As the epic supernatural historical fantasy of Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho continues its enthralling run, fans eagerly anticipate each new chapter in Jinta’s century-spanning quest. Episode 23, which premiered on September 24, 2025, promised to be a pivotal installment, delving deeper into ancient legends while simultaneously exploring the profound emotional core of its protagonist. This episode delivers on that promise, weaving together elements of mystical intrigue with heartfelt character development, pushing Jinta further down his destined path.
A Glimpse into the Past and Future: Episode 23’s Central Plot
Episode 23 plunges Jinta into a fresh enigma, continuing the series’ tradition of blending historical settings with supernatural lore. The narrative largely centers around a local legend that draws Jinta’s attention, suggesting deeper connections to the ongoing struggle against demonic forces.
The Aragake Inari Shrine and the Iron Mirror
The episode introduces a significant plot point through Akitsu, who informs Jinta about a legend at the Aragake Inari Shrine. This legend speaks of an ancient iron mirror, believed to be the sacred object used to return a celestial maiden to the heavens. The re-emergence of this tale is no mere coincidence; reports indicate that light was seen emanating from the main hall where the mirror is kept, accompanied by a mysterious human figure. This development immediately signals a convergence of ancient power and immediate danger, typical of the series’ overarching mythology.
A Mysterious Encounter: “At Last, We Meet”
Driven by curiosity and a sense of duty, Jinta investigates the Aragake Inari Shrine. It is there, amidst the ancient spiritual energy, that he encounters a enigmatic woman. Her words, “At last, we meet,” serve as a cliffhanger, hinting at a long-foretold connection or a new, formidable challenge in Jinta’s journey. This encounter is poised to be a significant turning point, potentially revealing more about the prophecies Jinta has been entangled with since his initial confrontation with the demon who spoke of a future Demon God.
Emotional Resonance: Jinta’s Fatherly Love
Beyond the mystical quests and confrontations, Sword of the Demon Hunter has always grounded its fantastical elements in relatable human emotions. Episode 23 particularly shines in its exploration of Jinta’s personal relationships, highlighting his growth and the depth of his bonds.
A Heartfelt Conversation
A particularly poignant scene in Episode 23 involves Jinta’s adopted daughter. She directly asks him about her birth mother, prompting a deeply moving and vulnerable conversation. Jinta, who himself never knew his own mother, struggles to articulate what a “good mother” truly is, yet he beautifully conveys the love and care her birth mother, Yuunagi, had for her. This moment not only provides emotional context for Jinta’s past but also underscores his empathetic nature and his dedication to his adopted family.
Defining Family Beyond Blood
The conversation culminates in a heartwarming affirmation from his daughter, who tells Jinta that he is her father, regardless of blood relation. This exchange emphasizes the profound familial bond they share and Jinta’s evolving understanding of his own identity beyond just a demon hunter. Such scenes add significant emotional weight to the series, reminding viewers that Jinta’s quest is not solely about battling demons but also about protecting and cherishing those he holds dear. The recurring appearance of the medium character, adding comedic relief and banter with Jinta, further enriches the character dynamics within the episode.
Continuing the Century-Spanning Saga
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho is an anime adaptation of Moto’o Nakanishi’s popular novel series and its manga adaptation by Yū Satomi. The series chronicles the arduous journey of Jinta, a wandering orphan turned guardian to a shrine maiden, who is thrust into a destiny spanning centuries after an encounter with a demon who foretells the rise of a Demon God.
Series Overview and Production Details
The anime, produced by Yokohama Animation Lab and directed by Kazuya Aiura, began its broadcast on March 31, 2025, after an initial delay. Deko Akao oversees the series scripts, with Taro Ikegami handling character designs, and a trio of composers—Ryuuichi Takada, Keiichi Hirokawa, and Kuniyuki Takahashi—crafting the music. The series is slated for two consecutive cours, totaling 24 episodes, positioning Episode 23 as a penultimate chapter in the current broadcast. Key voice actors include Taku Yashiro as Jinta, Reina Ueda as Suzune, and Saori Hayami as Shirayuki.
Where to Watch “Sword of the Demon Hunter”
International audiences can stream new episodes of Sword of the Demon Hunter on platforms such as HIDIVE, with episodes typically premiering on Mondays. In Japan, the series airs on networks like Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS Fuji. Episode 23 was made available on September 24, 2025, on services like ADN – AnimeDigitalNetwork.
Looking Ahead: What Lies Beyond Episode 23?
With Episode 23 concluding on a compelling cliffhanger involving the mysterious woman and the ancient iron mirror, the stage is set for an intense finale to the current cour. Jinta’s personal and supernatural quests appear to be converging, promising significant revelations and possibly even more profound transformations as he confronts the implications of his latest encounter and the unfolding prophecies. The series continues to build towards the ultimate confrontation with the prophesied Demon God, with each episode shedding more light on Jinta’s challenging path.
Conclusion
Sword of the Demon Hunter – Episode 23 stands out as a strong installment, expertly balancing the series’ signature supernatural action with deeply personal moments of character development. The introduction of the Aragake Inari Shrine legend and the enigmatic woman who greets Jinta with “At last, we meet” propels the overarching plot forward, while the tender exchange between Jinta and his daughter reinforces the emotional foundation of his journey. As the series approaches its current season’s climax, Episode 23 ensures that both the thrilling mysteries and the heartwarming human elements remain at the forefront, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next steps in Jinta’s epic saga.
