Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba creator Koyoharu Gotouge once had a different idea for the main character Tanjiro Kamado's appearance.
Just like the original design, Gotouge's idea for the character Tanjiro is very different from what we know. Initially, the author intended for the main character of Kimetsu no Yaiba to be an emotionless person and a ruthless murderer.
In this concept, Tanjiro only has one arm and his legs are missing, replaced with wood. In the story we know, Tanjiro mainly seeks to cure his sister, but the original plan is purely revenge.
Furthermore, one of the appealing elements of the series, the comedy, would not exist. The story will initially be dark, about a cold Tanjiro who only thinks about revenge.
In another version, Tanjiro doesn't have the scar on his forehead and doesn't even wear earrings, but it's much more similar to the final result. Nezuko barely changed anything. Gotouge's editor then suggested giving Tanjiro a scar on his forehead, inspired by Himura Kenshin in the manga Ruroni Kenshin, and wearing earrings to balance his appearance between masculinity and femininity.