Tanjiro Kamado, eldest son of mountain charcoal-sellers Tanjuro and Kie Kamado, grew up caring for his younger siblings Takeo, Hanako, Shigeru, Rokuta, and Nezuko. He learned coal-burning to support the family, developing a distinctive forehead burn scar while protecting Takeo from a falling kettle. His father taught him the Hinokami Kagura ritual dance, emphasizing breathing techniques that induce a plant-like state and access to the "see-through world," later revealed as foundational to Sun Breathing. Tragedy struck when Muzan Kibutsuji slaughtered his family during Tanjiro’s absence, leaving only Nezuko alive but transformed into a demon. Discovering the massacre, Tanjiro attempted to carry Nezuko for help but was attacked by her newly demonic form. Demon Slayer Giyu Tomioka intervened, intending to kill Nezuko until her protective instincts toward Tanjiro surfaced. Giyu spared her, advising Tanjiro to seek training from Sakonji Urokodaki on Mount Sagiri. Tanjiro stands 165 cm tall with an athletic build, ruffled black hair featuring red tips, and dark red eyes. His forehead scar evolved from a burn into a flame-like Demon Slayer Mark after battles, symbolizing power surges. Early attire included a checkered black-and-green haori over a white robe and black pants, alongside signature hanafuda earrings depicting a rising sun. As a Demon Slayer Corps member, he wore the standard uniform—a dark gakuran jacket, white belt, and tabi socks—while carrying Nezuko in a wooden box on his back. Significant injuries mark his journey: scars from Upper Rank demons Daki and Hantengu, a poisoned eye wound during the Infinity Castle battle, and a severed arm inflicted by Muzan. Temporarily transformed into a demon by Muzan's dying act, he manifested slit pupils, fangs, and expanded flame marks before reverting to human form. This left permanent disabilities: blindness in his right eye and a withered, insensate left arm. Tanjiro exhibits profound kindness and empathy, extending compassion even to demons he battles, acknowledging their former humanity and regret. His determination to cure Nezuko drives him to endure extreme physical trials. Despite his gentle nature, he displays fierce protectiveness toward innocents and visceral rage against cruelty, notably confronting Muzan or witnessing demonic atrocities like Daki's murders. He values sincerity, struggling to lie without visible distress, and adapts to urban environments with naive curiosity. His moral code rejects cowardice and rudeness, often clashing with Zenitsu Agatsuma's anxiety and Inosuke Hashibira's aggression. As a demon, he briefly succumbed to feral violence but resisted harming Nezuko, indicating residual humanity. Initial training under Urokodaki honed Tanjiro's mastery of Water Breathing, featuring fluid forms like Water Surface Slash and Constant Flux. His heightened sense of smell detects environmental cues, emotions, and combat openings ("Opening Threads"). Physical prowess includes exceptional stamina, skull durability enabling knockout headbutts, and strategic intuition. During the Natagumo Mountain battle, he awakened the Hinokami Kagura (Dance of the Fire God), derived from his father's rituals and later identified as Sun Breathing. This style's intense techniques—such as Dance, Beneficent Radiance, and Raging Sun—initially strained his body but synergized with Water Breathing for sustainable use. Key power-ups include: - **Demon Slayer Mark**: Ignited during life-threatening fights, enhancing speed and strength. - **Crimson Nichirin Blade**: Sword turns red via Nezuko's Blood Burst or self-generated heat, inhibiting demon regeneration. - **Transparent World**: Perception of biological processes, gained during battles against Upper Ranks. Following Nezuko's immunity to sunlight, the Demon Slayer Corps intensified training under the Hashira to prepare for Muzan's retaliation. Tanjiro underwent specialized regimens: stamina drills with Tengen Uzui; swift movement coordination with Muichiro Tokito; flexibility exercises under Mitsuri Kanroji; swordsmanship refinement via Obanai Iguro; endurance trials against Sanemi Shinazugawa's assaults; and strength conditioning with Gyomei Himejima, involving weighted log carries and rock pushing. He persuaded Giyu Tomioka—initially isolating himself over perceived inadequacy—to rejoin the Corps. Throughout training, the demon Nakime, promoted to Upper Rank 4, spied on the Slayers for Muzan. Nezuko remains his emotional anchor; her resistance to demonic urges and eventual cure validated his unwavering loyalty. Bonds with peers Zenitsu and Inosuke evolved from friction to mutual respect through shared battles. Among Hashira, he revered Kyojuro Rengoku (deceased), earned Tengen's recognition, and helped Muichiro reclaim his identity. Allies Tamayo and Yushiro aided his quest for Nezuko's cure. Post-Muzan, he married Kanao Tsuyuri and founded a lineage preserving the Kamado earrings and Sun Breathing. His ancestral ties were clarified through visions of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who entrusted Sun Breathing to Tanjiro's predecessor Sumiyoshi.