Exploring the Unique Design of Tanjiro from “Demon Slayer”
The initial design concept by Gotouge for the character Tanjiro is quite different from what we are familiar with today. Originally, the author envisioned Tanjiro as a cold-hearted killer who lacked any emotional depth.
In this early concept, Tanjiro was depicted with only one arm, and his legs were replaced with a wooden prosthetic. In the storyline we know, Tanjiro primarily seeks a way to heal his sister but was initially motivated entirely by revenge.
Furthermore, one of the appealing elements of the story is its humor, which is notably absent in the original concept. The narrative that follows Tanjiro’s journey has evolved significantly, showcasing a more compassionate and determined character rather than just one seeking vengeance.
In another version, Tanjiro did not have the scar on his forehead and even lacked ear ornaments, although this design seems to align more closely with the final appearance. Nezuko, on the other hand, remains largely unchanged in essence. Later on, Gotouge decided to give Tanjiro a distinctive scar on his forehead, inspired by Himura Kenshin from the manga “Rurouni Kenshin,” and added ear ornaments to balance the masculine and feminine aspects of his character design.
