Did Dazai Die in “Bungo Stray Dogs”? What Happened After the Battle with Dostoevsky and Being Shot by Chuuya?
- Category : Anime
- Tags: Bungo, Bungo Stray Dogs, Dazai, 文スト, 文豪ストレイドッグス
Is Dazai dead in “Bungo Stray Dogs”? In this article, we will explore whether Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs (often abbreviated as “BSD”) is alive or dead, delving into the events following the battle with Dostoevsky and after being shot by Chuuya. Additionally, we will cover the relationship between Dazai and Chuuya Nakahara, as well as Dazai’s past and the Dark Era. We will also examine Dazai’s precognitive abilities, so make sure to check out the entire article!
Who is Dazai in “Bungo Stray Dogs”?
In this article, we delve into whether Dazai in “Bungo Stray Dogs” (BSD) ended up dead following his showdown with Dostoevsky, exploring reasons why he might still be alive after that scene. Before we get into that discussion, let’s first introduce the background of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” series and Dazai’s profile, so be sure to check it out!
About “Bungo Stray Dogs”
- Overview of “Bungo Stray Dogs”
“Bungo Stray Dogs” (BSD) is a supernatural battle action manga created by Kafka Asagiri (story) and Sango Harukawa (illustration). The story is set in a fictional city, Yokohama, where literary figures are characterized and battle using supernatural powers named after their respective literary works. “Bungo Stray Dogs” has been adapted into an anime, a stage play, and novels, making it a series that can be enjoyed across a wide range of media.
- Synopsis of “Bungo Stray Dogs”
The protagonist of “Bungo Stray Dogs” (BSD) is Atsushi Nakajima, a boy raised in an orphanage, who joins the Armed Detective Agency after being saved by Osamu Dazai from an attempt to end his life. The Armed Detective Agency solves various cases to maintain peace in Yokohama. On the other hand, they are opposed by the Port Mafia. Atsushi gets caught up in the conflict between the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia but grows along with his comrades through their adventures.
Dazai’s Profile
In “Bungo Stray Dogs” (BSD), Osamu Dazai is a member of the Armed Detective Agency, characterized as a carefree young man. His supernatural ability is named “No Longer Human.” Dazai was originally the youngest executive of the Port Mafia, fighting alongside his partner, Chuuya Nakahara, and they were collectively known as “Soukoku” or “Double Black.” However, due to certain reasons, he betrays the Port Mafia and joins the Armed Detective Agency. Dazai is also the person who recruits the protagonist, Atsushi Nakajima, into the Armed Detective Agency, making him a pivotal character in the story.
The voice actor for Dazai is Mamoru Miyano. Born on June 8, 1983, Miyano is a voice actor hailing from Saitama Prefecture and affiliated with Himawari Theatre Group. He is popular for roles such as Douma in “Demon Slayer” and Light Yagami in “DEATH NOTE.” As a singer, he also performs solo concerts and has participated as a member in “Ogensan to Issho” at the 69th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle).
Dazai, A Suicide Enthusiast?
Osamu Dazai in “Bungo Stray Dogs” is known as a suicide enthusiast. He was attempting to drown himself in a river when he first met Atsushi Nakajima. It appears that Dazai has attempted suicide numerous times before, always ending in failure. Furthermore, Dazai’s favorite book is “The Complete Manual of Suicide,” and his motto is “A clean, bright, and cheerful suicide.” This indicates that Dazai is always contemplating suicide.
Dazai’s Supernatural Ability
Osamu Dazai’s supernatural ability in “Bungo Stray Dogs” is called “No Longer Human,” which allows him to nullify the abilities of anyone he touches. This power gives him a significant advantage in battles against other ability users, but it is ineffective against non-supernatural attacks such as guns or martial arts. Additionally, a drawback of his ability is that he cannot use Yosano Akiko’s healing ability, “Thou Shalt Not Die,” when he himself is injured.
Dazai’s ability also plays a crucial role in interactions with other abilities, such as Chuuya Nakahara’s gravity manipulation ability “For the Tainted Sorrow” from the Port Mafia, and the Guild’s Fyodor Dostoevsky’s curse ability “Q.” There are many scenes where the compatibility with other abilities is a significant factor, making Dazai’s ability a key countermeasure against the strongest of abilities.
Furthermore, Dazai’s ability is derived from the real-life Osamu Dazai’s masterpiece “No Longer Human.” This novel is autobiographical, structured in three parts: the first, second, and third notebooks, depicting the protagonist’s childhood, student days, and adulthood, respectively. It narrates the events leading to the protagonist’s repeated attempts at suicide. For those interested, I highly recommend reading Osamu Dazai’s seminal work “No Longer Human.”
Did Dazai Die in “Bungo Stray Dogs”? Explaining What Happened After He Was Shot
Did Dazai die in “Bungo Stray Dogs”? From here, we will explore the reasons why Dazai, thought to be dead after being shot by Chuuya following his duel with Dostoevsky, is still alive.
Who is Dostoevsky?
