Tanjiro Kamado is basically the human equivalent of a warm hug. It makes sense that fans are constantly scouring Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for hints of a secret romance. But honestly? If you’re looking for a complex web of unrequited love and dramatic confessions, you might be looking at the wrong series. Tanjiro is busy. He’s carrying the weight of his family’s murder and his sister’s survival on his shoulders. He doesn't have much time for dating.
Still, the question of who has a crush on Tanjiro pops up in every forum from Reddit to Discord. People want to know if there is a "canon" love interest or if it's all just headcanons and wishful thinking.
The truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
The Kanao Tsuyuri Factor
If we are talking about a genuine, plot-relevant crush, Kanao Tsuyuri is the only name that actually matters. It’s not just fan service. It is a slow-burn character arc that fundamentally changes Kanao's life.
When we first meet Kanao at the Final Selection, she’s a shell. Because of her horrific childhood—literally being sold into slavery before being rescued by the Kocho sisters—she can’t make decisions. She’s frozen. She uses a coin to decide if she should even speak to someone.
Then comes the Rehabilitation Training arc.
Tanjiro doesn’t just beat her in a training exercise; he sees her. He sees the coin. He challenges her to follow her heart instead of a piece of metal. That moment where he flips the coin and catches it? That’s the catalyst. Kanao’s reaction—the wide eyes, the sudden intake of breath—is the clearest "crush" indicator in the entire manga. It isn't just about "liking" a boy. It’s about someone finally giving her permission to be a person.
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Gotouge isn't subtle here, but she is quiet. Kanao starts showing up more. She worries about him. By the time the series hits the later stages, specifically the Hashira Training and the final battle against Muzan, her feelings are solidified. She’s fighting for everyone, sure, but her internal monologue often centers on Tanjiro’s safety.
Why it isn't just a "ship"
Fans often confuse friendly chemistry with romantic interest, but Kanao is different. The Fanbooks (specifically the second one) confirm her feelings are romantic. There is even a post-canon chapter—the "Special One-Shot"—that shows them as a couple. They eventually marry and have descendants, Sumihiko and Kanata Kamado, in the modern-day era. So, if you need one definitive answer to who has a crush on Tanjiro, it’s Kanao. Period.
Shinobu Kocho: Mentor or Something More?
This is where things get messy in the fandom. People love the idea of the "Big Sister" figure falling for the protagonist. But let’s be real for a second. Shinobu Kocho is 18. Tanjiro starts the series at 13 and is about 15-16 by the time they spend significant time together.
While age gaps in anime are... a thing... their relationship is purely built on mutual respect and shared trauma. Shinobu sees Tanjiro as the person who can carry on her sister Kanae's dream of humans and demons living in peace. She trusts him with her "anger."
Does she have a crush? No.
She admires him. She finds him interesting. She might even find his honesty refreshing compared to the stoic Giyu Tomioka. But "crush" implies a romantic longing that just isn't there in the text. Shinobu is too consumed by her vendetta against Doma to think about dating a teenager.
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The Mitsuri Kanroji Misconception
Mitsuri is the Love Hashira. Her whole gimmick is that she’s looking for a husband. Naturally, when she meets Tanjiro in the Swordsmith Village arc, she’s incredibly sweet to him. She plays with him, she feeds him, and she’s generally "lovey-dovey."
But here is the catch: Mitsuri is like that with everyone.
She’s looking for a man stronger than her. While Tanjiro is strong, Mitsuri's heart is firmly set on Obanai Iguro. The relationship between Mitsuri and Obanai is one of the most tragic and beautiful parts of the finale. Her interactions with Tanjiro are purely platonic and maternal. She treats him like a younger brother she really, really likes. If you think Mitsuri has a crush on Tanjiro, you’re likely misinterpreting her naturally affectionate personality.
What about the other girls?
There are several minor characters who show admiration for Tanjiro, but it rarely reaches the level of a crush.
- Aoi Kanzaki: She works at the Butterfly Mansion. She’s cranky, strict, and thinks Tanjiro is a handful. Over time, she softens. She appreciates his kindness, especially since he doesn't judge her for being "too afraid" to fight demons. There’s a sweet friendship there, but the series hints much more strongly at a connection between her and Inosuke Hashibira (and the fanbooks confirm they end up together).
- The Butterfly Mansion Triplets (Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho): They adore him. They cheer for him. They make him food. But they’re children. It’s hero worship, not a crush.
- Nezuko: Obviously, no. It’s the purest form of sibling love.
Why Tanjiro doesn't notice anyone
Tanjiro has what I call "Protagonist Tunnel Vision." He isn't dense like Goku or Luffy; he’s just hyper-focused. His olfactory sense—his sense of smell—allows him to detect emotions. He knows when someone is sad, angry, or lying.
He likely smells Kanao’s heartbeat accelerating when he’s around. He probably knows she feels something. But he is a gentleman to a fault. He’s not going to point it out and make her uncomfortable. Also, he’s kind of busy trying not to die.
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There’s a specific scene in the manga where someone asks him about his future, and he doesn't mention marriage. He mentions restoring Nezuko. That’s his North Star. Everything else is secondary.
The cultural impact of the "No-Romance" Protagonist
It’s actually quite refreshing. Shonen anime often forces a romance where it doesn't fit. In Demon Slayer, the relationships feel like a byproduct of the struggle, not the main goal. Tanjiro’s kindness is universal. He shows the same level of empathy to a dying demon as he does to a fellow slayer. This makes people think everyone has a crush on him because everyone is drawn to his light.
It’s "Attraction" in the physical sense—like a moth to a flame—rather than "Attraction" in the romantic sense.
Final Verdict: Who really has a crush?
If you are writing a list, it’s a short one.
- Kanao Tsuyuri: 100% canon. Deep, life-changing romantic love.
- The Fandom: Let's be honest, the real crush is held by the millions of viewers who wish they had a friend as loyal as Tanjiro.
Outside of Kanao, most "crushes" are just interpretations of Tanjiro’s overwhelming "Good Boy" energy. He makes people want to be better versions of themselves. That can feel like love, but in the world of Demon Slayer, it's usually just deep, profound respect.
How to spot the signs in the anime
If you’re re-watching the series and want to see the Kanao crush develop, keep an eye on these specific moments:
- The Coin Toss: Episode 25 of the first season. This is the "Big Bang" of their relationship.
- The Butterfly Mansion Recovery: Watch Kanao’s face whenever Tanjiro says something kind to her. She doesn't just smile; she looks confused, like she’s experiencing a new emotion.
- The Swordsmith Village Ending: Look at how she reacts when Tanjiro wakes up from his coma. Her composure completely breaks. That’s not just a "friend" being happy. That’s relief from someone who was terrified of losing their person.
When you're looking for romance in Demon Slayer, look for the silences. It’s not in the big speeches; it’s in the quiet moments between the battles.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the full resolution of Tanjiro and Kanao's relationship, you need to read the Final Chapter (Chapter 205) and the "Life Shining Across the Years" epilogue. These provide the concrete evidence of their life together that the main anime hasn't fully reached yet. Also, check out the Kimetsu no Yaiba: Winged Butterfly light novel, which dives deeper into the internal thoughts of the girls at the Butterfly Mansion.