Summary
Tanjiro’s earrings in Demon Slayer caused controversy due to their resemblance to the Rising Sun symbol used by the Japanese Empire during World War II, evoking painful memories in many Asian countries. The earrings’ design serves as a connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and the Sun Breathing Style, making Tanjiro his successor and putting him in the crosshairs of the villain Muzan. The makers of Demon Slayer have made a slight design tweak to the earrings for select Asian countries, demonstrating their willingness to adapt and remove unintended connotations. , ultimately increased the popularity of anime.
Demon slayer is extremely popular in part because of how athletic its hero Tanjiro is, which is why some fans may be surprised to learn about the controversy surrounding his earrings. Demon Slayer ranks among the most popular anime and manga series today, but when it was first released, a small controversy arose due to the main character’s banner-style earring design.
Tanjiro’s earrings are modified hanafuda cards that have been passed down in his family. In Demon Slayer season 1, episode 19, “Hinokami”, Tanjuro, Tanjiro’s father, wears earrings. They were also worn by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the creator of Breathing Patterns. Since he had no children, it can be assumed that he gave the earrings to Tanjuro, who then passed them on to Tanjiro. The earrings pay homage to Japanese hanafuda cards, featuring a traditional floral design (“hanafuda” means “flower card”).
Tanjiro’s earrings resemble the designs of the Japanese Royal Family
However, controversy surrounding Tanjiro’s earrings arose because the design also resembled the Rising Sun, the symbol Japan used during World War II. During the global conflict, Japan became an Axis power that invaded other Asian countries, such as China and Korea. This symbol remains controversial in many Asian countries because it evokes memories of traumatic events and war crimes committed by the Imperial Japanese army. That eventually led to manufacturers changing the design of Tanjiro’s controversial earrings.
The real reason why Tanjiro’s hanafuda earrings bear the sun-like symbol is because it is a symbol of the Sun Breathing Style and keeps its legacy alive. As a result, Tanjiro’s earrings were recognized by several characters, including Rengoku’s father Shinjuro, who calls Tanjiro a “Sun Breath practitioner” in the manga. Muzan also recognizes them on Tanjiro, and in Demon Slayer season 1, episode 8, “The Enchanting Smell of Blood,” he orders his followers to kill the “demon slayer wearing hanafuda earrings.” It is heavily explained in flashbacks that a demon slayer with similar earrings – Yoriichi – almost defeated Muzan.
Why is Tanjiro’s Earring important in Demon Slayer
Tanjiro’s earrings give him a direct connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the creator of the Demon Slayer’s breathing style. Since Tanjiro is the only person other than Yoriichi to use Sun Breath, Tanjiro can claim to be Yoriichi’s successor. This is important because Yoriichi came so close to defeating Muzan that it made the villain fear anything that reminded him of the original Demon Slayer. While Tanjiro has no way of knowing this, these earrings immediately put him on Muzan’s radar. Their sun theme is also relevant as the sun is Muzan’s greatest weakness and the one he most wants to overcome.
Why does the Demon Slayer have the right to change Tanjiro’s earrings?
Ultimately, the anime producers changed the design of the earrings for several Asian countries to resolve the controversy. Among these countries are China and South Korea, whose streaming platforms have an alternative version: instead of the red sun rays coming from the red circle, the circle is located above four lines horizontal blue. However, the mountain facing downwards remains the same. Official merchandise in these countries also has alternative designs. Despite the backlash from viewers, the earrings passed down to Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro remain a symbol of strength and hope in the anime world.
The controversy surrounding Tanjiro’s earrings in Demon Slayer is a good example of how creators should react when such concerns arise. Changing the design of Tanjiro’s hanafuda earrings was a small adjustment intended to help remove harmful (and unintentional) subtext from the anime in some countries. Instead of alienating viewers in China, Korea, and elsewhere, Demon Slayer was able to thrive thanks to its willingness to adapt, proving that this small change was absolutely the right decision. Ultimately, Tanjiro is an effective protagonist regardless of the specific design of his earrings, and making a small change to suit certain viewers only makes him and Demon slayer more popular.