Appearance

Giyu is a tall young man of a muscular stature and pale complexion, who is almost
always seen wearing an unimpressed or emotionless expression. He has unruly black
hair of uneven lengths that sticks up in tufts around his head, which he wears tied back
in a low messy ponytail at the base of his neck. His bangs fall over his eyes in an
uneven fringe. His eyes are sharp and moderately large, their irises a deep sapphire
that fades to a lighter blue and their pupils a bluish-black, and are framed by thin
eyebrows.
Giyu wears a dark cyan-tinted version of the standard Demon Slayer uniform with
buttoned white leg-wrapped Kyahan and a pair of white zōri with dark blue straps, the
socks underneath the same cyan color as his uniform. Over this, Giyu wears
a haori that's split down the middle into two different patterns: the right one a solid red,
and the left one geometrically patterned with squares of green, orange, and yellow.
These haoris were later noted to have belonged to his late older sister, Tsutako
Tomioka, and his deceased friend Sabito.[3]
During his battle with Muzan Kibutsuji, he loses his right arm.[4] After the fight, Giyu cuts
his hair down to shoulder length, now wearing it loose rather than tied into a ponytail. [5]
Gallery

Giyu's new haircut.

Personality
Giyu always wears a serious expression on his face. He has a reserved personality and
a strong sense of justice with no tolerance towards those who don't know their own
limitations and throw away their lives.[6] Despite letting Nezuko Kamado live due
to Tanjiro Kamado's persistence, he shows zero hesitation when killing
other Demons and has no respect towards them like most Demon Slayers. [7] Even so,
Giyu violated the Demon Slayer Corps' code of conduct when he protected Nezuko
during Shinobu's attempt to kill her. This implies that he doesn't completely despise
Demons as some other Hashira do, and is willing to make an exception for a Demon by
letting them live if they don't kill and eat humans. This shows that he is more pragmatic
in dealing with Demons rather than out of hatred for Demons like some other Hashira
do.
Giyu appears to have a complex with what others think of him and is shocked
when Shinobu Kocho claims he is hated by many.[8] Besides that however, he doesn't
seem to be hurt by Shinobu's other pokes, even ignoring her. Despite that, they are in
fact decent friends with a good amount of history together.
He is a man of very few words and has trouble interacting with others, so he usually
keeps himself at a distance.[9] He even goes out of his way to tell Akaza that he hates
talking, and wants to keep his name to himself, as he thinks names are not meant to be
shared.
It is revealed later on that Giyu suffers from an inferiority complex which he developed
since his participation in the Final Selection. It gets severe to the point where he
contemplates abandoning his position as the Water Hashira until Tanjiro helps him
realize that instead of acting on his survivor's guilt, he should cherish his life and live on
for the people who sacrificed their lives for him. [10] This feeling of survivor's guilt strikes
again when he believes Tanjiro has died after the fight against Muzan. Giyu, while he
sheds tears, admits how he is always the one who is saved.
Despite his aloof and stoic nature, Giyu is shown to be protective and caring towards
those he is close to and considers his friends. This is first shown when he puts his life
on the line for Tanjiro and Nezuko by vowing to commit seppuku if the latter were ever
to eat a human.[11] Giyu has been shown to lose his composure and usual stoic
demeanor when those he cares about are in danger, as seen when he is greatly
angered by Akaza's attempt to kill Tanjiro and visibly shocked when he hears the news
of Shinobu's death.[12] This is further shown in the fact that he still wears half of Sabito,
his late best friend's, and his older sister's haori as a memento of them. However, Giyu
appears to be particular in who he shows emotions for, as he doesn't appear to react at
all when informed of the passing of Genya Shinazugawa, Muichiro Tokito and Kyojuro
Rengoku.

However, Giyu will not let his personal relationships get in the way of his duty. When
Tanjiro begins his assault as a demon, Giyu is the first to announce that they need to
take him down, despite his brotherly-type relationship with Tanjiro. Following this whole
conflict, its clear that Giyu has been able to embrace his happier side, shown by his
smiles towards the Kamado siblings and even Sanemi, which shows how much their
combative relationship has slowly developed into one of mutual respect.

