Hotaru Haganezuka
鋼鐵塚 蛍 (Haganezuka Hotaru)
Character Profile & Japanese Name Analysis
Profile
- Race: Human
- Age: 37
- Rank: Swordsmith
- Voice Actor: Daisuke Namikawa
Who is Hotaru Haganezuka?
Tanjiro’s primary swordsmith. He is famous for his incredible skill and his equally incredible temper. He is obsessed with swords and will chase Tanjiro with a knife if he breaks one.
Appearance
Always wears a Hyottoko mask. Beneath it, he is surprisingly handsome with a muscular build from years of forging. He wears a sunflower-patterned haori.
Personality
Eccentric, stubborn, and anti-social. He doesn’t listen to anyone when it comes to swords. However, his dedication to his craft is unparalleled, as seen when he continues forging even while being attacked by demons.
Abilities & Powers (能力)
Natural talents and combat techniques beyond Breathing Styles.
Master Swordsmithing
Can forge blades that never break (if handled correctly) and has deep knowledge of Nichirin steel.
Hyper-Focus
Enters a trance-like state when forging, making him oblivious to pain or distractions.
Japanese Name Meaning (Kanji Breakdown)
In Demon Slayer, names often hold hidden meanings related to the character’s destiny or personality.
- 鋼 (Hagane): Steel.
- 鐵 (Zuka): Mound/Mansion.
- 蛍 (Hotaru): Firefly.
Native Nuance: The Firefly of the Steel Mound. A beautiful name for a man who is anything but gentle.
Breathing Styles & Forms (呼吸・型)
None
- None / Unknown
Cultural Context & Hidden Details
Hyottoko Mask
Hyottoko is a lucky character associated with fire and the forge (the name comes from ‘Hi-otoko’ or Fire Man).
Native Language Nuance
Uses ‘Ore’. Constantly yelling.
📖 Official Fanbook Data (公式ファンブック)
Details often missed in the anime:
- Height: 180cm
- Weight: 85kg
- Origin: Swordsmith Village
- Hobbies: Forging
- Favorite Food: Mitarashi Dango
🤫 Taisho Whisper (Taisho Secret)
He loves Mitarashi Dango. He hates Tanjiro for breaking his ‘masterpieces’.
Famous Quote
“How dare you break my sword!”
