Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō plunges viewers into a new chapter with its 22nd episode, “The Silent Pair,” marking a significant time jump and a shift in setting. This pivotal episode, which aired internationally on September 8, 2025, and in Japan on September 9, 2025, sets the stage for the series’ impending climax by exploring protagonist Jinya’s evolving life and introducing fresh, yet familiar, antagonists.
A New Life in Kyoto: Jinya’s Soba Shop and Family Ties
Episode 22 transports the narrative to April 1872, firmly planting Jinya in Meiji-era Kyoto after leaving Edo behind. Now approximately 50 years old, Jinya (also known as Jinta) is no longer solely a wandering demon hunter but a proprietor, running a soba restaurant named “Oni Soba” on Sanjo Street. He lives with his nine-year-old daughter, Nomari, highlighting a quieter, more domestic side to the immortal warrior. This new lifestyle serves as a clever narrative device, subtly reflecting Jinya’s dual nature as a demon-tainted human who still clings to his humanity.
The episode also sees the return of Somegorō Akitsu, a familiar tsukumogami user and old friend, who frequently visits Jinya’s shop. This reunion provides a thread of continuity for long-time viewers amidst the temporal and geographical shift.
Rising Demonic Threats and a Deceptive Encounter
Despite Jinya’s attempt at a more settled life, the presence of demons in Kyoto is notably on the rise. The central conflict of the episode ignites when Jinya rescues a young girl named Himawari from a demonic assault. This act of heroism, however, quickly unravels into a complex and dangerous confrontation.
Himawari, initially appearing as a victim, is revealed to be the older sister of a demon Jinya battles, and both are formidable supernatural beings themselves. This twist villain deftly exploits Jinya’s protective instincts, leading to a challenging fight on a bridge. The introduction of these new characters, particularly the revelation of their lineage, propels the overarching mystery of the series forward, hinting at a connection to a figure from Jinya’s past.
Unveiling the Family Connection: Suzune’s Return
Perhaps the most significant revelation of Episode 22 is the strong implication that the mother of the newly introduced demon sisters is none other than Suzune, Jinya’s long-lost sister. Suzune, who was believed to have transformed into a demon and become the leader of demonkind, is hinted to be back in the narrative, setting up a deeply personal and potentially devastating confrontation for Jinya in the remaining episodes. This development promises to bring Jinya’s century-spanning quest to find Suzune to a dramatic head.
Production and Visuals: A Blend of Beauty and Blemishes
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentōshō has been praised for its striking Edo-era aesthetics and supernatural flair, which are once again prominent in Episode 22. The animation laboratory, Yokohama Animation Laboratory, continues to deliver visually engaging sequences, particularly in depicting misty forests and crumbling structures. However, some critics noted that the episode suffered from “unfinished elements” and occasional stiff CGI effects, particularly in larger demon transformations, which slightly detracted from the overall visual ambition of the series.
The anime adaptation is based on Moto’o Nakanishi’s historical fantasy novel series and its manga counterpart, providing a rich narrative foundation for the show’s intricate plot.
The Road Ahead: Approaching the Climax
As the third-to-last episode of the season, Episode 22 serves as a critical bridge to the finale. With only two episodes remaining in this 24-episode season, the narrative is accelerating towards a decisive conclusion for Jinya’s arduous journey. The personal stakes have never been higher, with the looming confrontation against his sister Suzune promising an emotional and action-packed resolution to the “Sword of the Demon Hunter” saga. Viewers can stream new episodes on HIDIVE.