Fyodor Dostoevsky in “Bungo Stray Dogs” is a character inspired by the Russian literary giant, leading the thieves’ group “The Rats in the House of the Dead” and a member of the catastrophic “Five Decay of Angels,” aiming for the nation’s dissolution. His ability, “Crime and Punishment,” is speculated to affect the brain or nervous system, but details are vague. Dostoevsky is also in search of a novel called “The Blank Book,” which turns whatever is written in it into reality.
The voice actor for Dostoevsky is Akira Ishida, born on November 2, 1967, in Aichi Prefecture. Affiliated with Peerless Gerbera, he is affectionately known as “A-san” or “A-sama.” Ishida’s distinctive, androgynous, and mysterious voice allows him to perform a wide range of roles from boys to young men. Besides anime and games, he has voiced many characters in foreign movie dubs, with notable roles including Kaworu Nagisa in “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Kotarou Katsura in “Gintama,” and Jack Dawson in “Titanic.” Ishida is respected as a legend in the voice acting industry and is beloved by fans and junior voice actors alike.
The Duel Between Dazai and Dostoevsky
The duel between Dazai and Dostoevsky occurred amid the battle against the “Five Decay of Angels.” Due to Dostoevsky’s scheming, Dazai’s past crimes were exposed, leading to his capture and confinement in the European ability prison “Mursault,” where Dostoevsky himself was also imprisoned. It seems Dostoevsky got captured on purpose to face Dazai.
Inside the prison, Dazai and Dostoevsky engaged in a tense psychological battle, probing each other’s intentions. However, their imprisonment was cut short by Nikolai Gogol’s raid on Mursault, facilitating Dazai and Dostoevsky’s escape from their cells. They were then coerced by Nikolai Gogol into participating in a deadly race to escape the prison, risking their lives.
Did Dazai Die After Being Shot by Chuuya?
The escape race between Dazai and Dostoevsky was a close contest, neither yielding an inch. Dostoevsky’s trump card was Chuuya Nakahara, who had become a vampire under his control. However, Dazai, along with Sigma, made a determined push for the exit.
Caught in Dostoevsky’s trap at the last moment, Dazai was barely alive. It was then that the vampire Chuuya appeared, shooting Dazai under Dostoevsky’s orders, seemingly delivering the final blow.
Why Dazai Is Still Alive
Convinced of his victory and believing Dazai to be dead, Dostoevsky, along with the vampire Chuuya, planned their escape from Mursault. However, waiting for Dostoevsky as he boarded the escape helicopter was Dazai, who should have been dead. Surprised by Dazai’s survival, Dostoevsky listened as Dazai began to reveal why he was still alive.
In reality, Chuuya had not been turned into a vampire and was pretending to follow Dostoevsky’s orders to save Dazai. With the reason for Dazai’s survival unveiled, Dostoevsky was ultimately defeated by Dazai. Afterward, Dazai and Chuuya left Mursault behind.
Dazai’s Past in “Bungo Stray Dogs”
Former Port Mafia Executive
Currently an indispensable member of the Armed Detective Agency, Dazai was actually a former executive of the Port Mafia. Moreover, he was known as the “youngest executive in history,” so talented that the current Port Mafia boss, Mori Ougai, once considered him as a potential successor. This section will introduce the period known as Dazai’s “Dark Era,” before he joined the Armed Detective Agency, and explain why he left the Port Mafia.
What is the Dark Era?
The Dark Era refers to the episodes and iconic scenes depicting the period leading up to Dazai leaving the Port Mafia to join the Armed Detective Agency. In the “Bungo Stray Dogs” anime, this period is covered in episodes 13 to 16 of the second season. Additionally, the Dark Era has been novelized and published by Kadokawa Beans Bunko.
Synopsis of the Dark Era
Dazai, Oda Sakunosuke, and Sakaguchi Ango were close enough to spend their time drinking together at their favorite bar, engaging in lighthearted conversations. However, one day, Sakaguchi Ango goes missing, and various incidents begin to occur around Oda Sakunosuke and Dazai. As a Port Mafia executive, Dazai tries to solve these incidents, but his efforts are in vain when the children cherished by Oda Sakunosuke, who were without families, are killed by an organization called Mimic.
Enraged by this, Oda Sakunosuke ignores Dazai’s pleas and sets out for revenge. Dazai desperately tries to save him, but it’s too late. Oda Sakunosuke and the leader of Mimic, both possessing similar abilities to predict the near future, end up killing each other in a duel. With his dying breath, Oda Sakunosuke tells Dazai to become someone who saves others.
Following this event, Dazai decides to leave the Port Mafia. He erases his mafia history and joins the Armed Detective Agency. Interestingly, Sakaguchi Ango, who had gone missing, was not dead but was revealed to be alive. He was actually an agent of the Special Ability Department infiltrating the Port Mafia and was monitoring Mori Ougai. His betrayal indirectly contributed to Oda Sakunosuke’s death.
The Relationship Between Dazai and Chuuya Nakahara in “Bungo Stray Dogs”
Who is Chuuya Nakahara?
