Why does Sanemi hate Tanjiro?

In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, initially harbors a deep hatred for Tanjiro Kamado, the series’ protagonist. His hostility stems from a combination of misunderstanding, painful past experiences, and personal beliefs. Here's an exploration of why Sanemi hates Tanjiro:

1. Tanjiro’s Demon-Related Background

Sanemi's hatred begins when he mistakes Tanjiro for a demon, primarily because Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, is a demon. In the world of Demon Slayer, demons are typically seen as the ultimate enemies of humanity, and the Demon Slayer Corps is dedicated to exterminating them. Given the trauma Sanemi has experienced with demons, he immediately perceives Nezuko’s presence as a threat and views Tanjiro’s connection to her as something deeply dangerous.

At the beginning, Sanemi believes that Tanjiro must be a threat, simply because he is traveling with a demon, regardless of the fact that Nezuko has not harmed anyone and is actively working with Tanjiro to fight against demons. This leads to violent confrontations, where Sanemi aggressively challenges Tanjiro, accusing him of being a traitor.

2. Sanemi’s Past and Trauma

Sanemi’s personal trauma plays a significant role in shaping his hatred towards Tanjiro. Sanemi lost his family to demons, and he harbors deep resentment toward them for this. His mother and younger siblings were killed by demons, leaving him with a traumatic memory that shapes his perception of the world. His hatred is not just directed at demons, but also at those who are associated with them, even if they are human.

Tanjiro's connection to Nezuko, a demon, intensifies Sanemi’s emotional turmoil and reminds him of his painful past. The sight of Nezuko’s demon nature triggers his old wounds, making it hard for him to separate the idea of demons from the idea of family or humanity. As a result, he attacks Tanjiro out of his deeply ingrained hatred for demons.

3. Sanemi’s Pride and Stubbornness

Sanemi is known for his prideful and hot-headed nature. He often refuses to back down from a fight and is incredibly stubborn in his beliefs. His intense pride as a Hashira and his desire to uphold his own ideals prevent him from considering the possibility that Tanjiro’s situation is different from other demon slayers.

Sanemi believes that demon-slaying is about complete annihilation of demons and that there is no room for exceptions. Seeing Tanjiro’s unique situation, with his determination to protect Nezuko despite her being a demon, conflicts with Sanemi’s rigid viewpoint. This causes friction and hostility, as he cannot understand how someone could have a demon as a companion.

4. The Turning Point in Their Relationship

As the story progresses, Tanjiro’s sincerity, selflessness, and desire to protect those around him slowly begin to change Sanemi’s perspective. In particular, Sanemi’s hostility toward Tanjiro starts to soften after he witnesses Tanjiro’s bravery and determination in battle. Additionally, Sanemi’s interactions with Tanjiro’s actions and character reveal that Tanjiro is not the typical “demon” sympathizer.

Eventually, the relationship between Tanjiro and Sanemi becomes more complex, with Sanemi coming to understand that Tanjiro’s connection to Nezuko is not based on betrayal, but on a deeper sense of family and humanity. Despite their initial hostility, Tanjiro’s courage and loyalty begin to earn Sanemi’s respect, and Sanemi’s attitude shifts from hatred to a reluctant acceptance.

Conclusion

Sanemi’s hatred toward Tanjiro is rooted in a combination of personal trauma, misunderstanding, and rigid beliefs about demons. His early perception of Tanjiro as a threat, fueled by the tragic loss of his family to demons and his inability to see beyond his trauma, creates an intense conflict between the two. Over time, however, Tanjiro’s actions and kindness challenge Sanemi’s views, ultimately allowing for a more nuanced relationship. The story shows that even the most deeply scarred characters, like Sanemi, can evolve when confronted with new perspectives.