Sword Of The Demon Hunter: Season 1/ Episode 23 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Kaoru, for reasons unknown, heads to the past and Normari begins asking challenging questions towards Jinya.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
Episode 23 Details
- Available On: HiDive
- Public Release Date: September 22, 2025
- Check out our page for this series, featuring more recaps, reviews, and articles.
Episode 23 Storylines/ Recap
A Mirror Into The Past: Kaoru, Jinya, Normari
It isn’t necessarily clear how, but Kaoru, Miyaka’s friend, ends up in the past (5 years into the Meiji era), where most of the show takes place. Mind you, she has all her memories, including that of Jinya in 2009.
Needless to say, it is worrisome to her at first, but luckily, Jinya is gracious, and despite the reasons she could raise a red flag, he gives her a place to stay, work, and even introduces her to his daughter. Who, I should note, is not fond of Kaoru at first.
Daddy/Daughter Time: Nomari, Jinya
For most of the episode, Jinya spends time with his daughter. Some of it is just taking her shopping, but also, there comes a point where Nomari asks about her mom, her lineage, and Jinya is as honest as he can be while taking into account Nomari’s age and the subject matter. Nomari appreciates the honesty, and while both are navigating their feelings, Nomari reassures her father of her love and recognition of him as her father, leaving us with a rather cute episode.
Review and Commentary
Highlights
Nomari’s Relationship With Jinya [82/100]
A cute father/daughter relationship was never the selling point of Sword of the Demon Hunter, yet it has quickly become one of the best parts of the show. Seeing a young man, whose relationship with his paternal figures ranged from less than perfect to ideal, but without getting to see him as someone beyond a provider, is an interesting watch. Then, add that Jinya is raising a girl, so you see him pursue an extra level of care, and it just creates a string of sweet moments.
I would even add, with her knowing what her dad does, that he is part demon at this point, Nomari got to have a relationship that evolved beyond what her dad got from his paternal figures. So, Jinya is that ideal parent, or rather, is getting to be the type of parent who was able to give his child something beyond what he got, and perhaps removed some of the generational issues in the process.
On The Fence
What Was The Point Of That Girl Traveling To The Past? [73/100]
Being that we don’t know Kaoru, we have nothing against her, but that doesn’t dismiss the need to question why and how she traveled to the past. Considering all that went on between Jinya and Nomari, Kaoru felt like filler to cushion the episode, and with this being the penultimate episode, I’m left wondering why this is the setup for what will likely end the anime?
Overall
Our Overall Rating [77/100]
What To Check Out Next
Visit our main page TV Shows we’ve covered.
-
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Season 1 Episode 21 – Recap and Review
It’s the end of an era for Jinya, as it seems he is finally moving on from Edo.
-
Sword Of The Demon Hunter: Season 1 Episode 20 – Recap and Review
Tsuchiura’s backstory is introduced as Jinya has a heart-to-heart with Ofuu regarding him running away and hiding.
-
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Season 1 Episode 19 – Recap and Review
Sword of the Demon Hunter has its usual rebound episode, as it delivers one that may leave you in tears.
