From Rejected Work to Global Phenomenon
According to Real Sound, Gotouge earned around 10 billion yen (about 64 million USD) from manga royalties alone. This is an enormous figure, especially considering the Demon Slayer brand has existed for less than 10 years.
Few know that before creating this global sensation, Gotouge faced many rejections. The original version of Kimetsu no Yaiba was criticized by editors for being too dark and hard to connect with. Everything changed when a bold suggestion was made: to make Tanjiro Kamado, a gentle supporting character, the story’s main focus. This decision launched a new era, helping the series explode in popularity and sell over 220 million copies worldwide.
Success of the Anime and Films
Demon Slayer’s success is a rare phenomenon in the anime and manga industry. Although the original story was fairly simple, the series became one of the best-selling manga of all time. Much of this success is thanks to Ufotable’s outstanding anime adaptation.
With top-tier animation quality, visually stunning battles, and a memorable soundtrack, the anime elevated the work to new heights, captivating millions of fans worldwide.
The film adaptations have also been consistently successful. Recently, the latest movie, Infinity Castle, entered Japan’s top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, earning over 17 billion yen, proving the brand’s enduring appeal.
The Mystery of “Wani-sensei”’s Identity
Despite the massive success, Gotouge’s identity remains a big mystery to the community. Fans only know the self-portrait of a crocodile wearing glasses and the nickname “Wani-sensei” (Crocodile Teacher). The author’s gender, age, and real appearance have never been revealed, even when Time magazine included Gotouge in its “100 Next” list in 2021.
This mystery not only fuels public curiosity but also allows Gotouge to completely separate private life from career, a rare feat for famous mangaka.
Koyoharu Gotouge’s Next Work: Sci-Fi Romantic Comedy
Currently, Gotouge has revealed plans for a new manga story centered on sci-fi romantic comedy. The goal is to “make readers laugh out loud.” This is a surprising shift, completely different from the dark tone of Demon Slayer. Will Gotouge create another phenomenon or take a totally new direction?
Only time will tell. Meanwhile, fans in Vietnam can look forward to watching Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, set to hit theaters on August 15.