The epic showdown between slayers and demons is almost upon us.

Demon Slayer season 4 episode 8, the season finale, will air next week. It marks the dramatic conclusion of the Hashira Training arc.

Demon Slayer manga key visual with main characters and Hashira in ONE Esports featured image "Demon Slayer manga ending explained: Breaking down the events after the final arc"
Credit: ONE Esports, Shueisha
Manga ending explained: Breaking down the events after the final arc

Packed into a thrilling one-hour special, episode 8 is a must-watch for every Demon Slayer fan.

If you’re eager to see how the final war between the two factions begins, be sure to mark your calendar as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Demon Slayer season 4 episode 7 recap

Demon Slayer Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima seen in season 4 episode 6 of the anime
Credit: ufotable, Shueisha, Koyoharu Gotouge

Episode 7, titled “The Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima,” opened with Zenitsu receiving a disturbing letter from his crow.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro conquered the final challenge of Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima’s training—the boulder drill. Completely drained and near death from dehydration, Tanjiro was fortunate to be found by Himejima, who offered him water.

Demon Slayer llustration provided by ufotable for the third episode of the Pillar Training Arc of the TV anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", "Tanjiro Fully Recovered!! Fully Participates in Pillar Training"
Credit: ufotable, Shueisha, Koyoharu Gotouge, ONE Esports
All manga and anime differences: The new scenes that make the anime better

Himejima acknowledged Tanjiro’s growth as a Demon Slayer, praising his choice to protect the villagers in the Swordsmith Village over his demon sister Nezuko Kamado. However, Tanjiro humbly deflected this praise, believing he wasn’t the sole reason the villagers were saved.

Tanjiro explained that others had guided him on the right path throughout his journey, similar to how Nezuko steered him toward saving the villagers.

Upper Rank Demons in ONE Esports featured image for article "Full list of the Twelve Demon Moons in Demon Slayer"
Credit: ONE Esports, ufotable, Koyoharu Gotouge
Full list of the Twelve Demon Moons in Demon Slayer

Despite Tanjiro’s reservations, Himejima acknowledged him anyway, recognizing his unique spirit.

Himejima then delved into his tragic past. As a young man, he cared for a group of orphaned children. Though struggling with poverty, they found happiness as a family.

One fateful day, a child broke the curfew and returned to their previous home after nightfall. A demon followed, and to save himself, the child offered Himejima and the other children as sacrifices.

Demon Slayer watch order: How to watch the anime and movies in chronological order, a ONE Esports guide
Credit: ONE Esports, ufotable
How to watch the anime and movies in chronological order

This child even removed the wisteria incense, Himejima’s nightly defense against demons. Despite his best efforts, the children wouldn’t listen. Himejima then revealed his blindness, which likely contributed to their disobedience.

Only Sayo, the youngest orphan, heeded Himejima’s warnings. Knowing he was their only protector, Himejima fought bravely with his bare hands and narrowly defeated the demon.

Image of all the Hashira in Demon Slayer with the caption of who is the weakest in the group
Credit: ufotable, ONE Esports
Who is the weakest Hashira?

However, the traumatized Sayo, upon the arrival of the authorities, falsely accused Himejima of killing everyone.

Wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, Himejima was saved by Kagaya Ubuyashiki. This harrowing experience left Himejima distrustful, but Tanjiro’s genuine nature earned him Himejima’s renewed faith in acknowledging others.

Demon Slayer Mugen Train arc key visual in ONE Esports featured image for article "Demon Slayer Arcs — a comprehensive list"
Credit: ONE Esports, uftotable, Koyoharu Gotouge
Demon Slayer Arcs — a comprehensive list

Having completed the Stone Hashira training, Tanjiro checked on a troubled Zenitsu, who kept the contents of the crow’s message a secret.

Tanjiro then headed for the Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka’s training course. En route, he stumbled upon Giyu engaged in a fierce duel with the Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa.

Tanjiro’s attempt to intervene resulted in him being knocked unconscious by Sanemi.

Tanjiro Kamado holding and looking at Nezuko's box in ONE Esports featured image for article "Does Tanjiro become a Hashira in Demon Slayer?"
Credit: ONE Esports, ufotable
Does Tanjiro become a Hashira in Demon Slayer?

Later that night, Sanemi discovered a hidden eye belonging to the Upper Demon Four Biwa demon, revealing a shocking infiltration within the Demon Slayer headquarters.

The episode concluded with the ominous scene of Muzan Kibutsuji approaching the Ubuyashiki residence, intending to confront Kagaya.

How is Demon Slayer season 4 episode 7 different from the manga?

Demon Slayer main antagonist Muzan Kibutsuji
Credit: ufotable

Episode 7 faithfully adapts Chapter 136, showcasing iconic scenes from Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga.

The extended scenes in season 4 episode 7 include Giyu and Sanemi sparring, and Muzan’s confrontation with Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

Demon Slayer season 4 episode 8 release date and schedule

Demon Slayer Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa seen in season 4 episode 7
Credit: ufotable, Shueisha, Koyoharu Gotouge

The season 4 one-hour finale airs on Sunday, July 1, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. Pacific Time (PT).

The release times for international viewers vary based on their time zone.

DEMON SLAYER SEASON 4 EPISODE 8 RELEASE DATE IN DIFFERENT TIME ZONESSUNDAY, JULY 1/TIME
JST (Japan Standard Time)3:45 a.m. (Monday, June 30)
GMT+82:45 a.m. (Monday, June 30)
ET (Eastern Time)2:45 p.m.
CT (Central Time)1:45 p.m.
GMT (Western European Time)6:45 p.m.
CET (Central European Time)8:45 p.m.
IST (Indian Standard Time)12:15 a.m.

Where to watch Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer season 1, a featured image for ONE Esports article "Here are all Demon Slayer episodes from every season and where to watch them"
Credit: ONE Esports, ufotable, Koyoharu Gotouge
Here are all Demon Slayer episodes of the anime from every season

You can watch the anime on the following streaming platforms:

STREAMING PLATFORMS
Netflix
Crunchyroll
Hulu

Availability may differ depending on your region.

READ MORE: How did Tanjiro learn the strongest Breathing Style? We explain his connection to this key character