Abilities
Overall Abilities: As a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Giyu is a very powerful
swordsman.[13] He is able to easily defeat the Father Spider Demon in his transformed
state[14] and Rui, Lower Rank 5.[15] During his fight against Akaza, Upper Rank 3, he
was able to hold on his own for some time and like Kyojuro, Akaza is amazed by Giyu's
skills to the point that he offers to transform the Hashira into Demon, something Akaza
only asks of the most worthy of his opponents. [16] Akaza states that he has not fought a
Water Hashira as skilled as Giyu in fifty years.[17]
Physical Abilities
Enhanced Strength: As a Hashira, Giyu has honed his physical strength to nigh-
superhuman levels. Even since the first encounter, he has displayed impressive feats,
such as holding down a beserk Demon Nezuko Kamado with one hand effortlessly, and
later, knocking her unconscious in one strike. In his Gaiden, he could break extremely
strong ropes tied around his wrists when he was arrested for allegedly comitting a crime
without effort when talking to Shinobu Kocho. In the Infinity Castle Arc, he pulled Tanjiro
Kamado as he was falling with one hand.
Immense Speed & Reflexes: Giyu is very fast, being able to tie up Inosuke
Hashibira before he even realized what happened. [18] He was also able to cut off Rui's
head in the blink of an eye.[19] When he awakened his mark, he could move so fast that
even Upper Rank 3, Akaza had trouble keeping up.
Immense Stamina & Endurance: Due to extremely harsh training, Giyu has attained
incredible stamina and endurance, mostly displayed in combat. In his battle against
Akaza, he managed to continue fighting and remain determined even after sustaining
dozens of powerful blows all round his body, severely weakening him, a feat which
pleasantly surprised Akaza. In the Sunrise Countdown Arc, Giyu lasted almost an hour
fighting the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji.
Mental Abilities
Tactical Intellect: As a Demon Slayer with incredible talent, Giyu possesses amazing
tactical intellect and wits, being able to cycle through all his swordsmanship forms and
keep up with 2 phenomenally powerful Demons and win.
Supernatural Abilities

Giyu activates his Demon Slayer Mark.

