Hotaru Haganezuka is a notable supporting character in the widely beloved manga and anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. As the son of the head blacksmith from the esteemed Haganezuka family—a lineage famed for their masterful sword craftsmanship—Hotaru has grown up surrounded by fire, steel, and tradition. From an early age, Hotaru Haganezuka has shown a deep passion for blacksmithing, much like his father, and he carries with him the strong ambition to become the finest blacksmith in all the land.
Even though he’s still quite young, Hotaru Haganezuka already demonstrates remarkable skill and precision at the forge. His father trusts him with critical tasks, knowing full well that Hotaru takes every assignment seriously. In fact, it’s this very dedication that sets him apart—Hotaru Haganezuka isn’t just going through the motions; he’s constantly striving to refine his techniques and create what he believes could be the perfect blade. Beyond his technical abilities, he’s also known for his kind nature and willingness to help others, often going out of his way to support those in need.
The character truly steps into the spotlight when Tanjiro Kamado, the series’ protagonist, arrives seeking repairs for his damaged sword. Right away, Hotaru Haganezuka recognizes the weapon as a rare Nichirin sword—an important detail that shows just how knowledgeable he is. Without hesitation, he agrees to fix it, marking the beginning of a meaningful connection between him and Tanjiro. Over time, Hotaru Haganezuka becomes a trusted ally, contributing not only his skills but also his unwavering sense of duty to the Demon Slayer Corps and its fighters.
When you look at Hotaru Haganezuka’s personality more closely, certain patterns begin to emerge. He appears to fit the ISTJ personality type—someone who is logical, practical, and deeply committed to structure and responsibility. These traits are evident in the way Hotaru Haganezuka approaches his work: methodical, disciplined, and highly respectful of tradition. Whether he’s forging a new sword or repairing an old one, he does so with incredible attention to detail, relying on both skill and instinct. And while he may come across as serious or even a bit strict at times, there’s a quiet warmth beneath the surface.
For instance, Hotaru Haganezuka clearly values honor and loyalty. He refuses to craft weapons for anyone with malicious intent, especially demons, which speaks volumes about his moral compass. At the same time, he takes pride in making blades for worthy warriors like Tanjiro and the Hashira—those who fight for justice. This blend of professionalism and personal integrity makes Hotaru Haganezuka not just competent, but truly admirable.
In addition to his ISTJ tendencies, Hotaru Haganezuka also exhibits signs of being an Enneagram Type 3—the Achiever. This type is typically ambitious, hardworking, and eager to succeed. They thrive on accomplishment and recognition, and Hotaru fits this mold quite well. He pushes himself relentlessly to improve, often working long hours to perfect his craft. There’s a visible confidence in how he speaks about his work, and he clearly appreciates acknowledgment when his efforts are praised.
That said, being an Achiever isn’t without its challenges. Like many Type 3s, Hotaru Haganezuka might occasionally feel pressure to prove his worth, especially if his contributions go unnoticed or if others seem to surpass him. But rather than letting such feelings discourage him, he channels them into motivation—fueled by a desire to be the best, not just for fame, but because excellence matters to him on a personal level.
All in all, Hotaru Haganezuka stands out not because he seeks the spotlight, but because of his quiet determination, integrity, and relentless pursuit of mastery. While personality frameworks like the Myers-Briggs or Enneagram aren’t set in stone, they do offer helpful insights—and in Hotaru Haganezuka’s case, the evidence points strongly toward ISTJ and Enneagram 3 traits. Combined, these aspects shape a character who is dependable, skilled, and deeply principled. And though he may not wield a sword in battle, Hotaru Haganezuka’s role in Demon Slayer is undeniably vital—because behind every great slayer, there’s a blacksmith like him, forging the tools of victory.
I'll make it right with my own two hands.