Sword of the Demon Hunter is the most overlooked anime of the season

Jinta and Suzune as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime
Jinta and Suzune as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime (Image credit: Yokohama Animation Laboratory)

Sword of the Demon Hunter is not a show that many will be aware of, but it is a series that deserves much more appreciation. Currently airing in the Spring 2025 season, the anime is adapted from its light novel and has 6 episodes at the time of writing.

Sword of the Demon Hunter, also called Kijin Gentosho, is an exciting historical dark fantasy with a slow-burn narrative and memorable cast. Unfortunately, in the landscape of anime, where high-budget visual spectacles often dominate discussions, it has been thoroughly overshadowed by its peers.

Nevertheless, this series is still worth watching, especially for fans of shows like Demon Slayer and Blade of the Immortal. Sword of the Demon Hunter follows Jinta and Suzune, a pair of siblings who run away from home. Soon after, they are adopted by the sentinel of Kadono and begin living with his daughter, Shirayuki.

Suzune as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime (Image credit: Yokohama Animation Laboratory)
Suzune as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime (Image credit: Yokohama Animation Laboratory)

As the trio pass their days peacefully, Jinta and Shirayuki develop a bond that transcends friendship. Unfortunately, after the death of the shrine maiden, Itsukihime, Shirayuki is selected to replace her. This isolates the girl from her siblings, as she can only interact with a few individuals.

Wishing to stay by her side, Jinta relentlessly trains and becomes her sentinel. Despite protecting her, however, the pair realizes that their love for each other can never come to fruition due to their positions of responsibility. Just as Shirayuki is set to be wed into an esteemed clan in her village, demons attack with the goal of awakening their ruler.

This turns out to be Suzune, who is shown a vision of Shirayuki’s betrayal of her brother. Devastated, she transforms into a fearsome demon, killing Shirayuki and plunging Kadono into despair. Although Jinta fails to stop her, he himself becomes part demon. Resolved to defeat his sister and avenge the death of his loved one, Jinta sets off on a lone quest as a demon hunter.

The anime episodes, adapted by Yokohama Animation Laboratory, are divided into different parts, each covering specific encounters between the protagonist and demons. These episodes may seem disconnected but end up coming together to contribute to Jinta’s development as he journeys across ancient Japan.


Why Sword of the Demon Hunter is worth watching

Sword of the Demon Hunter’s visuals are far from bad, but they are also not stunning enough to instantly captivate audiences. However, where the series truly shines is not its animation but its storytelling. This anime features a perfect balance between themes of darkness and hope.

It is unapologetic in showcasing the dregs of society, where tragedy can fall upon the most noble individuals. At the same time, the series also displays the light at the end of the tunnel and how redemption and forgiveness are viable options.

Jinta, who initially set out as a man bent on killing demons on his path of revenge, soon discovers that not every demon is the same. Once apathetic and brutal, he grows to be more expressive and finds a purpose beyond just vengeance.

The cast surrounding him, ranging from the kind Mosuke to the cheeky Natsu, each stands out in their own way while helping the protagonist live his life in a more fulfilling manner. The story’s combination of melancholy, drama, and adventure makes it stick out from others in its genre.

Jinta as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime (Image credit: Yokohama Animation Laboratory)
Jinta as seen in the Sword of the Demon Hunter anime (Image credit: Yokohama Animation Laboratory)

That being said, an anime called Sword of the Demon Hunter unsurprisingly has endless action. These fights may not be spectacular, but they still manage to keep audiences engaged. The participants wield interesting powers ranging from basic sword fighting to the ability to see the future itself. More importantly, every confrontation is filled with layers of emotion, giving it greater weight.

As a result, viewers will find themselves deeply immersed in Sword of the Demon Hunter’s setting of ancient Japan, experiencing its culture while they witness the complex tale of a man determined to defeat his demonic sister. The series is heartbreaking, exhilarating, and will stick in fans’ minds for a long time.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew