For decades, saying "anime" abroad was synonymous with Studio Ghibli. However, times have changed drastically. According to an analysis by writer Mayumi Tanimoto, the torch has officially passed into the hands of Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer). But this change is not only due to the quality of animation, but to a much deeper and more painful reason: today's young people see themselves reflected in Tanjiro's misery and struggle, something that Hollywood has forgotten how to portray.
The poor hero vs. The rich superhero
Tanimoto argues that recent Marvel and Disney productions have lost the connection with young audiences. Today's Western superheroes are usually millionaires, cosmic beings, or government officials who fight for "abstract justice," but rarely to survive. In addition, the forced inclusion of "political correctness" often feels artificial.
In contrast, Kimetsu no Yaiba features Tanjiro Kamado, a 15-year-old boy who lives in poverty, works hard to support his family, and loses everything by an unjust force. This narrative resonates deeply with a global generation (from the U.S. to South America) plagued by inflation, lack of jobs, student debt, and corrupt systems. Young people see Tanjiro as their own daily struggle: to push themselves to the limit in a system that seems designed to crush them.
Demons are also victims
Another key point is the humanization of the villains. Unlike Hollywood's "one-dimensional baddies," the demons in Kimetsu no Yaiba were often humans who suffered abuse, poverty, or discrimination before falling into obscurity. This creates immediate empathy with an audience that understands that "evil" is often born out of social despair.
The box office success of Mugen Train and the anticipation for Infinity Castle (which already surpasses classics such as Kimi no Na wa on sites such as IMDb) show that the world is no longer looking for perfect heroes in ivory towers, but fighters who bleed, cry and protect their own in a cruel world.
