Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 5 Review: My Own Steel

Tanjiro’s final selection exam has been off to a rough start. First night in, and he’s already had to defeat a super overpowered demon. But with six more days to go, Tanjiro will need all his grit and determination to get through this test. Let’s see if he can rise to the challenge!

Japanese Original Episode Title : 己鋼

Plot

The super demon has been defeated, but Tanjiro can’t rest yet. He has a whole mountain full of demons to get through. Throughout the next week, he asks every demon he comes into contact with about a cure. Of course, they’re all too busy trying to kill him to answer. Once the test comes to its end, only four survivors remain. The new Demon Slayers are given uniforms, a sword, and their first assignments.

Episode Highlights

Tanjiro’s Kindness Strikes Again: After the super demon was cut down, there wasn’t any cheering or smiles on Tanjiro’s part. His face looked so sad, both for Urokodaki’s students and the demon itself. A short moment, which again emphasized on what a compassionate character Tanjiro is.

Someone Needs Anger Management: Ooof scar guy has a real attitude problem, and I am not having it. I suppose he’s meant to be an unlikeable character, and if that’s what they’re going for, they definitely achieved it. Props to Tanjiro for following through on his threat. Another moment that showed how much Tanjiro has grown. He’s no longer wishy washy and unable to act. He’s a kind boy, but he knows when to be firm and dish out the pain.

Five Survivors?: In a short scene, a mysterious man with a rather snazzy looking crow says how happy he is that there were five survivors of the examination. However, we only saw four. Our precious Tanjiro, the scar guy, blonde guy, and the girl. Perhaps there was another survivor in the woods who was a bit shy?

A Crow For Everyone but You: I can’t wait to see why our nervous young friend was the only one out of the four to get a sparrow instead of a crow. Although, truth be told, I was a little horrified by the crow when it started speaking. I think I’d much prefer a sparrow’s sweet voice than that harsh squawking.

Nezuko!: Yay, I’m so happy that Nezuko has woken up. I’m sure I’m not the only one who got teary when she ran to hug Tanjiro. If you didn’t cry then, I’m sure you cried when Urokodaki hugged both of them! It’s important to note that Urokodaki said that Nezuko was sleeping so long to recover her strength rather than eating people. This could be an important issue later on. What if Nezuko gets into a massive fight and needs to sleep for another two years, or worse yet five years!?

Themes & Trivia

Hyottoko Mask: In this episode, we’re introduced to a new character and a new mask. Haganezuka, the forger of Tanjiro’s sword, wears a Hyottoko (火男) mask. Hyottoko is characterized by puckered lips and a mouth to the side. In festivals, dancers who play the role of a clown wear this mask. You can find here more information here.

Comments

Oh wow, I went from going ‘hell yeah! Kill that disgusting blob’ to getting real teary this episode. The opening showing the past of the super demon was an interesting and emotional parallel to Tanjiro and Nezuko’s situation. Just like them, the super demon and his brother had a strong relationship, and in both instances only one of the siblings was turned. Without Giyuu’s intervention, and whatever crazy strong will Nezuko has, Nezuko could have ended up just like that demon. She could have eaten Tanjiro and turned into a mindless killer. Perhaps, on a sharper note, the segment also served to remind us that demons were once humans too. Their existence is a tragic one, as with each human they eat they forget about their past and those that they loved.

The episode also introduced us to several new characters. While we still don’t know their names, we do know they’ll be important to the story. I mean, after all, they do appear in the opening! We have scar guy, blonde guy and the girl. Now, I know we don’t know much about these characters, but there’s one I’m already not a big fan of. I’m sick of Shounen characters with major anger issues. And of course, I’m sure his anger stems from some tragic backstory or worse yet, he has to prove something to someone. It’s just so overdone at this point.

Something to Crow About!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has done it again. It’s given me too many feelings, that I don’t know what to do with myself! Next week, our boy, Tanjiro, will be going on his first assignment. A village where girls have been disappearing. With Nezuko awake, it seems our sibling duo will be back together for their first case. Time to get cracking!

NEXT TIME: Swordsman Accompanying a Demon

Remember to check back next week for my review of episode six. In the meantime, make sure to check out the rest of our Spring 2019 reviews. This series is also part of our weekly anime previews.