The Secret Behind Murata's Breathing Style: Is It Water, Galaxy, Or Something Else Entirely?

The mystery surrounding Murata's breathing technique has been a persistent and often hilarious point of discussion among Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba fans for years, and as of December 16, 2025, the official canon provides a clear, yet surprisingly understated, answer. Murata, the anxious and often overlooked member of the Demon Slayer Corps, is officially a user of the fundamental Water Breathing style, the very same technique employed by the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, and the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka. However, his execution of the style is so remarkably subtle—or perhaps, unrefined—that it has sparked a completely separate, viral fan theory that he possesses one of the most powerful and secret styles in the entire series: the legendary "Galaxy Breathing."

This article dives deep into the canonical facts, explores the origins of the "Galaxy Breathing" meme, and examines why Murata, despite his apparent lack of flashiness, remains a crucial and beloved supporting character in the final battles against Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper Rank Demons. We'll analyze his true abilities, his role in the Corps, and the surprising strength he demonstrated during the harrowing Mount Natagumo Arc.

Murata: Biography and Profile of the Unsung Demon Slayer

Murata is a supporting character who serves as a grounding presence within the high-stakes world of the Demon Slayer Corps, providing a relatable, often pessimistic, perspective.

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• Name: Murata (村田)
• Affiliation: Demon Slayer Corps
• Rank: Kinoe (implied, though his official rank is often debated to be a lower-tier rank due to his anxiety, he survived enough to be a veteran)
• Status: Active Demon Slayer (survived the final battle)
• Breathing Style: Water Breathing (Mizu no kokyū)
• Nichirin Blade Color: Undetermined / Standard Grey (often depicted as a standard-issue blade)
• First Appearance (Anime): Episode 15, "Mount Natagumo"
• Personality: Anxious, hapless, pessimistic, but ultimately loyal and brave when faced with overwhelming danger. He is known for his distinctive, slightly unkempt hairstyle.
• Backstory: Like many members of the Corps, Murata's family was destroyed by demons, which fueled his motivation to pass the Final Selection and join the fight.
• Key Role: He is a crucial ally to Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira, particularly during the Infinity Castle Arc, where his ability to survive and coordinate non-Hashira Demon Slayers was vital.

The Canonical Truth: Murata's Water Breathing Style

The official canon of Demon Slayer clearly establishes Murata as a user of the Water Breathing style. This is one of the five primary breathing styles derived from the original Sun Breathing, and it is taught by the former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, to many Demon Slayers, including Tanjiro. However, Murata's mastery of the technique is a stark contrast to the fluid, visually stunning forms used by the main characters.

The Faint Water Effect: A Sign of Low Mastery

In the world of Demon Slayer, the visual effects associated with a breathing style—the water, fire, or stone—are manifestations of the user's focus and technique. When Tanjiro uses Water Breathing, the water effects are vibrant and detailed. Murata's forms, however, are described as having water effects that are "too faint to be seen." This observation leads to a few key conclusions about his skill level:

• Technical Deficiency: Murata has not achieved the same level of total concentration breathing or swordsmanship finesse as a Hashira or a prodigious talent like Tanjiro. His forms lack the power and visual spectacle that make the Water Breathing style so effective.
• Lack of Flashiness: Unlike his comrades, Murata's fighting style is practical and unadorned. He is a survivor, not a showman. His focus is on the clean execution of the form's mechanics rather than the aesthetic, which often leads him to be underestimated by fans and demons alike.
• Survival Instinct: Despite his anxiety, Murata's ability to survive multiple high-stakes encounters, including the devastating battle on Mount Natagumo and the chaos of the Infinity Castle, speaks volumes. His "unremarkable" Water Breathing is still effective enough to keep him alive where many other Demon Slayers perished.

His survival during the Spider Demon family encounter on Mount Natagumo is a testament to his actual, if unflashy, strength. He was one of the few low-ranking Demon Slayers who managed to resist the demon's Blood Demon Art that controlled his comrades, displaying an above-average performance in a critical situation.

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The Viral Phenomenon: Murata's "Galaxy Breathing" Meme

In a fascinating turn of events that highlights the creativity of the Demon Slayer fandom, the idea of Murata using a secret, unique style called "Galaxy Breathing" has become a widespread and highly entertaining meme. This concept arose precisely because of the canonical explanation of his faint Water Breathing effects.

Why "Galaxy Breathing" Caught On

The joke is rooted in the absence of visible effects. If his Water Breathing is invisible, what if it's not due to a lack of skill, but because his technique is so advanced and unique that its effects are on a cosmic scale, making them imperceptible to the human eye? The "Galaxy Breathing" theory suggests:

• Irony and Underestimation: It's a humorous way to elevate a minor, anxious character to the level of a secret powerhouse, directly contrasting his nervous personality with a god-tier technique.
• Visual Comedy: The idea that a character who looks and acts like a background player is secretly a master of a cosmic-level breathing style (like the hypothetical "Galaxy Breathing") is a source of great comedic irony.
• Filling the Void: Because Murata's official style is so blandly executed, fans invented a more exciting, unique style to justify his consistent survival and presence in the narrative.

While "Galaxy Breathing" is firmly non-canon, it has become one of the most enduring fan-created entities in the Demon Slayer community, often appearing in fan fiction, memes, and fan-made videos that celebrate Murata’s status as an unsung hero and a character who defies expectations.

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Murata's Legacy: The True Strength of the Demon Slayer Corps

Beyond the debates over Water Breathing and the humor of Galaxy Breathing, Murata represents an essential truth about the Demon Slayer Corps: the organization is built on the backs of countless dedicated, non-Hashira members. His ultimate strength lies not in a flashy technique but in his resilience, loyalty, and sheer determination to survive and protect his comrades.

A Crucial Ally in the Final Battle

Murata's role shifts significantly during the Infinity Castle Arc. While he doesn't engage in one-on-one combat with an Upper Rank Demon, his contributions are vital. He is shown coordinating the efforts of the lower-ranking Demon Slayers, providing support, and ensuring that the wounded are evacuated. His survival and leadership in this chaotic environment were indispensable, proving that the Corps needs more than just Hashira to function effectively.

He serves as a foil to the exceptional talents of Tanjiro and the Hashira, reminding the audience that true heroism can be found in the persistent, everyday courage of those who choose to stand their ground against overwhelming evil. Whether he is using an unrefined Water Breathing form or simply relying on his wits and stamina, Murata is a veteran who earned his place by surviving the impossible.

In conclusion, while the official answer to "What is Murata's breathing style?" is Water Breathing, the enduring popularity of the "Galaxy Breathing" meme speaks to the character’s surprising impact. He is a testament to the idea that in the world of Demon Slayers, the most important technique is not the one with the flashiest visual effects, but the one that allows you to live to fight another day.