Bonds Beyond Fiction: The Impact of Dazai Osamu's Character

 (DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS SOLELY BASED ON THE FICTIONAL CHARACTER DAZAI OSMAU FROM THE ANIME BUNGOU STARY DOGS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REAL-LIFE COUNTERPART OF THIS CHARACTER.)

                                                Image from Bungo Stray Dogs produced by Studio BONES

 

Dazai Osamu from "Bungo Stray Dogs" became more than just a character to me; he became a beacon of understanding amidst my own struggles. While I haven't trodden the path of crime like him, his suffering and trauma resonated with me profoundly. His unwavering desire for a painless exit from this world echoed my own battles with despair and the relentless questioning of life's worth.

 

His early affiliation with the Port Mafia painted a picture of a life steeped in darkness and danger. His words, “Man fears death and yet, at the same time, man is drawn to death. Death is endlessly consumed by men in cities and in literature. It is a singular event in one’s life that none may reverse. That is what I desire.” and "Wealth is a nightmare. With each coveted thing we buy, we lose a thing we dream about." spoke volumes of his nihilistic outlook. In those bleak moments when life seemed devoid of colour, I didn't need the motivation to get out of bed and gather myself; I needed to feel understood, and Dazai provided that stark yet comforting understanding. I felt less alone in my somber contemplation. Yet, amidst the shadows, Dazai radiated a peculiar charm. His antics, his wit—they were a balm to my weary soul, offering fleeting moments of respite from life's burdens.

 

His transformation, from a figure shrouded in darkness to one of benevolence, struck a chord deep within me. His decision to use his skills for good, to mentor an orphan, and his efforts to become a better person, to honour the wish of his late friend by siding with those who save people, showcased the resilience of the human spirit. It served as a reminder that, despite our past mistakes, we always possess the power to change, to evolve into better versions of ourselves.

 

I don't seek to justify Dazai's actions or glorify his crimes. Rather, I see him as a deeply flawed yet profoundly human character, one whose journey resonates with my own struggles and aspirations. And though his story may be fictional, the emotions it stirs within me are undeniably real.