top of page
Search
oraliemarjenhoff96

Demon Slayer Music Analysis: How the OST Reflects the Characters and Themes



Demon Slayer Music: A Guide to the Anime's Soundtrack




Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the most popular anime series in recent years. Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, it tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons. Along with his sister Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon herself, he joins a secret organization that fights against demons in order to find a way to turn her back into a human.


One of the most distinctive features of Demon Slayer is its music. The anime's soundtrack is composed by two renowned musicians: Yuki Kajiura and Go Shi In this article, we will explore the music of Demon Slayer, and how it enhances the anime's storytelling, characters, and themes. We will introduce the composers behind the soundtrack, the genres and influences of the music, and the popularity and awards of the music. Whether you are a fan of Demon Slayer or not, you will surely find something to appreciate in its music.




demon slayer music



The Composers Behind Demon Slayer Music




The anime's soundtrack is composed by two talented and experienced musicians: Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina. They have both worked on many other anime and video game projects, and have their own distinctive musical styles. Let's take a closer look at each of them.


Yuki Kajiura




Biography and Career




Yuki Kajiura is a Japanese composer, arranger, producer, and singer. She was born in Tokyo in 1965, and moved to West Germany with her family when she was seven years old. She returned to Japan when she was fifteen, and started her musical career as a keyboardist for a band called See-Saw. She later became a solo artist, and also formed several musical groups, such as FictionJunction, Kalafina, and E.G.O.


Kajiura is known for her versatile and expressive music, which often combines elements of classical, pop, rock, electronic, ethnic, and folk music. She has composed music for many anime and video game series, such as .hack//Sign, Noir, Tsubasa Chronicle, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Xenosaga, and more. She has also collaborated with many singers and musicians, such as LiSA, Aimer, Eir Aoi, Luna Haruna, Hikaru Utada, and more.


Demon Slayer Songs by Yuki Kajiura




Kajiura composed some of the most memorable songs for Demon Slayer, such as the opening and ending themes for the anime series and the movie. Here are some of them:


Demon Slayer OP Full Gurenge by LiSA Lyrics


Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba Tanjiro Kamado Unwavering Resolve Arc Original Soundtrack


Demon Slayer Gurenge Full Opening English Ver AmaLee


Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie Mugen Train Theme Song Homura by LiSA


Demon Slayer From the Edge Ending Theme FictionJunction feat LiSA


Demon Slayer Kamado Tanjiro no Uta Nami Nakagawa


Demon Slayer OST Best of Epic Soundtracks


Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie Mugen Train Original Soundtrack


Demon Slayer Gurenge Violin Cover Taylor Davis


Demon Slayer Homura Piano Cover Animenz


Demon Slayer Gurenge Rock Cover Jonathan Young


Demon Slayer From the Edge Nightcore Version


Demon Slayer Music Box Collection R3 Music Box


Demon Slayer Homura Guitar Cover Eddie van der Meer


Demon Slayer Gurenge Metal Cover RichaadEB


Demon Slayer From the Edge Remix Dj-Jo Zenpaku


Demon Slayer Kamado Tanjiro no Uta Flute Cover Pianica Maeda


Demon Slayer Homura English Lyrics Lizz Robinett


Demon Slayer Gurenge Saxophone Cover Music by Pedro


Demon Slayer From the Edge 8D Audio Use Headphones


Demon Slayer Kamado Tanjiro no Uta Orchestra Version Melodic Star


Demon Slayer Homura Drum Cover Matt McGuire


Demon Slayer Gurenge Acoustic Version Raon Lee and PelleK


Demon Slayer From the Edge Karaoke Version Sing King


Demon Slayer Kamado Tanjiro no Uta Piano Tutorial Easy Piano


Demon Slayer Homura Bass Boosted Trap Woofer


Demon Slayer Gurenge Fingerstyle Guitar Tab Andrew Foy


Demon Slayer From the Edge AMV Anime Music Video


Demon Slayer Kamado Tanjiro no Uta Vocaloid Cover Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Len


Demon Slayer Homura Dance Choreography 1MILLION Dance Studio


  • Gurenge: The first opening theme for the anime series, sung by LiSA. It is a rock song with powerful vocals and lyrics that reflect Tanjiro's determination to fight against demons and protect his sister. The title means "Red Lotus", which is a symbol of purity and resilience in Buddhism.



  • Homura: The theme song for the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, sung by LiSA. It is a ballad song with emotional vocals and lyrics that express the feelings of Tanjiro and his friends after the events of the movie. The title means "Flame", which is a motif that represents Tanjiro's breathing technique and his bond with his mentor Rengoku.



  • Akeboshi: The second ending theme for the anime series, sung by Aimer. It is a pop song with gentle vocals and lyrics that depict the night sky and the stars that guide Tanjiro and his friends on their journey. The title means "Morning Star", which is also the name of Tanjiro's sword.