In “Bungo Stray Dogs,” Chuuya Nakahara is one of the five executive members of the Port Mafia, possessing the ability “For the Tainted Sorrow,” which allows him to manipulate gravity. Always seen wearing a black hat, Chuuya has an aggressive and short-tempered personality but is kind to his subordinates. Despite frequently quarreling and having a poor relationship with Dazai, they were once known as the strongest pair, “Soukoku” or “Double Black.” Chuuya is based on the real-life literary figure Nakahara Chuuya.
The voice actor for Chuuya Nakahara is Kishou Taniyama, born on August 11, 1975. A native of Yamaguchi Prefecture and affiliated with Ken Production, Taniyama is known for roles such as Kenji Natsume in “Ahiru no Sora” and Natsuki Shinomiya in “Uta no☆Prince-sama♪.” As a singer, he performs as the vocalist of the band unit “GRANRODEO,” formed with Masaaki Iizuka.
The Meeting of Dazai and Chuuya Nakahara
The meeting between Dazai and Chuuya is depicted in “Dazai, Chuuya, 15 Years Old.” This story is covered in episodes 26 to 28 of the third season of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” anime and has also been novelized and published by Kadokawa Beans Bunko. The circumstances and scenes of their meeting, “Dazai, Chuuya, 15 Years Old,” will be discussed here.
Dazai was acting as a “witness” for the new Port Mafia boss, Mori Ougai. One day, he was assigned to investigate rumors that the supposedly dead former boss had appeared. During his investigation, Dazai uncovers the existence of an organization named “The Sheep,” and it’s during this investigation that he has the worst possible meeting with Chuuya Nakahara, the king of The Sheep. Despite their initial animosity, Dazai and Chuuya end up working together on the investigation.
How Dazai and Chuuya Nakahara Became “Soukoku”
As they delved deeper into the case, a powerful adversary with formidable abilities stood in their way. However, thanks to Dazai’s strategic mind and Chuuya’s combat prowess, they successfully defeat their enemy. While this resolves the case they were pursuing, members of The Sheep, displeased with Chuuya’s collaboration with the Port Mafia, betray him. Dazai saves Chuuya, who is severely injured from the betrayal.
Dazai is about to kill the members of The Sheep, but Chuuya pleads not to kill his comrades, even though they had betrayed him. Thus, Chuuya makes a deal with Dazai and joins the Port Mafia. Over the next three years, Dazai and Chuuya together tackle various missions for the Port Mafia. During one mission, Chuuya uses “Corruption,” a last-resort ability that turns him into an uncontrollable destructive force, indiscriminately destroying friend and foe until he dies or is stopped.
Only Dazai can stop Chuuya in his “Corrupted” state, thanks to his ability to nullify supernatural abilities. Chuuya trusts that Dazai will always be there to stop him, allowing him to use “Corruption.” This mutual trust and their combined strength eventually earn them the title “Soukoku,” the strongest duo.
Dazai’s Role and Foresight in “Bungo Stray Dogs: BEAST”
Dazai’s Position in BEAST
“Bungo Stray Dogs: BEAST” depicts an alternate universe episode different from the main story, novelized and published by Kadokawa Beans Bunko, and has even been adapted into a live-action film. The major difference from the main story is the reversal of roles between Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Atsushi Nakajima, with Atsushi joining the Port Mafia and Akutagawa joining the Armed Detective Agency. The positions of other characters also significantly differ from the main storyline.
In “Bungo Stray Dogs: BEAST,” Dazai assumes the role of the leader of the Port Mafia. He is depicted in his “Dark Era” appearance, wearing a black coat and wrapped in bandages all over his body. Furthermore, he manipulates his direct subordinate, Atsushi Nakajima, through trauma and fear.
What About Dazai’s Foresight?
There has been speculation about Dazai possessing the ability to foresee the future. This speculation arises from a scene in episode 24 of the “Bungo Stray Dogs” anime during a conversation with Hirotsu Ryuurou. Dazai expresses his gratitude to Hirotsu for understanding his intentions and acting behind the scenes. Hirotsu asks, “Since when did you know this outcome would happen?” to which Dazai replies, “Since I met Atsushi.”
This implies that Dazai knew the outcome of the battles and their conclusion from the moment he met Atsushi in episode 1. In “Bungo Stray Dogs: BEAST,” Dazai also possesses a level of intellect that sets him apart from other characters, acknowledging the main storyline’s universe, which is slightly different from the deductive reasoning of someone like Edogawa Ranpo. Additionally, there is no depiction of Dazai’s childhood before joining the Port Mafia.
Where Dazai was born and raised, what he is thinking, and the truth of his identity may be hidden in his unrevealed childhood. Intriguingly, the original author has made cryptic remarks suggesting that “Dazai’s age surpasses what humans can achieve.” Does this mean Dazai is not the age he appears to be? Thus, numerous mysteries remain about Dazai’s foresight and true identity.
Summary of Dazai’s Death in “Bungo Stray Dogs”
This article has explored whether Dazai in “Bungo Stray Dogs” (BSD) died, starting from the duel with Dostoevsky and explaining the reasons why he remains alive afterward. Dazai in BSD is not deceased and continues to live. If this article has piqued your interest in Dazai from BSD, take this opportunity to check out the BSD manga and anime!
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