A very interesting story about the popular anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and its dark beginnings. You see, with its third season currently airing, "Kimetsu no Yaiba" is definitely one of the hottest series of this spring 2023 season (April-June). But did you know that the original concept for the series was much darker than what we know today? Let's delve into the details and unravel this fascinating story!
The Early Ideas and Dark Atmosphere
Let's hear it from Tatsuhiko Katayama, the editor-in-chief of the original manga. He shared in an interview with the MANGA Plus platform from Shueisha, the publisher, about the initial ideas for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and how they explored a much darker ambiance. Katayama mentioned that when he returned to the editorial department after working elsewhere in the company, he became the editor for Koyoharu Gotouge, the manga artist.
At that time, Gotouge had just finished their second one-shot manga in Jump magazine called "Rokkotsu-san" and it was Katayama who presented it. Afterward, Gotouge expressed their desire to create a series, and that's when they started working on "Haeniwa no Zigzag" which eventually didn't get serialized but became their third one-shot publication.
Katayama continued to contemplate how to make the most of Gotouge's style and talent. He realized that they needed a theme that was easy to understand. With that in mind, they decided to build on Gotouge's award-winning first title, "Ka Gari Gari" which had a simple Japanese motif. Katayama thought that without a clear motif for the costumes and other elements, it would be challenging to develop a plan. So, they borrowed a theme that everyone was familiar with.
The setting was already prepared in "Ka Gari Gari" and the foundation was laid in reality. The concept of swords and demons didn't need explanation for the Japanese audience. With this, they created a script based on "Ka Gari Gari" which eventually became known as "Kisatsu no Nagare" However, due to its serious tone, lack of comedic relief, and dark story, it didn't get approved for serialization.
Katayama realized that it wouldn't move forward without a change in the protagonist. So, he asked Gotouge if there was a more cheerful and ordinary character in the world they had created. And that's how Tanjiro and "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" were conceived.
The Title: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
Now, let's dive into the fascinating story behind the title of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Prepare for a tale of linguistic exploration and creative decision-making!
Originally, the team behind the series considered using "Kisatsu no Yaiba" as the title. However, they felt that the character "satsu" (殺), which means "to kill" was too intense and powerful. So, they embarked on a brainstorming session to find a more suitable alternative. And boy, did they come up with some interesting ideas!
Among the various options, one particular combination caught their attention: "kimetsu" (鬼滅). The second character, "metsu" carries the meaning of "to perish" The team found this combination to be the most straightforward and easy to understand. But here's the intriguing part—nobody actually says the word "kimetsu" in the series. It's an abbreviation chosen by the author, Koyoharu Gotouge, to add an element of curiosity and uniqueness to the title.
Isn't "Kimetsu" a peculiar word? It rolls off the tongue easily but possesses an unusual quality. This intentional choice adds to the distinctiveness of the title. And thus, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" was born, captivating readers and viewers worldwide.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the captivating story behind "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba". Keep exploring the thrilling world of "Demon Slayer" and savor the beauty of its unique title. It's a testament to the thoughtfulness and creativity that went into creating this incredible series.
Happy demon slaying, and may your curiosity for the extraordinary never wane!
Source: Manga Plus