  • Zankyosanka: The third ending theme for the anime series, sung by Kanao Tsuyuri's voice actress Reina Ueda. It is a folk song with acoustic guitar and flute accompaniment, and lyrics that describe Kanao's inner thoughts and feelings as she grows as a demon slayer. The title means "Reverberation Song", which refers to Kanao's ability to hear faint sounds with her enhanced hearing.



Go Shiina




Biography and Career




Go Shiina is a Japanese composer, arranger, producer , and singer. He was born in Tokyo in 1974, and started his musical career as a composer for Namco, a video game company. He later became a freelance composer, and also formed a musical group called ZIZZ STUDIO.


Shiina is known for his eclectic and innovative music, which often incorporates elements of ethnic, jazz, rock, classical, and electronic music. He has composed music for many anime and video game series, such as Tales of Legendia, God Eater, The Idolmaster, Tekken, Tales of Zestiria the X, Katamari Damacy, and more. He has also collaborated with many singers and musicians, such as Nami Nakagawa, Ayako Ishikawa, Aoi Teshima, Minami Kuribayashi, and more.


Demon Slayer Songs by Go Shiina




Shiina composed some of the most beautiful and emotional songs for Demon Slayer, such as the insert songs and the background music for the anime series and the movie. Here are some of them:


  • Kamado Tanjiro no Uta: The insert song for episode 19 of the anime series, sung by Nami Nakagawa. It is a folk song with piano and violin accompaniment, and lyrics that narrate Tanjiro's struggle and resolve to defeat a powerful demon. The title means "The Song of Kamado Tanjiro", which is also the name of the episode.



  • Kagaya Ubuyashiki: The insert song for episode 24 of the anime series, sung by Aoi Teshima. It is a ballad song with guitar and cello accompaniment, and lyrics that pay tribute to Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the demon slayers who sacrifices himself to protect his comrades. The title means "Kagaya Ubuyashiki", which is also the name of the character.



  • Kisatsutai: The insert song for episode 26 of the anime series, sung by Minami Kuribayashi. It is a rock song with electric guitar and drums accompaniment, and lyrics that celebrate the bond and friendship of Tanjiro and his friends who form the Demon Slayer Corps. The title means "Demon Slaying Squad", which is also the name of the group.



  • Mugen Ressha-hen: The main theme for the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, sung by LiSA. It is a pop song with orchestral accompaniment, and lyrics that reflect the theme of the movie: an endless train ride that tests the will and courage of Tanjiro and his friends. The title means "Infinity Train Arc", which is also the name of the movie.



The Genres and Influences of Demon Slayer Music




Demon Slayer music is not limited to one genre or style. It encompasses a variety of genres and influences that suit the different aspects of the anime's story, setting, characters, and themes. Here are some of them:


Rock and Pop Music




Rock and pop music are used to create energetic and catchy opening and ending themes for Demon Slayer, as well as some character themes. These songs often feature electric guitars, drums, keyboards, synthesizers, and vocals that convey a sense of excitement, passion, and determination. Some examples are Gurenge by LiSA, Homura by LiSA, Akeboshi by Aimer, Zankyosanka by Reina Ueda, Kisatsutai by Minami Kuribayashi, Mugen Ressha-hen by LiSA, etc.


Traditional Japanese Music




Traditional Japanese music is used to create a sense of historical and cultural authenticity for Demon Slayer , as well as to convey the emotions and personalities of the characters. These songs often feature traditional Japanese instruments, such as shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, taiko, biwa, etc., and vocals that evoke a sense of nostalgia, sadness, or joy. Some examples are Kamado Tanjiro no Uta by Nami Nakagawa, Kagaya Ubuyashiki by Aoi Teshima, Tanjiro's Theme by Yuki Kajiura, Nezuko's Theme by Yuki Kajiura, Zenitsu's Theme by Go Shiina, Inosuke's Theme by Go Shiina, etc.


Classical Music




Classical music is used to create a sense of drama and epicness for Demon Slayer, as well as to highlight the themes and motifs of the story. These songs often feature orchestral instruments, such as violin, cello, piano, flute, trumpet, horn, etc., and vocals that express a sense of grandeur, tension, or beauty. Some examples are Demon Slayer Corps Theme by Yuki Kajiura, Rengoku's Theme by Go Shiina, Muzan's Theme by Go Shiina, Upper Moon Theme by Go Shiina, Lower Moon Theme by Go Shiina, Final Selection Theme by Yuki Kajiura, etc.


Folk Music




Folk music is used to create a sense of diversity and richness for Demon Slayer, as well as to reflect the different regions and cultures of the world. These songs often feature ethnic instruments, such as oud, sitar, erhu, duduk, accordion, etc., and vocals that convey a sense of exoticism, mystery, or charm. Some examples are Butterfly Mansion Theme by Go Shiina, Hashira Meeting Theme by Go Shiina, Love Hashira Theme by Go Shiina, Sound Hashira Theme by Go Shiina, Serpent Hashira Theme by Go Shiina, etc.


