In the turbulent Genji era of 1864, the world of Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho plunges deeper into the complexities of human and demonic nature as protagonist Jinya faces a new, morally ambiguous challenge in Episode 17, titled “To Live by the Sword” (or “Ken ni Itaru”). This pivotal installment aired on August 5, 2025, in Japan, continuing the anime’s compelling narrative that spans centuries.
The Anime Series: Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho is an anime adaptation of the historical fantasy novel series written by Motoo Nakanishi and illustrated by Tamaki. It was also adapted into a manga by Yu Satomi. The anime series, produced by Yokohama Animation Lab and directed by Kazuya Aiura, began its continuous half-year broadcast on March 31, 2025, with a one-hour premiere, following a delay from its original June 2024 release. The series is set to run for two consecutive cours, with the first cour comprising 13 episodes and the second cour having 11 episodes.
The story centers on Jinta (or Jinya, voiced by Taku Yashiro), a young man in the Edo period who serves as the guardian to a shrine maiden named Itsukihime in a remote mountain village. His fate takes a drastic turn when he encounters a mysterious demon in the forest who foretells a future threat from a Demon God. This encounter propels Jinta on a centuries-spanning journey, where he battles demons and confronts profound questions about his own existence and the meaning of wielding his sword.
Plot Summary of Episode 17: “To Live by the Sword”
Episode 17, “To Live by the Sword” (“Ken ni Itaru”), transports viewers to March 1864, the first year of the Genji era. The central conflict of the episode revolves around a request Jinya receives from Yasuhiro Hatakeyama, a loyal samurai of the Aizu Domain serving the Tokugawa shogunate. Hatakeyama tasks Jinya with hunting down and slaying Kiichi Okada, a man who has become a “demon” under Hatakeyama’s command.
Kiichi Okada was once considered the finest swordsman among Hatakeyama’s men. However, he has devolved into a cold-blooded killer, indiscriminately cutting down not only foreigners and those supporting Japan’s opening, but also pro-isolation samurai, women, and children. The request prompts Jinya to confront a formidable adversary whose skills might even surpass his own.
The episode delves into philosophical themes, particularly exploring the burden of violence and the cost of conviction. Jinya, who is now also navigating a new role as a foster father to an infant daughter, is challenged by Kiichi’s nihilistic philosophy of embracing killing as a calling, devoid of honor or pity. The duel between Jinya and Kiichi, described as a “tense dance of words and swords,” takes place on an Edo bridge at midnight. The encounter leaves Jinya shaken, but he affirms his commitment to his humanity, believing that his “excess,” including his love, regrets, and desire to protect, gives his blade its true edge. The duel concludes without a clear victor, with both combatants wounded.
The episode also features a jump to the modern day (2009), where Kiichi Okada is revealed to still be alive, prompting questions about Jinya’s continued associations from his past. In this timeline, Jinya, now known as Maka, manages a convenience store, surrounded by friends unaware of his true identity. This modern-day segment provides a lighter tone while still touching on the overarching theme of finding purpose amidst a violent past.
Key Themes and Character Development
Episode 17 explores several significant themes relevant to the Sword of the Demon Hunter narrative:
- The Nature of Humanity and Demons: The episode blurs the lines between human and demon, particularly through the character of Kiichi Okada, a man turned into a “manslayer” by his own actions. This challenges Jinya’s understanding of his demon-hunting mission.
- Purpose of the Sword: Jinya’s journey is consistently centered on his struggle to understand “why he wields the sword.” His confrontation with Kiichi, who has embraced killing as his sole purpose, forces Jinya to re-evaluate his own convictions and the moral implications of his power.
- The Weight of the Past: The dual timelines, showing Jinya in the Edo period and the modern day, highlight the enduring impact of his centuries-spanning journey and the battles he has fought.
- The Definition of Strength: The episode suggests that true strength for Jinya lies not in embracing nihilistic violence, but in accepting his “weakness” – his humanity, his attachments, and his desire to protect.
Where to Watch
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho is streaming on HIDIVE outside of Japan. In Japan, the anime airs on Tokyo MX, BS Fuji, and MBS. Episode 17 premiered in Japan on August 5, 2025.
