The highly anticipated Episode 22 of Sword of the Demon Hunter, titled “The Silent Pair,” plunges viewers into a dramatic new chapter, shifting the series’ long-spanning narrative to the Meiji era. This pivotal installment, which premiered internationally on September 8, 2025, and in Japan on September 9, introduces a fresh setting, new challenges, and compelling character developments for the enduring demon hunter, Jinya.
A New Era: Jinya’s Life in Meiji-Era Kyoto
Episode 22 marks the official beginning of the Meiji Arc, transporting Jinya 32 years into the future to April 1872, the fifth year of the Meiji era. Leaving Edo behind, Jinya has settled in Kyoto, where he now runs a soba restaurant named “Oni Soba” on Sanjo Street. This new life sees him as a middle-aged man, around 50 years old, living with his nine-year-old daughter, Nomari. This significant time jump and domestic setting offer a poignant glimpse into Jinya’s evolving journey, highlighting his dual nature as both a fierce demon slayer and a dedicated family man.
The series, based on Motoh Nakanishi’s epic Japanese-style fantasy novel, has consistently captivated audiences with its unique blend of historical periods and supernatural elements, chronicling Jinya’s 170-year quest from the Edo to the Heisei eras. Episode 22 continues this tradition, promising to delve deeper into Jinya’s emotional development following the intense events of the previous arc.
Familiar Faces and Fresh Introductions
While a new era brings new surroundings, some connections endure. Akitsu, a “tsukumogami user” and a long-time friend of Jinya’s, is a frequent visitor to the “Oni Soba” shop, maintaining a vital link to Jinya’s past and ongoing struggles.
The Meiji Arc also introduces new characters who are set to play significant roles. Kaneomi, voiced by Yumiri Hanamori, and Utsugi Heikichi, voiced by Toshiki Kumagai, join the cast, hinting at the expanded narrative and potential conflicts within this new timeline.
Rising Darkness in Kyoto: Episode 22’s Core Conflict
Despite Jinya’s seemingly peaceful life as a soba shop owner, the tranquility in Kyoto is short-lived. The episode quickly establishes that the number of demons in the city is on the rise, signaling that Jinya’s past as a demon hunter is far from over.
The central conflict of Episode 22 ignites when Jinya rescues a young girl named Himawari from a demonic encounter. However, Himawari is not merely a damsel in distress; she is soon revealed to be a twist villain and the older sister of a formidable demon Jinya confronts. This demon has cunningly assumed the appearance of Kamenome, one of Jinya’s new clients. During their confrontation, Himawari demonstrates a unique chain ability, attempting to seal Jinya’s powers.
The episode culminates in a significant cliffhanger, as the two demon sisters are seen observing Jinya’s soba shop. The most shocking revelation comes with the implication that their mother is none other than Suzune, Jinya’s younger sister, setting the stage for a potentially climactic and emotionally charged battle in the episodes to come.
Where to Watch and What to Expect Next
Sword of the Demon Hunter Episode 22 is available for streaming on both Netflix and HIDIVE. While the previous episode faced initial technical issues with its HIDIVE release, a corrected version was swiftly made available.
With only two episodes remaining after “The Silent Pair,” viewers are eagerly anticipating how Jinya will navigate this new threat, especially with the deeply personal connection to Suzune. The episode’s focus on character development and the introduction of a fresh antagonist arc promises a compelling conclusion to the current season, leaving audiences to wonder about the ultimate resolution of Jinya’s century-spanning journey.
