Doma is, like, such a petty character. I’m sorry, I know Demon Slayer has a ton of dramatic moments but Doma crying was one of the most left field moments in the entire series. Just because of how insincere he can be. I mean, Doma is the figurehead of a cannibalistic death cult. So, it’s hard to see him have any feelings that make him seem human. 

So, why did Doma cry that one time? Well, it was over Akaza dying when he went up against Tanjiro Kamado and Giyuu Tomioka during the Infinity Castle arc. But of course, Doma’s crying was merely crocodile tears. He didn’t actually care about his ‘best friend’ dying, since he doesn’t actually feel any sort of empathy. He just wanted to show the rest of the Upper Ranks he did. 

It’s sort of hilarious, when you think about it. Doma’s entire character arc is based on him being revered as a merciful God that can solve issues for those who worship him, when he is actually a Demon that feasts on his devotees. So, seeing him pretend to be sincere, even to his allies? It’s a little ridiculous. But let’s discuss that more in Character Analysis!

Doma: A Demon With An Angel’s Facade

Perhaps it’s understandable why Doma ended up the way he did. I mean, ever since he was born, his parents believed that he was a divine creature and so they established the Paradise Faith cult. With his fair head of hair and prismatic rainbow eyes, it was hard not to believe this child to be a Messenger for the Gods. And so, worshippers flocked to ask him for blessings. 

Which, well, it doesn’t exactly lead to healthy childhood development. And Doma was clearly growing up more than a bit disturbed. He had no idea why these people were coming to a literal toddler for advice, and realized that his family was using him because they thought he was dimwitted. He has no belief in his supposed spirituality, growing jaded by the day.  

So, when his mother eventually killed his father for sleeping around with the female devotees, Doma didn’t really care. His entire world was collapsing but he already wanted nothing to do with it. That is, until Muzan Kibitsuji turned him into a Demon, reviving Doma’s beliefs in himself. Now, Doma believed he could deliver his worshippers to Paradise. By eating them. 

No Salvation For The Wicked

Of course, that newfound spirituality was just another form of narcissism for Doma. It’s not like he was a benevolent God, taking care of his apostles. Oh no, if anything, he was a malevolent being, drunk on his own influence and power. And he still hadn’t learned to care about others or even see them as anything more than fodder. 

Because that’s the thing, right? Doma was above the rest. Even amongst the Demon King’s cohorts, he ranked as the Upper Rank Two. He surpassed his peers faster, despite being a younger Demon. And with the Paradise Faith cult feeding his delusions, he was on top of the world. That’s why when people discuss Inosuke Hashibara and the fate of his mother, it was Doma at fault. 

Doma never held any compassion or love for anyone. Even with Kotoha, it was merely that he thought she was just a pretty ornament to keep alive. She was a songbird that only survived because Doma thought she was too dumb to kill. And that’s why he had no remorse when he ate her alive, right in front of Inosuke. 

So, Doma crying over Akasa? It genuinely doesn’t mean anything. Doma is a cruel, cold man with no regard for others. He just wanted to appear more magnanimous than he actually is. Befitting of someone that can deliver Paradise to those who seek it.