At first glance, Tanjiro Kamado’s hanafuda earrings might seem like a simple family keepsake, but their true significance runs much deeper. These striking accessories are far more than an aesthetic choice—they are a direct link to an ancient legacy, one that stretches back to the origins of demon slaying itself. Passed down through generations, they carry the weight of history, power, and an unbreakable connection to the past.
What makes these earrings so important isn’t just their symbolism—it’s what they represent in the battle between good and evil. Worn by Tanjiro, they serve as a constant reminder of the first and most powerful Demon Slayer, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Their presence alone sends chills down the spine of the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji, proving that history has a way of repeating itself.
A Legacy Passed Through Generations
Tanjiro From Demon Slayer
These earrings are not just decorative—they are a piece of Tanjiro’s family history. Originally gifted by Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s mother, they were passed down to Sumiyoshi Kamado, an ancestor of Tanjiro. From that moment on, they became an unbroken link between the Kamado family and the legendary Sun Breathing technique. Their continued presence signifies the preservation of a forgotten legacy that Tanjiro unknowingly carries forward.
The imagery of the earrings—a rising sun with its rays stretching outward—represents more than just tradition. They symbolize the raw, unmatched power of Sun Breathing, the first and most dominant Breathing Style. As the inheritor of this ancient technique, Tanjiro carries the burden of a power once thought to be lost, making him a direct successor to the strongest Demon Slayer in history.
To Tanjiro, the earrings are a treasured part of his identity, but to Muzan Kibutsuji, they are a terrifying reminder of a past he cannot escape. The sight of them alone is enough to spark fear in the Demon King, as they instantly bring back memories of his near defeat at the hands of Yoriichi. The presence of these earrings signals that history may once again threaten Muzan’s reign, sending a chilling message that true power never truly fades.
Demon Slayer
Tanjiro’s earrings are more than a simple fashion statement—they are a symbol of destiny. They represent his unbreakable connection to Yoriichi, his role as the inheritor of Sun Breathing, and his place in the never-ending war against demons. Their significance goes beyond aesthetics; they are the mark of a warrior chosen to carry the light forward, no matter how dark the path may seem.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
Roronoa Zoro, the Straw Hat Pirates’ master swordsman, returned from the time skip with a noticeable change—his left eye permanently shut. Fans have long speculated about the reason behind this, as Eiichiro Oda has never directly addressed it in One Piece. Was it an injury? A deliberate technique? Or perhaps something even more mysterious?
Zoro’s training with Dracule Mihawk, the world’s strongest swordsman, pushed him to his limits. His closed eye might be the result of a brutal lesson learned under Mihawk’s guidance. However, many fans believe there’s more to it than just a simple wound. Theories range from a hidden power to a technique so deadly that he only unleashes it when absolutely necessary.
The Result of Intense Training with Mihawk
Zoro From One Piece (Credits: Viz Media)
During the two-year time skip, Zoro trained under Mihawk, sharpening his skills in preparation for the New World. Many believe his closed eye is the result of an injury he sustained during this period. Mihawk, being the ultimate swordsman, wouldn’t have held back, making it entirely possible that Zoro suffered a wound severe enough to permanently damage his vision.
Another popular theory suggests that Zoro’s closed eye isn’t an injury at all but a method of training. Some martial artists and swordsmen practice fighting with one eye shut to enhance their depth perception and sharpen their focus. By relying solely on his right eye, Zoro could have strengthened his precision, making him an even deadlier fighter.
Oda is known for creating visually striking character designs, and Zoro’s closed eye could simply be a stylistic decision. The one-eyed samurai look fits perfectly with Zoro’s persona, adding an extra layer of mystery and intrigue. Whether or not there’s a deeper meaning, it undeniably contributes to his intimidating presence.
Zoro From One Piece (Credits: Viz Media)
Some fans believe Zoro’s eye hides a secret technique or even a cursed ability he gained through his training. Perhaps he’s holding back a devastating power, similar to the Asura form he in Enies Lobby. If this theory proves true, his left eye could be the key to unlocking his greatest strength yet.
