The anime series Sword of the Demon Hunter, also known as Kijin Gentosho, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of historical fantasy and intense action. Episode 17, titled “To the Way of the Sword,” delves deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of its protagonist, Jinta, as he confronts a new, unsettling adversary and the evolving nature of his own humanity.
The Journey of Jinta: A Demon Hunter Across Eras
Sword of the Demon Hunter is based on the popular novel series by Motoo Nakanishi, which chronicles a 170-year journey of Jinta, a demon warrior questioning the meaning behind wielding a sword as he travels from the Edo period to the Heisei era. Initially tasked with protecting a shrine maiden in the secluded mountain village of Kadono, Jinta’s fate is dramatically altered after an encounter with a mysterious demon, transforming him into an unaging demon-human hybrid and sending him on a centuries-spanning quest. The anime adaptation, produced by Yokohama Animation Lab and directed by Kazuya Aiura, premiered on March 31, 2025, with a special one-hour episode and is airing for two consecutive cours.
Episode 17: “To the Way of the Sword” Synopsis
Episode 17 of Sword of the Demon Hunter aired in Japan on August 5, 2025, on TOKYO MX, and became available on streaming platforms like HIDIVE on August 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET. Set in March 1864, during the first year of the Genji era, the episode centers on a compelling request Jinya receives from Yasuhiro Hatakeyama, a loyal samurai of the Aizu Domain. Hatakeyama seeks Jinya’s aid in slaying Kiichi Okada, a former subordinate who, though once a skilled swordsman, has transformed into a ruthless killer. Okada has indiscriminately cut down not only foreigners and those supporting the opening of Japan but also pro-isolation samurai, women, and children.
Key Developments in Episode 17
The episode picks up after Jinta has regained some connection to his humanity, even taking on the role of a foster father to an infant daughter. This newfound domesticity stands in stark contrast to his violent past. The confrontation with Kiichi Okada, a “psycho-samurai” who has embraced killing as his sole purpose, forces Jinta to grapple with complex philosophical questions about the meaning of strength and the burdens of violence. The episode is noted for a “schematically poised duel on an Edo bridge at midnight.”
A significant twist in this episode is Jinta’s surprising understanding, and even embrace, of Kiichi’s nihilistic philosophy, questioning what it means to be a warrior and protector. The episode’s narrative explores the “burdens of violence, the cost of conviction, and the struggle to find meaning in a world where the line between good and evil is never as clear as a sharpened blade.” The episode also features a flash-forward to 2009, revealing that Kiichi is still alive and working as a grocery manager, on friendly terms with Jinta.
The Deeper Meaning
“To the Way of the Sword” serves as a powerful philosophical chapter, pushing Jinta’s journey into new territory. The encounter with Kiichi challenges Jinta’s understanding of his own path and the value of his humanity, even as it complicates his role as a demon hunter. The episode ultimately suggests a sense of hope, implying that even amidst darkness, it’s possible to choose compassion and connection.
