What you have to know about Jigoro Kuwajima, the Thunder Hashira

What you have to know about Jigoro Kuwajima, the Thunder Hashira

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Jigoro Kuwajima is the Thunder Hashira and mentor to Zenitsu Agatsuma and Kaigaku. This guy may have been short in stature, but he had a heart as big as the mountains and a dedication to his students that knew no bounds.

Table of Contents

Jigoro is a wise and weathered old man with a face etched with wrinkles and eyes that sparkled with wisdom. His bushy eyebrows and large moustache added to his distinctive appearance. Still, his scarred cheekbone and wooden peg leg truly set him apart. Yet, despite his physical limitations, Jigoro exuded an aura of strength and resilience that commanded respect.

Now, let’s talk about his personality. Jigoro was a devoted mentor, pouring his heart and soul into training the next generation of demon slayers. He may have been challenging as nails when it came to training, but deep down, he had a soft spot for his students. He believed in them wholeheartedly, pushing them to their limits while offering unwavering support and guidance every step of the way.

When Kaigaku, one of his former pupils, betrayed the Demon Slayer Corps and joined the ranks of the Twelve Kizuki, Jigoro was filled with grief. It was a heartbreaking moment for him, a testament to the deep bond he shared with his students.

But perhaps Jigoro’s greatest legacy lies in his relationship with Zenitsu Agatsuma. Despite Zenitsu’s tendency to whine and run away from his problems, Jigoro never gave up on him. He saw potential in Zenitsu when others saw only shortcomings, taking him under his wing and guiding him with patience and compassion. For Jigoro, seeing Zenitsu master even the most basic breathing technique was a source of immense pride and joy.

And let’s not forget the fatherly love he had for his students. When Zenitsu expressed his gratitude and love for Jigoro, it touched the old master deeply, reminding him of his impact on his students’ lives.

Thunder Hashira

History of an old man

As the mentor of Zenitsu and Kaigaku, Jigoro wielded his Thunder Breathing techniques with unmatched skill and determination.

During his tenure as a Hashira, Jigoro trained his disciples tirelessly, instilling in them the principles of Thunder Breathing. Kaigaku excelled under his tutelage, mastering all but the first form of the Thunder Breathing techniques. Meanwhile, Zenitsu struggled to keep pace, only managing to grasp the basics due to inexperience.

Tragically, Jigoro’s story took a dark turn when Kaigaku betrayed the Corps, forsaking his humanity to become a demon. Consumed by grief and shame, Jigoro chose to end his own life through seppuku, unable to bear the weight of his former pupil’s betrayal. His death was slow and agonizing, a testament to the depth of his suffering.

Yet, even in death, Jigoro’s spirit remained a guiding light for Zenitsu. During the climactic battle against Kaigaku, Zenitsu found solace in his mentor’s presence in the afterlife. In a poignant moment, Jigoro expressed his pride and love for Zenitsu, reaffirming the bond between master and disciple.

As a former Hashira, Jigoro was renowned for his formidable combat abilities. His mastery of Thunder Breathing allowed him to face demons with courage and skill, earning him a place among the Corps’ elite warriors. Despite losing his leg in battle, Jigoro remained a stalwart defender of humanity until the end.

In the annals of Demon Slayer history, Jigoro Kuwajima’s legacy is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the bonds forged in the heat of battle. Though his physical form may have passed from this world, his teachings and his spirit continue to inspire future generations of demon slayers.

Jigoro Kuwajima, the Thunder Hashira

More facts about Jigoro Kuwajima

So, I did some research on Jigoro Kuwajima, the Roaring Hashira, and it turns out he had a pretty unique title. Unlike the other Breathing Style practitioners, he wasn’t known as the Thunder Hashira. Instead, he had the cool name of “Roaring Hashira.” This title comes from an ancient tradition and the Izumi word for “thunder,” which is all about the mighty roar of the gods.

But Jigoro’s journey was not without its trials and tribulations. At the age of 35, during a fierce battle, he suffered a grievous injury that cost him his right leg from the knee down. This devastating loss forced him to retire from his esteemed position as a Hashira, marking the end of an era for the renowned warrior.

Yet, despite his physical scars, Jigoro’s spirit remained unbroken. His given name, a testament to his character, contains the essence of mercy, benevolence, and enlightenment, reflecting the depth of his wisdom and compassion. Meanwhile, his surname, Kuwajima, carries the poetic imagery of the mulberry island, evoking a sense of tranquillity amidst the storm.

In the annals of Demon Slayer history, Jigoro Kuwajima’s legacy shines brightly, a beacon of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Though he may have hung up his sword, his indomitable spirit inspires generations with tales of his valour and sacrifice. Honestly, he is a hero whose name will never be forgotten.

More of your question

Why Did Jigoro Commit Seppuku?

Jigoro committed seppuku (a form of ritual suicide) due to the shame he felt over the actions of one of his former students, Kaigaku. Kaigaku, who was also trained by Jigoro alongside Zenitsu, chose to become a demon and joined the ranks of the Twelve Kizuki as Upper Moon Six. Jigoro felt responsible for Kaigaku’s betrayal and believed he had failed as a mentor, leading him to take his own life to take responsibility for his perceived failure.

How Strong is Jigoro?

Jigoro Kuwajima was exceptionally strong, as evidenced by his status as the former Thunder Hashira, one of the most-ranking and powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps. While specific details of his strength are not extensively showcased in the series, his ability to train Zenitsu, who becomes a formidable Demon Slayer, and his previous position as a Hashira indicate that he was highly skilled and powerful.

Is Zenitsu’s Grandpa a Hashira?

Yes, Jigoro Kuwajima, often called Zenitsu’s “grandpa,” was a former Thunder Hashira before the series’ events. He took Zenitsu under his wing and trained him in the way of the sword, passing on the Thunder Breathing techniques.

Who Was the Guy Yelling at Zenitsu?

The guy often seen yelling at Zenitsu in flashbacks is Jigoro Kuwajima himself. These scenes depict Jigoro’s strict training methods and efforts to instil courage and determination in Zenitsu. Despite the harshness, it’s clear that Jigoro deeply cares for Zenitsu and wants him to realize his potential as a Demon Slayer.

About the author
Picture of Emily Turner
Emily Turner
Hey there! I'm Emily Turner, a 31-year-old anime lover. My love for anime started over a decade ago, growing into a passion that shapes my life. On maganime.net, I share this passion through in-depth reviews and engaging blog posts. Beyond just watching anime, I enjoy diving into detailed character analyses and offering tips to fellow enthusiasts.
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