Let's cut right to the chase and clear up any confusion: Goku, the iconic Saiyan warrior from Dragon Ball, is not a character in Demon Slayer. These two beloved anime series exist in entirely separate universes, featuring distinct power systems, storylines, and character rosters. While it's natural for fans to wonder about crossovers or dream up epic battles between their favorite heroes, Goku has never appeared, nor is he referenced, within the world of Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps.
This common search query often stems from the immense popularity of both franchises, leading fans to explore potential connections or simply misunderstand which characters belong to which universe. Instead of finding Goku, readers interested in character ages within Demon Slayer will discover a fascinating cast whose youth often belies their incredible strength and profound backstories. From the dedicated young protagonists to the powerful Hashira and the ancient demons they fight, ages play a surprisingly significant role in understanding the character dynamics and stakes of the series. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of all main Demon Slayer characters and their ages, we've got you covered in our dedicated guide.
So, while we can't tell you how old Goku is in Demon Slayer (because he isn't in it!), we can provide a definitive guide to the ages of the characters who actually inhabit this demon-infested world. Let's explore the youthful heroes and formidable adversaries of Demon Slayer.
The Youngest Heroes: Prodigies and Protectors
Demon Slayer is notable for featuring many surprisingly young characters who bear immense burdens and wield incredible power. Many of the core cast are still in their early to mid-teens, highlighting their resilience and rapid development.
At 14 Years Old: Nezuko Kamado and Muichiro Tokito
The series introduces us to some formidable individuals who are barely teenagers.
- Nezuko Kamado (Birthday: December 28) stands as the youngest main character. Despite her transformation into a demon, she retains her humanity, unwavering loyalty, and a fierce protective instinct for her brother, Tanjiro. Her unique ability to shrink and grow, coupled with her groundbreaking immunity to sunlight, makes her an anomaly among demons. To learn the full story behind Nezuko Kamado's age and unique transformation, explore our detailed pillar guide.
- Muichiro Tokito (Birthday: August 8) is an astonishing prodigy, earning the rank of Hashira at just 14 after only two months of training. Don't let his quiet, often aloof demeanor fool you; he's a master of Mist Breathing and even created a new form. His awakening of the Demon Slayer Mark during the Swordsmith Village arc solidified his status as a top-tier slayer.
At 15 Years Old: Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira
The heart of the Demon Slayer Corps and its most boisterous member share the same critical age, marking the beginning of their most challenging trials.
- Tanjiro Kamado (Birthday: July 14) is the earnest protagonist. While he was 13 when tragedy struck his family, he is 15 years old when he truly embarks on his quest to avenge them and restore Nezuko's humanity. His pure heart, unyielding determination, and natural empathy drive him through relentless training and battles against the most fearsome demons. For everything you need to know about Tanjiro's age and journey, be sure to read our dedicated guide.
- Inosuke Hashibira (Birthday: April 22) shares Tanjiro's age and contrasts him with a wild, aggressive nature, honed by a unique upbringing by boars in the mountains. Beneath his rough exterior and constant challenge-seeking, Inosuke possesses sharp instincts and moments of surprising vulnerability. His Beast Breathing style is as unconventional as his personality. Discover the spirited details of Inosuke Hashibira's age and his wild upbringing in our focused article.
At 16 Years Old: Zenitsu Agatsuma, Kanao Tsuyuri, Aoi Kanzaki, and Genya Shinazugawa
This age group features a diverse set of characters, from cowardly heroes to disciplined warriors and those with unique abilities.
- Zenitsu Agatsuma (Birthday: September 3) initially comes across as a fearful and self-deprecating swordsman. However, when unconscious, his true genius for Thunder Breathing techniques emerges, showcasing lightning-fast reflexes and immense power. His journey is one of slowly building confidence and courage to protect those he cares about. Get the complete breakdown of Zenitsu Agatsuma's age and growth throughout the series by checking out our pillar guide.
- Kanao Tsuyuri (Birthday: May 19), adopted by the Kocho sisters, is a skilled and disciplined Demon Slayer who wields the Breath of Flower. Her path is one of overcoming deep trauma, growing into a powerful fighter, and slowly learning to follow her own heart, particularly through her bond with Tanjiro.
- Aoi Kanzaki (Birthday: N/A) bravely cleared the Final Selection but chose to serve the Corps differently, managing the Butterfly Estate and training slayers like Tanjiro's team. Her behind-the-scenes work is crucial to preparing them for the brutal battles ahead.
- Genya Shinazugawa (Birthday: January 7), the younger brother of Wind Hashira Sanemi, stands out with his unique ability to temporarily gain demon powers by consuming their flesh. Initially a hot-headed individual, Genya learns the value of cooperation and becomes a vital ally in major battles, showcasing a different kind of strength.
For a deeper dive into the ages of Demon Slayer's main protagonists, including Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, our dedicated pillar guide offers extensive insights into their development.
The Seasoned Guardians: Hashira and Beyond
While many protagonists are young, the upper echelons of the Demon Slayer Corps, particularly the Hashira, range in age, bringing years of experience to the fight.
At 17 Years Old (Late Teens): Kanae Kocho
- Kanae Kocho (Birthday: N/A) was a former Flower Hashira and the older sister of Shinobu. Her gentle and kind nature belied her strength, and she was a profound influence on Kanao. Her tragic death at the hands of Upper Moon 2 Doma left a lasting impact on Shinobu and the Corps.
At 18 Years Old: Shinobu Kocho
- Shinobu Kocho (Birthday: February 24) is the second-youngest Hashira. Beneath her cheerful facade lies a profound hatred for demons, fueled by the loss of her family. She is a master of Insect Breathing and a brilliant strategist, deeply committed to fulfilling her sister's legacy and protecting her fellow slayers.
The Hashira are the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, each with unique abilities and often surprising ages. For a detailed look at the ages of the formidable Demon Slayer Hashira, including their backstories and combat styles, our comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource. If you're curious about discovering who truly holds the title of the oldest Hashira, we have a dedicated article that explores this intriguing question.
The Ancient Evil: Muzan Kibutsuji
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the young Demon Slayers is their ultimate adversary.
- Muzan Kibutsuji is definitively the oldest character in Demon Slayer. His existence spans centuries, making him an ancient, formidable, and relentless foe. His vast age is directly tied to his immense power and the deep-seated fear he instills. Unraveling the ancient origins and true age of Muzan Kibutsuji is essential to understanding the core conflict of the series.
Beyond the Ages: The Impact of Youth and Experience
The age spectrum in Demon Slayer highlights a crucial theme: strength isn't solely determined by years. While the Hashira bring unparalleled experience, the younger slayers often possess incredible latent potential, rapid growth, and a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom. It’s this blend of youthful fervor and seasoned wisdom that gives the Demon Slayer Corps its unique resilience against the ancient evil of Muzan and his Upper Moons.
Understanding the ages of these characters provides a richer context for their struggles, motivations, and relationships, reminding us that even the youngest among them can carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.