© Koyoharu Gotoge / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
🌸 A Journey Shaped by Loss
Natsuki Hanae, best known as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, faced profound loss before his career took off. He lost both parents at a young age, yet transformed grief into craft—channeling those emotions into performances that resonate with fans worldwide. In a Japanese interview, he recalled that when his mother passed away, it was the most he had ever cried, and that he still draws on those memories to play sorrowful scenes.
“When my mother died, I cried more than I ever had… even now, I remember those feelings when performing sad scenes.”
From Music Dreams to Voice Acting Success: How Natsuki Hanae Found His Calling
Hanae initially dreamed of singing, but voice acting became his calling. After joining Across Entertainment, he built a diverse resume—from gentle leads to complex, darker roles—earning a reputation for emotional range and authenticity.
The Breakthrough With Demon Slayer
Hanae’s global breakthrough came with Tanjiro—an empathetic hero who fights from compassion as much as strength. Speaking about the character’s core, Hanae emphasized that Tanjiro’s resolve is anchored in protecting others and carrying forward the wishes entrusted to him.
He’s also noted how Tanjiro begins in a harsh, tragic context—shouldering the loss of his family—before growing through training and technique
Image via Wikimedia Commons —
illustration by Koyoharu Gotouge (CC BY-SA)
Beyond the Studio
Off-mic, Hanae often shares warm slices of life on social media, deepening his bond with fans. That openness, paired with grounded humility, has helped him become a relatable figure far beyond any single role.
Why His Story Inspires
Hanae’s path mirrors the very themes that power Demon Slayer: resilience, empathy, and finding light after darkness. By turning pain into purpose, he shows how real-world struggle can become the fuel for art that moves millions.
Commons (CC BY 3.0)
📌 Quick Facts
- Name: Natsuki Hanae (花江 夏樹)
- Agency: Across Entertainment
- Signature Role: Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
- Other Roles: Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul), Kōsei Arima (Your Lie in April), 9S (NieR:Automata)
- Notable: Has spoken about drawing on personal loss to portray grief with authenticity.