Strongest Upper Moons Ranked | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

For any fan of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the mention of demons immediately brings to mind the chilling presence of Muzan Kibutsuji and his most formidable servants: the Upper Moons. These are not just any demons; they are the most powerful beings in Muzan’s army, each possessing terrifying strength, unique Blood Demon Arts, and an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Their ranks are a clear indicator of their power, with Upper Rank One being the strongest and Upper Rank Six being the “weakest” – though even the lowest-ranked Upper Moon poses an immense threat to the Hashira and the entire Demon Slayer Corps.

The very existence of the Upper Moons highlights the sheer scale of the threat faced by our beloved Hashira. For centuries, many of these Upper Ranks remained undefeated, cementing their places through sheer power and the inability of any Demon Slayer to sever their heads.

Upper Moons Explained: Power & Rank in Demon Slayer

Let’s break down the hierarchy of the Upper Moons, from the terrifying pinnacle to the still-deadly lower Upper Ranks:

1. Upper Rank One: Kokushibo

The undisputed strongest of all the Upper Moons, Kokushibo stands second only to Muzan himself. His past as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, a former Demon Slayer and brother to the legendary Yoriichi Tsugikuni, grants him a unique and terrifying edge. His mastery of Moon Breathing, a corrupted yet immensely powerful offshoot of Sun Breathing, combined with his unique flesh katana and formidable Blood Demon Art that manifests crescent moon-shaped blades, makes him a true nightmare for any Hashira to face. His sheer power and centuries of experience make him a legend among demons.

2. Upper Rank Two: Doma

Doma is a chilling figure, known for his charismatic yet utterly nihilistic demeanor. His power is immense, allowing him to contend with the very best of the Hashira. His Blood Demon Art grants him absolute Cryokinesis (Ice Manipulation), allowing him to generate incredibly potent ice from his body. This translates into devastating attacks, from freezing breath that destroys opponents’ lungs to creating intricate and powerful ice constructs. His cold, emotionless nature only adds to the terror he inspires in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

3. Upper Rank Three: Akaza

A demon driven by an insatiable desire to grow stronger, Akaza is a martial arts prodigy who relishes battling powerful individuals. He holds a deep disdain for weakness, making him a formidable opponent for any Hashira. His Destructive Death Blood Demon Art enhances his already incredible physical prowess, allowing him to generate powerful shockwaves with his strikes and possess astonishing regeneration, even recovering from what would be fatal blows for other demons. His sheer fighting spirit makes him one of the most persistent and dangerous Upper Ranks.

4. Upper Rank Four: Hantengu (and his Clones) / Nakime

This rank has seen a significant change. Initially, it was held by Hantengu, a peculiar demon whose Blood Demon Art allowed him to split into multiple, powerful clones representing his various emotions (Joy, Anger, Sorrow, Pleasure). Each clone possessed a distinct personality and its own devastating Blood Demon Art, making him incredibly difficult to defeat as his tiny, timid true body had to be located and killed.

Following Hantengu’s defeat, Nakime ascended to Upper Rank Four. While her combat abilities aren’t as overtly offensive as other Upper Moons, her Blood Demon Art is incredibly potent for strategic purposes. She can manipulate the Infinity Castle, Muzan’s constantly shifting fortress, by playing her biwa. This allows her to instantly reconfigure rooms, create portals, and teleport individuals, making her an invaluable asset for separating Demon Slayers and trapping them within Muzan’s stronghold. Later, she also gains the ability to detach her eyeballs for extensive surveillance, proving to be a crucial intelligence gatherer for Muzan.

5. Upper Rank Five: Gyokko

Gyokko is a vain and sadistic demon with a twisted artistic sensibility, often incorporating his victims into grotesque “art” displays. His Blood Demon Art centers around vases and aquatic creatures. He can teleport between his porcelain vases, summon poisonous fish-like demons, manipulate water, and transform into a more durable, “true form” covered in diamond-hard scales. While still an incredibly dangerous Upper Moon, he was ultimately defeated by a marked Hashira, Muichiro Tokito.

6. Upper Rank Six: Gyutaro & Daki / Kaigaku

This rank has seen two different occupants. Initially, it was shared by the sibling duo, Gyutaro and Daki, who had to be decapitated simultaneously to be killed. Gyutaro was the true power, wielding poisonous blood sickles, while Daki controlled versatile, flesh-based sashes. Their teamwork and potent abilities made them a difficult challenge for the Demon Slayer Corps.

After their defeat, Kaigaku, a former Demon Slayer and Thunder Breathing practitioner, ascended to this rank, enhancing his breathing techniques with demonic electrical powers.

The Upper Moons represent the pinnacle of demon power in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Their individual strengths, horrifying Blood Demon Arts, and centuries of experience have made them a constant source of fear and challenge for the Hashira. Their battles are always among the most intense and pivotal moments in the series, showcasing the sheer grit and determination required by the Demon Slayer Corps to protect humanity from these ultimate threats.

Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Yu Alexius