The Meaning Behind the Colors of Nichirin Swords in Demon Slayer

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable

Hello! Today, I will introduce the special swords called Nichirin Swords from the popular anime "Demon Slayer". Nichirin Swords are used by the demon slayers to fight demons, and they change color according to the owner's breathing style. In this article, I will explain in detail the meaning behind the colors of the Nichirin Swords, as well as their models and types. Whether you're a fan of Demon Slayer or planning to watch it, please use this as a reference.

“Anime is certainly attractive, but I find myself irresistibly drawn to the charm of Nichirin Swords and have ended up buying several. Lately, even the less expensive ones are quite well-made, so I just can’t help but purchase them.”

What is a Nichirin Sword?

A Nichirin Sword is a special sword used by the demon slayers in "Demon Slayer". It is the only weapon capable of decapitating demons and is an important asset to the Demon Slayer Corps. The swords are forged from a special steel called Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand by craftsmen known as swordsmiths. The swordsmiths adjust the shape and size of the Nichirin Swords according to each swordsman's combat style and requests. The phenomenon of the sword changing color occurs when the owner grips it. This color change is said to represent the owner's aptitude and ability for their breathing style. Each color of the Nichirin Sword has its own meaning and characteristics.

List and Meaning of Nichirin Sword Colors

The colors of the Nichirin Swords are broadly divided according to the original breathing style and its derivatives. The original breathing style is called Sun Breathing, which is the most powerful breathing style in the world of Demon Slayer and the only one capable of fighting on par with Muzan Kibutsuji. There have been very few users of Sun Breathing throughout history, with the most famous being a man named Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Yoriichi is said to have killed Muzan Kibutsuji once using Sun Breathing. The color of the Nichirin Sword for a user of Sun Breathing is said to turn black.

Nichirin Sword Color	Type of Breathing	Representative Users
Black	Sun Breathing	Tanjiro Kamado, Yoriichi Tsugikuni
Red	Flame Breathing	Kyojuro Rengoku, Flame Pillar
Peach	Love Breathing	Mitsuri Kanroji, Love Pillar
Blue	Water Breathing	Giyu Tomioka, Water Pillar
Purple	Serpent Breathing	Obanai Iguro, Serpent Pillar
Gray	Rock Breathing	Gyomei Himejima, Rock Pillar
Green	Wind Breathing	Sanemi Shinazugawa, Wind Pillar
White	Mist Breathing	Muichiro Tokito, Mist Pillar
Yellow	Thunder Breathing	Zenitsu Agatsuma, Former Thunder Pillar
Light Pink	Flower Breathing	Kanao Tsuyuri

The color of the Nichirin Sword is generally determined by the type of breathing, but it has been revealed in the story that it is not just that. The color of the Nichirin Sword is also influenced by the owner's ability and potential. For example, the color of the Nichirin Swords for Giyu Tomioka and Murata, both users of Water Breathing, is blue, but Giyu's is a deeper shade, indicating his mastery of Water Breathing. Additionally, Zenitsu Agatsuma's Nichirin Sword, a user of Thunder Breathing, has a yellow blade with a pattern of lightning, indicating his potential to use the final form of Thunder Breathing.

Models of Nichirin Swords

While Nichirin Swords are fictional weapons created for the world of Demon Slayer, there were actually swords called Nichirin Swords in Japanese history. These were swords dedicated to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples from ancient to medieval Japan. They featured a circular guard shaped like the sun and were offered to the sun god and guardian deities of Buddhism. Nichirin Swords are said to be the prototype of Japanese swords, and their manufacturing methods and shapes influenced later Japanese swords. Nichirin Swords were treasured among nobles and warriors during the Heian period and became symbols of power and prestige. They were also used as weapons by warriors during the Kamakura period, leaving behind many tales of their exploits on the battlefield. The production of Nichirin Swords declined during the Muromachi period as Japanese sword-making techniques developed. However, Nichirin Swords are still loved by many for their mystical charm and historical value.

“This concludes my explanation about the meanings of the colors, models, and types of Nichirin Swords. The Nichirin Sword is deeply connected to the history and culture of Japanese swords, and many are fascinated by its beauty and mystique. I would be delighted if you also took an interest in Nichirin Swords. 😊”

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable