We be bloggin'

Hey! Welcome to the first day of Hotsui Matsuri 2025! It’s a fun time on our blog where we highlight Japanese mythology and traditional aspects within the culture so naturally we’re writing about Demon Slayer HAHAHA, I, Star, am joking, but not really. Demon Slayer has a lot of symbolism and history if you know what you’re looking for, which has been my tradition with this series of blog posts all revolving around Demon Slayer. At this point in the anime, I actually LOVE this arc. As an avid Shonen watcher of many years (decades at this point), this shows the most characterization, backstory, the perfect calm before the storm and in traditonal shonen fashion we end with a crazy good fight.

Tengu vs Kitsune vs masks

Masks have been used all-throughout the anime for different reasons and purposes. But there are several different origins to each mask that symbolize different things in Japanese culture.

This one I found to be the most unique out of the collection. Mainly because it’s humorous. The kissy face gets me every time haha. But the actual origins come from a story about a legendary character named Hyoutokusu who could make gold appear from his belly-button. It’s often used as a good luck charm in houses and in traditional japanese theatre called Kabuki the mask represents a clown-like characrer.

The Tengu is a demi-god, a hunman/bird creature that flies. They live on the mountains and are known to be protectors of the forest, like celestial dogs from heaven. Their strongest feature is the long nose made to resemble a beak.

This is the most famous of the masks. Often there are entirely markings on each one to set them apart but still being uniform. The Kitsune is a fox-spirit that often tricks humans. The deception piece is the most symbolic to Demon Slayer.

Soba eating competition

I found this scene to be so cute mainly because soba tastes best when eaten with friends. It represents longevity, letting go of past misfortunes and resilience which is really meaningful to Giyu’s backstory and how Tanjiro helps him make peace with it.

Waterfall Training

Although there are many waterfalls in Japan this is a particular waterfall known for Takigyo, also known as the meditation practice of praying under a rushing waterfall. It purifies the soul and wards off bad luck all while testing the mental and physical strengths of the mind and body.

Miso Yaki Onigiri

This arc specifically emphasized the importance of food and water while training, which is insightful for an anime. Salty foods help you retain water and carbs are important to building muscle so you don’t lose bone mass.

And that’s what I got for now! I can’t wait for the next Arc there’s nothing I love more than high stakes! I am also predicting a lot more representation of demon types.

AishiteLOVEru~

Star