⚠️ This article contains spoilers for Episode 23 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Read at your own discretion.

The full-series rebroadcast of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba continued on September 13, 2026 with Episode 23, “Pillar Meeting (柱合会議)” — a rare episode that assembles all nine Pillars in a single scene, generating a wave of enthusiastic reactions online.

About the Series

Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who loses his family to demons and sets out to restore his demonized sister Nezuko to humanity by joining the Demon Slayer Corps. The manga, published by Shueisha in 23 volumes, has surpassed 220 million copies in circulation worldwide. Animated by ufotable since April 2019, the franchise’s latest entry — the theatrical trilogy Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle — opened its first chapter, “Chapter 1: Akaza Returns,” in Japanese cinemas on July 18, 2025.

Nezuko Holds On

Brought before Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps (affectionately called “Oyakata-sama”), Tanjiro is pressed about Nezuko’s demonic nature. Wind Pillar Sanemi Shinazugawa slices his own arm to test whether Nezuko will attack a human for blood. Taunting her with “Come on, demon — this is the human blood you love!”, Sanemi pushes her to her limit. But Nezuko, flooded with memories and the words of her trainer Sakonji Urokodaki — “All humans are your family; protect them” — turns her face away from his arm. Fans flooded social media with cheers: “Nezuko, hang in there!” and “She resisted even rare blood that affects Upper Moons — Nezuko is incredibly strong!”

Oyakata-sama’s Words Leave Tanjiro Floating

With Nezuko’s restraint proven, Oyakata-sama tells Tanjiro that to earn everyone’s acceptance, he and Nezuko must first defeat a member of the Twelve Kizuki. Tanjiro bows deeply in gratitude — but finds himself oddly light-headed, as if the man’s voice itself is making his mind drift. He declares boldly that he will slay Muzan Kibutsuji, only for Oyakata-sama to gently reply, “That’s beyond you right now, Tanjiro. Let’s start with one of the Twelve Kizuki.” The exchange sends Love Pillar Mitsuri Kanroji into a barely-suppressed fit of laughter, while Insect Pillar Shinobu Kocho stifles a smile. Fans quipped: “Don’t laugh! You can’t laugh!”

Kanao and Aoi: Two Contrasting Girls

Tanjiro is sent to recover at Shinobu’s Butterfly Mansion, where he meets two very different young women: Kanao Tsuyuri, Shinobu’s quiet and expressionless apprentice, and Aoi Kanzaki, a lively girl who briskly guides the group inside. The contrast between the two sparked plenty of fan comments: “Kanao is so beautiful!” and “Aoi is here — she’s my favorite female character!”

The Kamaboko Trio Reunites

In the recovery room, Tanjiro finds Zenitsu Agatsuma — still wailing as loudly as ever, his limbs shortened from the spider transformation at Mt. Natagumo — and Inosuke Hashibira, unusually subdued after injuring his throat by shouting during the battle. When Tanjiro apologizes for not being able to help, Inosuke murmurs quietly, “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” Fans were delighted: “Quiet Inosuke is so rare!” and “The Kamaboko trio together again — this is so wholesome.” Nezuko also receives her own room at the mansion.

The Pillar Meeting: A Once-in-a-Series Moment

The episode’s centerpiece is the formal assembly of all nine Pillars before Oyakata-sama, who opens by noting that demon attacks are increasing. Sanemi raises concerns about the declining quality of Corps members — prompting fans to joke about a certain legendary (and ill-fated) fellow soldier. The sight of all nine Pillars gathered together moved fans deeply: “Having every Pillar here is so precious,” “This scene is overwhelming — so epic,” and “Realizing this is the only time all nine Pillars are in the same room together… I teared up.” Oyakata-sama closes the meeting by calling each Pillar by name and saying, “My children — I am counting on each of you.”

Cast Comment: Yuri Ehara (Aoi Kanzaki)

The official Demon Slayer account released a special cast comment from Yuri Ehara, the voice of Aoi Kanzaki, as part of the weekly rebroadcast commemoration series:

“It’s been many years since we recorded, but I still clearly remember being blown away by the sheer vocal power of Hiro Shimono, who voices Zenitsu. (Laughs) Aoi starts out strict, but through her encounters with Tanjiro and the others, she gradually changes — she’s a really compelling character. I hope everyone continues to watch over her warmly.”

Next Episode Preview

The preview for the next episode features Flame Pillar Kyojuro Rengoku and Sound Pillar Tengen Uzui, who discuss the remarkable situation of a demon that does not harm humans, as well as potential leads on Muzan Kibutsuji — and some gossip about Oyakata-sama. Episode 24 is titled “Functional Recovery Training,” promising new challenges for Tanjiro and his friends.

The full-series rebroadcast began on April 5 — just one day before the seventh anniversary of the anime’s original premiere on April 6, 2019.