Who Is Nakime in Demon Slayer?

Who is Nakime in Demon Slayer? Discussing one of the upper-rank demons of the Twelve Kizuki working for Muzan.

Nakime's introduction in Demon Slayer
Nakime’s introduction in the show (Image via Ufotable)

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers from the manga.

The universe of Demon Slayer is filled with interesting characters and abilities. One of the most significant characters in the series is Nakime. Despite the fact that she did not appear on screen as often as other characters, her existence was essential to the operation of Muzan, the primary antagonist of the show. 

Nakime was a demon working under Muzan Kibutsuji and was often referred to as the Biwa Demon. After the death of the previous Upper-Rank Four demon, Nakime was promoted to replace him among the Twelve Kizuki. The Twelve Kizuki were elite demons ranked by Muzan as his most powerful subordinates, divided into the Upper Six and the Lower Six, with Upper ranks being significantly stronger.

She originally appeared as a supporting antagonist and later became more popular as the caretaker of the Infinity Castle. Her extraordinary capacity to alter space inside the castle made her incredibly crucial for Muzan’s operations. Despite her peaceful attitude, she possessed enormous strength and was central among the demon ranking. 

Nakime’s Powers in Demon Slayer

Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer
Nakime’s display of power (Image via Ufotable)

Nakima’s abilities were centered around her biwa, a traditional Japanese instrument that grants her extraordinary control over the Infinity Castle. As the castle’s caretaker, her primary ability of spatial manipulation allowed her to completely reshape the environment at will, making her one of the most unique demons in the series.

Through her musical prowess, Nakima could instantly create, destroy, and reconfigure the castle’s rooms and passages. This power transforms the castle into an ever-shifting maze that serves dual purposes: it is an impenetrable fortress for demons and a deadly trap for intruders. Her control was so precise that she could effectively dictate the battlefield itself, determining who can access different areas and when. This made her an invaluable asset in Muzan’s strategic operations.

What truly set Nakima apart from other demons was her tactical approach to combat. Rather than engaging in direct confrontation, she turns the entire environment into a weapon, using the castle to trap and confuse her opponents. This made her particularly dangerous to the Demon Slayer Corp since she could split up their forces and prevent them from working together. Like all demons, she also possesses enhanced strength, speed, and regenerative abilities. Although it was her strategic manipulation of space that made her truly scary and powerful.

This combination of tactical ability and spatial control made Nakima an important part of Muzan’s forces, allowing him to coordinate demon activities and eliminate threats more efficiently. Her calm demeanor misrepresents her true importance as one of the most strategically valuable members of the Twelve Kizuki.

Nakime’s Relationship with Muzan in Demon Slayer

Muzan and Nakime from Demon SLayer
Muzan and Nakime as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Nakime’s loyalty to Muzan Kibutsuji was strong, and she was one of his most trusted subordinates. Muzan entrusted Nakime with the maintenance and operation of the Infinity Castle. A duty like this requires accuracy since the operator must be cautious to move objects effectively, as well as the ability to operate calmly under pressure because they may be assaulted at any moment. Her role as the castle’s custodian highlighted her importance within Muzan’s hierarchy.

Muzan’s trust in Nakime was clear from how he relied on her abilities to evade the Demon Slayer Corps and coordinate his activities. Her composure and dedication made her an ideal servant for Muzan, who valued efficiency and obedience above all else. Nakime’s interactions with Muzan remained strictly professional, reflecting her reserved and disciplined nature.

Nakime’s Role in the Infinity Castle

What is the Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer? (Image via Ufotable)

The Infinity Castle is a key location in Demon Slayer as it served as the headquarters for Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki. It was a huge, ever-shifting structure controlled entirely by Nakime. Her ability to manipulate the castle’s structure gave Muzan and his subordinates an edge in the battle. It allowed them to move discreetly and ambush their enemies.

During the final arc of the series, the Infinity Castle became the battleground for the Demon Slayer Corps fight with Muzan and the remaining Kizuki. Nakime’s control of the castle made it harder for the Demon Slayers to operate. They struggled to keep up and navigate the constantly changing environment of the castle. Her spatial manipulation kept the Demon Corps on edge, forcing them to adapt quickly to her unpredictable decisions.

Nakime’s role extended beyond mere defense. She used the castle to separate the Demon Slayers and isolate them to prevent teamwork and make them vulnerable to attacks from the other demons. Her strategic use of the castle’s layout showed her importance in Muzan’s plans, making her a useful character in the series’ final battle.

Nakime’s Fate in Demon Slayer

Nakime's death
Nakime’s death in the show (Image via Shueisha)

In the Infinity Castle arc, Nakime met her downfall during the intense battle that unfolded. Yushiro, a demon working with the Demon Slayer Corps, used his ability to interfere with Nakime’s control over the castle. By attaching his blood demon art to her, Yushiro disrupted her spatial manipulation. By doing so, he made her see what he wanted her to. The chaos within the castle caused by this allowed the Demon Slayers to regroup and counterattack.

Realizing the threat Nakime posed, Muzan decided to eliminate her himself. He killed Nakime to stop Yushiro from using her powers against him in any other way. Unfortunately, this put both the demons and the Demon Slayers on equal grounds for the battle. Nakime was the last of the Twelve Kizuki to die. Her death meant the loss of the Infinity Castle’s spatial manipulation, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Conclusion

Nakime’s character, though not popular, played an important role in Demon Slayer. Her loyalty to Muzan and role as the custodian of the Infinity Castle made her an essential part of the show’s storyline. Nakime adds depth to Demon Slayer‘s story by showing the wide range of threats the Demon Slayer Corps must overcome. Her demise highlights the high stakes of the final battle and the sacrifices made on both sides. In the grand scheme of Demon Slayer, Nakime’s contributions, though subtle, have a lasting impact on the series.


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