Summary
- Uppermoon are the six powerful who works for Muzan
- Uppermoon six are the strongest demons after Muzan Kibutsuji
- Kokushibo, Akaza, and Douma are the strongest Uppermoons
The world of Demon Slayer is full of powerful demons called the Upper Moons, and each one of them has a heartbreaking story that explains how they became what they are. Choices, pain, and desires led each one of them into their paths.
Nakime
Nakime, one of the Upper Moon Four, has a background that is riddled with quiet despair and grim choices. She was once a poor musician playing the biwa, earning her living just enough to barely make ends meet. Her husband was a compulsive gambler who sold her only kimono for performance to support his addiction. That was enough for Nakime, and she killed him in a fit of rage with a hammer. With no alternative, Nakime took the stage again wearing her ragged kimono; and this time she faced disdainful glares from the public. But then again, people said her live performance was quite intense and raw. Later, Nakime developed a sinister urge: She would play her biwa every time she committed murder and murder seemed to be amplifying her music’s power and emotion.
Her fatal encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji came when she tried to kill him, probably as another step in her dark cycle. She failed, but Muzan was impressed by her audacity and the darkness within her. He turned her into a demon, giving her the power to manipulate the Infinity Castle, that surreal and shifting battlefield crucial to Muzan’s plans. Nakime’s loyalty to Muzan is a reflection of a deep need for purpose, born out of a life filled with betrayal and hardship. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of how human pain can twist into monstrous forms.
Kokushibo
Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One, has one of the most tragic tales. Before becoming a demon, he was Michikatsu Tsugikuni, a samurai and the twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the greatest swordsman in history. Kokushibo always felt overshadowed by Yoriichi’s natural talent and ability to use the Sun Breathing technique.
Driven by jealousy and the fear of death, Michikatsu accepted Muzan’s offer to become a demon. However, this decision broke his bond with his brother and cost him his humanity. Kokushibo’s flashback reveals his loneliness and regret. Even with immense power and immortality, he could never escape the shadow of his brother’s greatness.
Douma
Douma, the Upper Moon Two, is a kind of cute, yet terrifying demon. Before turning into a demon, he had been a priest who attracted much attention from believers. However, Douma had been born an emotionless one. Despite being charismatic, he never knew about love, happiness, or unhappiness.
As a human, Douma saw people as nothing more than tools for his amusement. It was easy for him to adopt his demonic nature and feed off his followers with no empathy at all. Even as a demon, he tried to “enjoy” human emotions, but he could never really connect with anyone. His flashback shows that his life, both as a human and a demon, was empty and lonely.
Akaza
Akaza, the Upper Moon Three, has one of the most emotional backstories. Before becoming a demon, he was Hakuji, a young man who loved his family deeply. Hakuji’s life was full of hardship. His father died, and his fiancée was killed, leaving him devastated.
Hakuji was a violent fighter who used his strength to survive from his grief. Muzan found him and turned him into a demon, promising him power and a way out of his pain. Akaza, however, never forgot his life as a human. His flashback shows his guilt and longing for the people he loved. One of the most tragic figures in Demon Slayer, despite his cruelty as a demon, is Akaza.
Kaigaku
Kaigaku is a former Demon Slayer who symbolizes betrayal and ambition. He trained with Zenitsu Agatsuma under the Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima. However, Kaigaku always wanted power and hated being second to anyone, especially Zenitsu.
Kaigaku decided to become a demon when he faced near death in the mission. He accepted Kokushibo’s offer to become a demon. His desperation to survive and outdo his friend made him lose his humanity and the Demon Slayer Corps. During the final fight, Zenitsu fights him, and Kaigaku gets defeated by sadness instead of anger. The story of Kaigaku shows how uncontrolled ambition and fear can bring about ruin.
Daki and Gyutaro
Daki and Gyutaro, the Upper Moon Six, have a heart-wrenching bond that defines their story. Born into extreme poverty, the siblings faced abuse and rejection throughout their human lives. Gyutaro, the older brother, grew up unloved and was often bullied for his appearance. Despite this, he loved and protected his younger sister, Ume, who later became Daki.
Their lives tragically took a turn when Ume was burnt alive after having offended a samurai. He found her deathly body, and both siblings got rescued by a demon who transformed them into monsters. As demons, Daki and Gyutaro became cruel and vengeful, feeding from their hatred toward the world, which had betrayed them.
At the end, through flashbacks of the siblings, it is clear that they love and care for each other. Gyutaro regrets having involved his sister in his dark life and Daki is always ready to trust her brother, showing that they are indeed very close to each other. Their story will remind everyone how love can persist even in the darkest times.
Hantengu
Hantengu, Upper Moon Four in Demon Slayer. As a human, Hantengu had committed multiple crimes, such as robbery and murder. However, Hantengu continued to claim he was innocent and blind; instead, his hands were behind all the acts he committed, showing his mental condition was unstable. He was put to death through capital punishment. His protests were silenced when a magistrate threatened to cut off his “culprit” hands. While in prison, Muzan Kibutsuji approached him, offering help and turning him into a demon. As a demon, Hantengu killed the official who had condemned him. His flashback illustrates themes of fear, denial, and the dangers of avoiding accountability, adding depth to his character and the series.
