When I was 16, I remember sitting at my desk one rainy evening, sketchbook open, pencil in hand, and a playlist of anime soundtracks softly playing in the background. That was the day I decided to draw Tanjiro Kamado the kind-hearted yet fiercely determined protagonist of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. At the time, the anime had just started making waves, and I was completely captivated by its breathtaking animation, emotionally charged story, and characters that felt so human despite living in a world filled with demons.
What inspired me most about Tanjiro wasn’t just his swordsmanship or his battles — it was his unwavering compassion. Even when facing the most terrifying demons, he sees the tragedy behind their transformation and offers them empathy, not just a blade. As a teenager, that deeply resonated with me. The idea that strength isn’t just about winning fights, but about holding on to your humanity in the darkest moments, made me want to capture that essence on paper.
While drawing, I focused on his gentle yet determined eyes, the iconic hanafuda earrings swaying at his ears, and the checkered haori that’s become instantly recognizable in anime culture. Every pencil stroke was a way of preserving the feeling I had while watching him face impossible odds — the mix of hope, sorrow, and courage that defines his journey. I remember pausing often, thinking about the countless obstacles he faced, from protecting his sister Nezuko to battling the Twelve Kizuki, and how each trial shaped him into someone even stronger without losing his kindness.
If you’ve never watched Demon Slayer, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a story that blends gorgeous, almost movie-quality visuals with emotional storytelling that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Beyond the flashy fight scenes and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, it’s a tale about family, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when the world tries to break you.
This drawing of Tanjiro became more than just fan art for me — it was a reflection of a time in my life when I was learning about perseverance, empathy, and the quiet kind of strength that doesn’t always roar. And maybe, if you watch Demon Slayer, you’ll see in Tanjiro the same spark that inspired me to pick up my pencil that day.