The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.
Quick Links
Koyoharu Gotouge’sDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibahas a fascinating premise that is driven by a diverse cast of eccentric characters, each with their own intriguing backstories. These characters add more depth to the overall narrative and allow the fans to connect with their emotional struggles.
Over the last four seasons, the series has acquainted fans with several interesting characters, but some have still remained a mystery. Among them, Kanae Kocho has not drawn as much of the viewer’s attention as she deserves. However, that might change in the Infinity Castle arc as the trilogy finally reveals the dark truth about her death.
Who Was Kanae Kocho?
Shinobu’s Sister and the Flower Hashira
Kanae Kocho was the sister ofInsect Hashira Shinobu Kocho. The two of them were born in a privileged family and had a safe upbringing. Their parents loved them deeply and looked after their needs. At one point, the Kocho family seemed perfect, as if nothing could ever shatter their peaceful lives. But tragedy struck when a demon managed to get inside their home one evening.
That doesn’t matter. Stand up… Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho. Once you decide to defeat a demon, defeat it. Once you decide to win, win. Win, whatever the cost. You made that promise with Kanao and me, didn’t you?
The Kochos were caught off guard and were no match for the power of a demon. Despite knowing that they were destined to die,Shinobu’s parents did not flinchand fought back to protect their children. However, their lack of combat experience made them extremely vulnerable. The demon eventually murdered the couple and would have killed the sisters too hadStone Hashira Gyomei Himejimanot arrived at the scene on time.
After they were rescued, Kanae and Shinobu ended up decidingto join the Demon Slayer Corps. They eventually passed the Final Selection and went on to become a Hashira as well. While Shinobu was filled with hatred because of the traumatic experience, Kanae still had the compassion to think beyond her own life tragedies and have some sympathy for the demons. Her older sister’s kindness and empathy always surprised Shinobu, as she could not stand the thought that demons existed in the beautiful world.
Kanae went on to play acrucial role in rescuing Kanao Tsuyuriafter her parents sold her into slavery. She adopted her as her Tsuguko and helped her overcome the trauma she had experienced growing up. Kocho also fought several battles as a Hashira, but despite seeing so much cruelty around her, she retained the purity in her heart that is extremely rare in the Demon Slayer Corps.
How Did Kanae Die?
The True Story of Kanae’s Death Will Be Revealed in the Trilogy
Kanae Kocho has remained a mystery from the start of the show. She died at some point before Tanjiro joined the Demon Slayer Corps. However, there was one moment that left some clues about her death. In the Rehabilitation Training Arc, whenTanjiro was working on Total Concentration Breathing, he was approached by Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho. Demonstrating a unique gift for recognizing hidden feelings, Kamado could tell from Shinobu’s scent that she was always angry, even though she had a smile on her face.
Shinobu was initially shocked by Tanjiro’s deduction capabilities and admitted that he was right. She then explained how the demons took everything from her, including her older sister Kanae Kocho. Shinobu then revealed how she is haunted by the tears of the loved ones who have lost someone special to a demon attack. She appeared to relate deeply to their pain and understood the feeling of helplessness that crept in such situations.
The scene also revealed flashbacks of the day when Shinobu found Kanae gravely injured. In her last moments, Kanae still had empathy in her heart for demons, andit surprised the Insect Hashira, as she could not understand how someone could have empathy for something that kills humans. Unfortunately, the scene did not go into details about her death.
But perhaps, you will lose to that demon. ~ Kanae to Shinobu
For now, fans know that she was murdered by a demon.A Hashira is unlikely to be killedby someone who is not a member of the Twelve Kizuki already. With the battle shifting to the Infinity Castle and Kanae’s death still being a mystery, it’s highly likely that she was murdered by an Upper Moon. The upcoming trilogy will surely shed more light on the tragic incident and reveal how one of the most talented swordsmen of the Taisho era met her end. The manga also confirms the same, and there have already been clues left by the creators in the previous seasons that hint at who the mysterious demon responsible for the cruel incident is.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first installment is scheduled to be released in the United States onSeptember 12, 2025.
