Fans across the world have been gripped by Demon Slayer, the hit anime based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge. The anime itself has been praised for its incredible visuals, bringing the world of Demon Slayer to life.
Just as much as we’ve enjoyed Tanjirou and Nezuko’s journey, we’ve also loved how beautifully their world is portrayed. From traditional outfits to the classic wooden buildings of the Entertainment District, the story is filled with beautiful calls to traditional Japan. Which got us thinking: when in time does Demon Slayer take place? Can you trace the show to a particular period, and is their remnants of that time still around in Japan today?
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Is Demon Slayer Based on a True Story?
It should go without saying but Demon Slayer is, first of all, not a true story.
The story of Tanjirou and Nezuko takes a lot of different inspirations, some from fantasy and others from history. The original idea was worked on over various drafts and while the story itself takes inspiration from various successful manga that came before, the settings are all adapted from a period in Japanese history. Also, many of the characters, especially the demons, are inspired by various Japanese folktales.
When Does Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Take Place?
Many people assume that Demon Slayer takes place during Japan’s Edo period. However, it’s been confirmed that the show actually takes place much later during the Taisho period, from 1912 to 1926.
This information was confirmed in an official synopsis for the series and is also the reason for the ‘Taisho secrets’ in the show’s ending credits. There has not been any confirmation regarding specific dates, but given that this period covers just 14 years, we can be confident of understanding the state of Japan during the events of Demon Slayer.
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About the Taisho Period in Demon Slayer
Now time for a bit of Japanese history!
Periods in Japanese history relate to the ruling power at the time, usually an Emperor or shogunate. The Taisho period is the time when Emperor Taisho was on the throne.
The Taisho era is the perfect setting for Demon Slayer as many see it as part of the turning point for Japan from traditional feudalism to a modern, democratic nation. While Japan is still a hugely traditional nation, it begins to be more receptive to foreign influences in the arts and slowly develops more liberal thinking in other areas.
Japan’s involvement in the First World War also takes place at the beginning of this period, and its success gives the country more influence in Asia and, overall, more confidence as a nation.
The transformations happening in Japan at this time can be seen through the eyes of many of Demon slayer’s characters. Tanjirou is particularly good for this; the speed of the country’s change meant that large populaces, like cities, would have been living almost completely different lives to the people of remote villages where he grew up.
A great example is the response of Tanjirou and Inosuke to seeing the Mugen Train compared to Zenitsu, who grew up in a city. That style of train would have been brand new at the time of the story, so to them, it would have seemed completely alien.
Another example is people’s responses to the idea of demons. In a remote village, stories of demons and traditional protections would still be commonplace. However, for cities that are looking forward with the help of new technology, demons are generally disregarded as classic folktales.
Understanding a bit of the historical context of Demon Slayer can make watching the show an even more rewarding experience! Not that we needed an excuse to rewatch the series again.
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