.

Fourth Form: Striking Tide

Water Breathing 4th Form: Striking Tide says UCHISHIO in Japanese.

UCHI = crash, wash the shore, strike
SHIO = tide, seawater

Water Breathing 4th form is a wave-like attack that connects slashes with unbroken movements, much like the tide crashing against the shore.

It’s possible to use this technique to simultaneously cut off the heads of multiple demons. Giyu frequently employs this technique.

Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After The Drought

Water Breathing 5th form is Blessed Rain After The Drought. The original term is KANTEN NO JIU in Japanese.

KAN = dried up, drought
TEN = heaven, sky
NO = of
JI = mercy, cherish
U = rain

The Water Breathing 5th form is very unique in its ability to slay demons without causing them any pain or suffering. This technique is said to make demons feel as if they’re being gently showered in a light rain, rather than feeling any pain.

Although it is not a powerful sword technique and its attack speed is slow, this method is difficult to employ in combat against attacking demons. It’s only used when a demon willingly offers their neck.

Sixth Form: Whirlpool

Water Breathing 6th Form: Whirlpool says NEJIRE UZU.

NEJIRE = winding, twist, distortion
UZU = swirl, vortex, whirlpool

Water Breathing 6th Form is a technique that involves delivering a powerful slash with intense rotation from a state where the upper and lower body are twisted in opposite directions.

This technique truly shines in environments with resistance similar to water, where the generated whirlpool transforms into sharp slashing waves, tearing through everything in its vicinity.

Tanjiro used this technique when he was pulled into the ground by a demon’s Blood Demon Art.

Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust

Drop Ripple Thrust says SHIZUKU HAMON ZUKI.

SHIZUKU = water drop
HAMON = ripple, rings on the water surface
ZUKI = thrust, prick, stab

Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin

TAKI = waterfall
TSUBO = pot

These two Kanji symbols make the word TAKITSUBO means “waterfall basin.”

Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow

Splashing Water Flow says SUIRYU SHIBUKI.

SUI = water
RYU = flow
SHIBUKI = splash
RAN = disturbance, disorder

Tenth Form: Constant Flux

Constant Flux says SEISEI RUTEN.

SEI (x2) = live
RU = flow
TEN = roll, turn

The word SEISEI RUTEN comes from a Buddhism term. This phrase SEISEI represents that something is born and grows one after another. RUTEN stands for “reincarnation.” The whole phrase tells that everything in this universe keeps changing without staying.

Water Breathing 11th Form: Dead Calm

Water Breathing 11th Form: Dead Calm says NAGI.

NAGI = calm, lull

The word NAGI means “calm” in Japanese. In the English translation, “Dead” is added. I think it’s to emphasize how silent the technique is.

Water Breating 11th Form: Dead Calm is a secret technique devised by Giyu Tomioka, the current Water Hashira. Within the range of his sword, he slashes all targets in a chaotic manner. Named after the calm surface of the sea with no wind, it nullifies all distances.

Essentially, it involves “mercilessly slashing whatever comes within its range at high speed.” Its velocity is such that the attack seems to nullify an opponent’s strength the moment they step into its range, making it akin to magic in the eyes of many demons.

Breathing Styles Derived from Water Breathing

Snake Breathing and Flower Breathing are styles derived from Water Breathing. Snake Breathing is characterized by its exceptional precision in sword techniques, providing accurate strikes that are difficult to evade.

Flower Breathing, on the other hand, features dance-like consecutive attacks, but requires high physical abilities and lung capacity to perform.

Additionally, Shinobu Kocho has further derived the Insect Breathing from Flower Breathing. This style, emphasizing thrusting techniques instead of slashing, enables the physically weaker Shinobu to fight against demons.

Related Post about Demon Slayer

What’s the Meaning of TOMIOKA GIYU in Japanese?

MIST BREATHING in Japanese: The Original Names of All 7 Forms

What Does METSU Kanji in Demon Slayer Uniform Mean?

What is MOON BREATHING? Unveiling 16 Forms and Their Powers

How to Say Total Concentration Breathing in Japanese?