Osamu Dazai: The Suicidal Maniac, Caring Friend, and Serious Opponent in Bungo Stray Dogs

Osamu Dazai, one of the key characters in Bungo Stray Dogs, is a complex individual with three distinct aspects: the suicidal maniac, the caring friend, and the serious/scary opponent. This article delves into his psychological state, particularly focusing on his suicidal tendencies.

Understanding Osamu Dazai

The character of Osamu Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs combines three personas: the maniacal person who frequently talks about suicide, the caring friend who is deeply involved in the lives of others, and the serious and intimidating opponent who is a formidable suicidal maniac aspect of Dazai is the most prominent, especially regarding his obsessive thoughts about ending his life.

Joking About Suicide

One of the most evident signs of Dazai’s psychological state is his suicidal tendencies. Throughout the series, he references suicide in a variety of ways:

In one scene, Dazai attempts suicide by taking psychedelic mushrooms. He drowns himself in a river. Early in the series, he mentions hanging himself.

While these frequent attempts at taking his own life might suggest that Dazai has succeeded, the anime itself hints that Dazai is not entirely successful in his suicide attempts. This is where we must consider the influence of his real-life counterpart, Osamu Dazai, the author who attempted suicide multiple times before eventually succeeding.

Depression and Suicide

Osamu Dazai’s real-life history suggests that his character’s behavior is influenced by depression and a serious struggle with suicidal ideation. Depression often manifests as a lack of interest in activities or life in general, which aligns with Dazai’s demeanor in the series.

Interestingly, the anime portrays Dazai as a comedic character, making his suicidal thoughts a source of humor. However, in reality, these thoughts are serious and tragic.

No Longer Human: An Autobiographical Insight

The novel No Longer Human, written by real-life Osamu Dazai, provides a deeper insight into the character. This book is often considered an autobiographical account, revealing many of the same struggles and themes presented in Dazai’s anime counterpart.#160;No Longer Human#160;is a poignant read, covering heavy topics that can impact your mental health. While it is a relatively short novel, it is important to approach it with care.

The Bandages and Emotional Awakening

A notable aspect of Dazai’s character design is the presence of bandages on both his arms, a detail that has sparked speculation. Some fans believe these bandages represent self-harm scars. However, this is more likely an homage to the author rather than a literal depiction of self-harm.

There is also a bandage on Dazai’s head, which is removed by Odaszaku when he dies. This scene is crucial, marking a major turning point in Dazai’s journey. It symbolizes a moment of emotional awakening, a point of sobriety, and the beginning of his path towards recovery.

Valuing Life

While Dazai’s character often jokes about suicide, the anime portrays him as someone who, despite his struggles, is still fighting for his life. The series subtly highlights the complexities of his mental state, and slowly but surely, Dazai discovers that life is not meaningless or dull but rich with possibilities and meaning.

Conclusion

Understanding Osamu Dazai in Bungo Stray Dogs involves recognizing the depth of his psychological struggles, particularly his depression and suicidal thoughts. The anime’s portrayal, while nuanced and often comedic, captures the essence of a deeply troubled individual who is on a journey of self-discovery and growth.