The Popularity and Awards of Demon Slayer Music




Demon Slayer music is not only beautiful and diverse, but also popular and acclaimed. The anime's soundtrack has been widely consumed and praised both in Japan and internationally. It has also received or been considered for several awards and nominations. Here are some of them:


Popularity in Japan




In Japan, Demon Slayer music has been a huge hit among anime fans and music lovers alike. The songs have topped various charts and rankings, such as Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, Billboard Japan Hot 100, Japan Hot Animation, etc. The songs have also been streamed millions of times on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. The songs have also sold millions of copies in physical and digital formats. The songs have also received positive feedback from critics and fans alike.


Popularity Internationally




Internationally , Demon Slayer music has also been a huge hit among anime fans and music lovers alike. The songs have charted in various countries and regions, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, etc. The songs have also been streamed millions of times on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. The songs have also sold millions of copies in physical and digital formats. The songs have also received positive feedback from critics and fans alike.


Awards and Nominations




Demon Slayer music has also been recognized and honored by various awards and nominations. Some of them are:


  • Japan Record Awards: The most prestigious music award in Japan, which honors the best songs and artists of the year. Demon Slayer music has won two awards: Gurenge by LiSA won the Excellence Award in 2019, and Homura by LiSA won the Grand Prix in 2020.



  • Billboard Japan Awards: A music award based on the sales and streaming data of Billboard Japan, which honors the best songs and artists of the year. Demon Slayer music has won several awards: Gurenge by LiSA won the Hot Animation of the Year Award in 2019, Homura by LiSA won the Song of the Year by Download Award in 2020, and Kamado Tanjiro no Uta by Nami Nakagawa won the Streaming Songs of the Year Award in 2020.



  • Crunchyroll Anime Awards: An online fan-voted award that honors the best anime and related media of the year. Demon Slayer music has been nominated for several awards: Gurenge by LiSA was nominated for the Best Opening Sequence Award in 2020, Homura by LiSA was nominated for the Best Ending Sequence Award in 2021, and Kamado Tanjiro no Uta by Nami Nakagawa was nominated for the Best Score Award in 2021.



  • IGN Awards: A media award that honors the best video games, movies, TV shows, comics, and anime of the year. Demon Slayer music has been nominated for one award: Homura by LiSA was nominated for the Best Movie Song Award in 2020.



Conclusion




Demon Slayer music is a remarkable and diverse soundtrack that enhances the anime's storytelling, characters, and themes. It is composed by two talented and experienced musicians: Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina. It encompasses a variety of genres and influences: rock, pop, traditional Japanese music, classical music, and folk music. It is popular and acclaimed both in Japan and internationally. It has also received or been considered for several awards and nominations.


In conclusion, Demon Slayer music is a masterpiece that deserves to be listened to and appreciated by anyone who loves anime or music. If you haven't watched or listened to Demon Slayer yet, we highly recommend you to do so. You will not regret it.


Thank you for reading this article. We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new about Demon Slayer music. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you.


FAQs




Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Demon Slayer music:


  • Q: Where can I watch or listen to Demon Slayer?



  • A: You can watch Demon Slayer on various streaming platforms, such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Hulu, etc. You can also buy or rent Demon Slayer on DVD or Blu-ray. You can listen to Demon Slayer on various streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, etc. You can also buy or download Demon Slayer on iTunes, Google Play Music, etc.



  • Q: How many songs are there in Demon Slayer?



  • A: There are currently 62 songs in Demon Slayer: 32 songs composed by Yuki Kajiura and 30 songs composed by Go Shiina. These include opening and ending themes, insert songs, background music, character themes, etc.



  • Q: What is the meaning of "Kimetsu no Yaiba"?



  • A: "Kimetsu no Yaiba" is the original Japanese title of Demon Slayer. It literally means "Blade of Demon Destruction". It refers to the swords used by the demon slayers to kill demons.



  • Q: Who are the singers of Demon Slayer?



  • A: There are many singers who have performed songs for Demon Slayer. Some of them are LiSA, Aimer, Reina Ueda , Nami Nakagawa, Aoi Teshima, Minami Kuribayashi, etc. Some of them are also voice actors for the anime, such as Reina Ueda, who voices Kanao Tsuyuri.



  • Q: What is the best song in Demon Slayer?



  • A: This is a subjective question that depends on your personal preference and taste. However, some of the most popular and acclaimed songs in Demon Slayer are Gurenge by LiSA, Homura by LiSA, Kamado Tanjiro no Uta by Nami Nakagawa, Kagaya Ubuyashiki by Aoi Teshima, etc. You can listen to them and decide for yourself which one is the best.



44f88ac181


1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page