Demon Slayer Mark: During his battle against Akaza, Giyu awakens his Demon Slayer
Mark, appearing as a fluid-water like design on his left cheek, complementing his
breathing style, Water Breathing.[20] When activated, he gains a tremendous increase in
speed, precision, and endurance to the point where he could engage in a long battle
against the Upper Rank 3 on even ground.[21]
 Crimson Red Nichirin Blade: During the fight against Muzan, Sanemi
forcefully clashes his sword together with Giyu's turning both of their blades
temporarily red,[22] which grants them the ability to hamper the enhanced
regeneration of Demons.
Miscellaneous Abilities
Indomitable Will: Giyu has displayed an undaunted will and spirit, never giving up even
in the face of Upper Rank 3, Akaza and later on the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji,
despite being severely injured. Even when losing his arm, he still remained steadfast
and managed to play an important role in defeating Muzan.
Fighting Style
Master Swordsman: Being a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Giyu is one of the
most powerful and skilled swordsmen in the entire organization. [13] Akaza, the Upper
Rank 3, states that Giyu possesses finely developed swordsmanship. [23]
Swordsmanship
みず こきゅう
Water Breathing ( 水 の呼 吸  Mizu no kokyū?): Taught to him by the
Water Hashira before him, Sakonji Urokodaki, Giyu has completely mastered this
breathing style, becoming arguably the most powerful and skilled user of this breathing
style, to the point it even impressed Upper Rank 3, Akaza. Furthermore, Giyu created
an entirely new form he named Eleventh Form: Dead Calm.
いち かた みなもぎ
1. First Form: Water Surface Slash ( 壱 ノ 型   水 面斬り Ichi no kata:
Minamo Giri?)[24] - The user generates enough momentum to create a
powerful single concentrated slash.
に かた みずぐるま
2. Second Form: Water Wheel (弐ノ 型   水 車  Ni no kata: Mizu
Guruma?)[25] - The user leaps and vertically spins forward in the air while
releasing a flowing attack in a circular motion.
さん かた りゅうりゅうま
3. Third Form: Flowing Dance ( 参 ノ 型   流 流 舞い San no kata:
Ryūryū Mai?)[26] - The user swings and bends their blade in a winding
motion along with their body and dances in a flowing pattern, slicing
everything in its path.
し かた う しお
4. Fourth Form: Striking Tide (肆ノ 型  打ち 潮  Shi no kata: Uchishio?)
[27] - The user makes multiple consecutive slashes while twisting their body
and sword in a flowing fashion to deliver multiple blows simultaneously.
ご かた かんてん じ
5. Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought (伍ノ 型   干 天 の慈
う
雨 Go no kata: Kanten no Jiu?)[28] - The user changes the grip on their
sword and decapitates the opponent in a single flowing strike that causes
little to no pain. It is a “sword strike of kindness” used when the enemy
willingly surrenders.
ろく かた うず
6. Sixth Form: Whirlpool ( 陸 ノ 型  ねじれ 渦  Roku no kata: Nejire Uzu?)
[29] - The user fiercely twists their upper and lower body, creating a
whirlpool of air that cuts anything caught in it. Its effect and efficiently is
enhanced underwater, where the user can draw water around their weapon
to enhance their slashes.
しち かた しずくはもんづ
7. Seventh Form: Piercing Rain Drop ( 漆 ノ 型   雫 波 紋 突き Shichi
no kata: Shizuku Hamon Tsuki?)[30] - The user performs a fast and accurate
stab, capable of reducing the impact of a moving target. The fastest and
only thrusting technique of this breathing style.
 はち かた たきつぼ
8. Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin ( 捌 ノ 型   滝 壷  Hachi no kata:
Takitsubo?)[31] - The user cuts the target vertically in a flowing motion which
is most effective when they are falling downward.
く かた すいりゅうしぶき
9. Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow (玖ノ 型   水 流 飛 沫  Ku no
kata: Suiryū Shibuki?)[32] - The user changes their footwork in a way that
minimises the landing time and surface needed when landing, allowing the
user to move without limits. Ideal when fighting in a place with no solid
foothold.
じゅう かた せいせいるてん
10. Tenth Form: Constant Flux ( 拾 ノ 型   生 生 流 転  Jū no kata:
Seisei Ruten?)[33] - The most powerful Water Breathing technique. The
user performs a continuous flowing attack which takes a form of a water
dragon that increases in strength and power with each rotation.
じゅういち かた なぎ
11. Eleventh Form: Dead Calm ( 拾 壱 ノ 型   凪  Jū Ichi no kata:
Nagi?)[34] - A powerful technique with phenomenal defensive capabilities
and the personal creation of the current Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka.
Giyu ceases all body movements and enters a state of complete tranquility,
deflecting, blocking and cutting any incoming attacks with imperceptible
speed with his blade. However, its effectiveness is limited as fast and
numerous attacks can break through.
Equipment
Standard Nichirin Katana: Like the majority of Demon Slayers, Giyu harbors a
standard Nichirin Blade. His katana is in a shade of blue, complementing his breathing
style, Water Breathing. His katana's hilt is hexagonal shaped with a bronze core and
with an overlapping fuschia border and his scabbard is black in color. On the side of his
あっきめっさつ
katana, the words Destroyer of Demons ( 惡 鬼 滅 殺  Akki Messatsu?) are carved.
Battles
Giyu Tomioka Battles
Final Selection Arc
 Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs Giyu Tomioka
Natagumo Mountain Arc
 Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira vs Spider Demon (Father)
 Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs Rui
Hashira Training Arc
 Giyu Tomioka vs Sanemi Shinazugawa
Infinity Castle Arc
 Demon Slayers vs Muzan Kibutsuji: Part 1
 Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka vs Akaza
Sunrise Countdown Arc
 Demon Slayers vs Muzan Kibutsuji: Part 2
 Tanjiro Kamado vs Demon Slayers
Trivia

Giyu's initial design.

