All 8 of the Upper Moons That Appeared in 'Demon Slayer', Explained
From the undeniable might of Kokushibo, to the poisonous hatred of Daki, and the cowardice of Hantengu.
In the world of Demon Slayer, the Twelve Demon Moons pose the greatest threat to humanity, ranking just below Muzan Kibutsuji himself.
The Upper Moons, from the First to the Sixth, embody terror and power and face the most powerful slayers.
This is your guide to all eight Upper Moons that have appeared in the Demon Slayer series and movies.
1. Gyutaro & Daki
Gyutaro and Daki are siblings who once held the position of Upper Rank Six together. Their history and abilities were revealed in the Entertainment District Arc.
After Daki suffered fatal burns, Gyutaro killed everyone involved in a fit of vengeance. They were then discovered by Doma, who offered them the chance to become demons.
With demon blood, the duo has powerful abilities. Gyutaro created deadly sickles from his flesh for close-quarters combat. Daki attacked opponents with her long belt, which could cut through anything.
The key to their success was their unbreakable bond – neither could be completely destroyed as long as the other remained alive. To defeat them, slayers had to decapitate them both simultaneously.
2. Kaigaku
Kaigaku, of Upper Rank Six, had an unusual history for a demon. He was once a demon slayer and trained under the same master as Zenitsu.
His thirst for greater power ultimately led Kaigaku to the dark side. An encounter with Kokushibo, the number one Upper Moon demon, paved the way for his transformation.
His story reached its climax in Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, where he clashed to the death with Zenitsu.
3. Gyokko
Gyokko, the Upper Rank Five demon, was one of the most unusual demons in appearance – it was radically different from that of a human.
His body grew out of a ceramic pot, he lacked proper limbs and was covered with numerous short arms, and his facial features were chaotically displaced.
His distorted perception of the world had its roots in his past. The son of fishermen, he developed a morbid obsession with finding beauty in drowned bodies after the death of his parents.
4. Hantengu
Hantengu, a former Upper Rank Four, met his end in the Swordsmith Village Arc when he was defeated and killed by slayers.
His most distinctive trait was extreme cowardice, which defined all of his combat tactics. When faced with a serious threat, he split into several independent entities.
His main body would shrink to the size of a mouse and hide while his clones distracted and attacked his opponents.
5. Nakime
Unlike other Moons, Nakime, the new Upper Rank Four Moon, is Muzan's strategic asset. Nakime almost never leaves the Infinity Castle, where she serves as its guardian and coordinator.
Nakime directly controls the structure of the Infinity Castle by playing the biwa. Although she lacks exceptional combat abilities, her main strength lies in reconnaissance.
She has a terrifying yet useful ability – Nakime can create her own eyeballs, detach them from her body, and control them remotely.
6. Akaza
Akaza, the Upper Rank Three, was known as Hakuji before becoming a demon. He was a talented and dedicated martial arts student. Tragedy struck when he lost his loved ones.
Overwhelmed by grief, he committed a bloody massacre against those responsible, attracting the attention of Muzan. By accepting Muzan's offer to become a demon, Hakuji severed his ties with humanity, leaving behind his name and his faith.
Akaza's strength rests on two pillars. First, he possesses exceptional physical attributes, including incredible strength and endurance.
Second, he has a unique ability to sense his opponents' killing intent. This allows him to read their intentions, easily predict their attacks, and avoid them.
7. Doma
Doma, the Upper Rank Two, is one of the most powerful and cruel demons in Muzan's service. From birth, his colorful eyes led his parents to believe that he was a divine messenger.
However, this belief proved fatal – the young Doma mercilessly killed them, and it was the first manifestation of his callous nature.
In addition to the high regeneration rate and reflexes characteristic of powerful demons, Doma has the unique ability to absorb his victims' bodies. He can also create deadly icicles and ice lotuses.
8. Kokushibo
Kokushibo, the Upper Rank One, is the second most powerful demon after Muzan. He is one of the most enigmatic figures in the anime, and his story is fully revealed only in the manga.
Before becoming a demon, he was known as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, a swordsman and demon slayer. His tragedy lies in his constant rivalry with his younger brother, Yoriichi, who was a natural genius, the strongest fighter, and the creator of the first Breathing Style.
Envy and a thirst for power to surpass his brother drove Michikatsu to make a deal with Muzan. After becoming a demon and taking the name Kokushibo, he found himself "second" again – this time to the Demon King.
