Bungou Stray Dogs: A Manga and Anime Series Inspired by Japanese Literature
Bungou Stray Dogs is a popular manga and anime series that has gained immense popularity in recent years. What makes this series intriguing is the naming of the heroes and villains of the story after Japanese literary figures. Not just that, Kafka Asagiri, the series creator, also uses the names of writers to give extraordinary abilities to these characters. The story also contains references to different books and characters in literature.
Kafka Asagiri’s love for literature is apparent in Bungou Stray Dogs, and it can be seen through the senior members of the Armed Detective Agency who are inspired by Japanese writers. These members fight against terrorism in Yokohama, and they are not only capable of fighting on the battlefield but also in the negotiation room. Here are some senior members of the Armed Detective Agency who draw inspiration from Japanese literary figures:
1. Osamu Dazai:
Dazai is one of the most senior members of the Armed Detective Agency. Though he appears to be suicidal and has a silly demeanor, he is one of the most intelligent and reliable members of the group. He can turn into a sadistic and cool person when fighting against enemies. Before joining the detective agency, he was an executive member of the Port Mafia.
Osamu Dazai is named after a famous Japanese writer who wrote the novel “No Longer Human.” The novel depicts modern life in Japan and is considered a masterpiece in Japanese literature.
2. Doppo Kunikida:
Kunikida is Dazai’s partner in the Armed Detective Agency. Unlike Dazai, Kunikida’s character is serious and stiff. As a former math teacher, he is known for his serious demeanor. His ability is the transformation of everything in his notebook into reality.
Doppo Kunikida is named after a real-life novelist and poet of the Meiji era. He is known as a naturalist who writes romantic genres.
3. Akiko Yosano:
Yosano is the doctor in the group and has the ability to heal people who are almost dead, allowing them to live a normal life again. Her character is named after a famous female poet in Japan. Yosano was a feminist and known for writing one of the most controversial poems in post-classical Japan.
4. Edogawa Ranpo:
Ranpo is one of the most significant members of the Armed Detective Agency in the series. He has an exceptional ability to detect crime within minutes of it happening. Edogawa Ranpo is the pen name of Taro Hirai, who wrote some of the best-known mystery novels in Japanese literature.
Overall, Bungou Stray Dogs is an exciting and intriguing series, particularly for those interested in Japanese literature. The series remains popular because of the unique story that combines literature with action and battles.