ぎ
 Giyu's name contains the kanji for "heroism, loyalty and courage" (義
ゆう
勇  giyū?). His surname contains the kanji for "wealth" and "hill".
 Giyu's favorite food is simmered salmon with daikon (Winter radish). Seeing
a fresh plate made Giyu smile, a sight which impressed and also disgusted
Shinobu.[35]
 Giyu's rankings in the popularity polls are as follows:
 Giyu ranked 4th place in the first popularity poll with 2,190
votes.
 Giyu ranked 2nd place in the second popularity poll with
13,281 votes.[36]
 Giyu is one of two characters who have their own spin off, the other
being Kyojuro Rengoku. Giyu's spin off is a two-part story depicting events
after Giyu's encounter with Tanjiro and Nezuko, called Giyu Tomioka:
Gaiden (Part 1) and Giyu Tomioka: Gaiden (Part 2).
 Giyu's crow is a very old crow, so it tends to make mistakes when giving
messages. He is said to also make Giyu very nervous.
 Giyu's Japanese and English voice actors both share the role
of Sasori from Naruto: Shippūden.
 Koyoharu Gotōge's initial design for Giyu was roughly the same as the
official design, except it featured him with fingerless sleeves, a cloth that
tied the ends of his haori around his waist, and looser hakama pants.[37]
Quotes
 (To himself, regarding Tanjiro Kamado) "Don't cry. Don't despair. Those
things will do you no good. Your family is dead and your sister has become
a Demon. Your heart is crushed. I know your pain, how you must want to
cry out. If I'd come half a day sooner your family might have survived. But
there is no turning back time. Fill your heart with anger. Strong, pure anger
that gives no quarter. Anger that becomes the unwavering force that drives
 your limbs. Weakness and empty promises cannot protect your sister or
find her a cure. And they certainly cannot avenge your family."[38]
 (To himself) "She must've been craving a feast right from the start, even
her own brother. But she protected him and turned her attention to me. I
wonder if... just maybe... these two are different."[39]
 (To Shinobu Kocho) "I'm not disliked by people."[40]
 (To himself, regarding Tanjiro Kamado) "Tanjiro... your techniques have
improved by a lot. Its no joke to say that your power matches that of
a Hashira[...] That day. That snowy day when you fell into despair, you
bowed your head and did the only thing you could do: cry as you beg me to
spare your sister's life. But now you can fight. So your life and your dignity
will not be taken away."[41]
 (To himself) "I don't want to wield my blade to the best of my ability. And I
don't like joining fights where the opponent swings at everything for the fun
of it. But right now I met someone so strong that he overwhelmed me for
the first time in a long time. I quickly understood that his senses were finely
polished and trained. My sealed senses were slapped awake and dragged
out to a place where the strong face off. The moment we call an extreme
life-or-death struggle is a matter of how much one can stretch their true
ability. I understood that."[42]
 (To Akaza) "If you want to kill Tanjiro... First defeat me!!"[43]
 (To himself, regarding Tanjiro Kamado)"I must pass on what was entrusted
to me. Never again will I let family and friends die before my eyes. I'll save
him. I will save Tanjiro the same way I was saved."[44]
 (To Yae) "What is it now? You know this already. That is a monster that
can no longer be called a human. A Demon. Face it Yae, that is no
longer your father.[45]
 (To Shinobu Kocho) "Even if something does happen, my heart will never
waver. We are the nine strongest swordsmen in our organization. The
literal 'Pillars' of the Demon Hunters. That is why we will never forget who
we wield our swords for and who we are protecting. There are things that
must be supported. So the Pillars must act as Pillars." [45]