I was literally just thinking about the “don’t pity yourself” quote like 10 minutes ago lol It may sound silly cause its from an anime but that line literally changed everything for me 4-5 years ago. Still keep it close to my heart at 20 years old
Dazai's words to Kunikida reminded me of season 4-5 of BSD as well as Kunikida's scenes in Dead Apple. I have many thoughts, but I'll put them under the 'read more' sign for minor spoilers below. As we all know, Kunikida's character is founded on his 'Ideals,' which he meticulously documents in his notebook. These ideals are not mere aspirations but concrete guidelines that dictate his every action. For Kunikida, adhering to these ideals is a way to bring order to the chaos around him and to ensure that he remains true to himself. This dedication is a constant theme, but I think its highlighted more in the first season and Walking Alone than anywhere else. In Dead apple, the notebook that Kunikida's ability wields no longer says 'Ideals' it says, 'Compromise'. He is forced to face the gap between his ideals and the reality of his actions. The manifestation of his ability, "Doppo Poet," reveals the dichotomy between his aspirations and the harsh truths he must contend with. This isn't the only time we've seen Kunikida battle with his sense of ideals and justice. This theme ties in to season 4, specifically when Jouno challenges Kunikida regarding his ideals. Jouno told Kunikida that he must feel relieved that his coworkers are going to die because he thinks Kunikida's ideals will be abandonned. Kunikida actually finds himself considering this for a good moment. However, just like how he told Dazai in season 1 that 'Still, I’ll still push on until I push past it! Don’t underestimate my ideals!', in season 4, he risked his life to save Kenji and was willing to die for his coworkers/friends, pertaining to his ideals. I found this parallel between season 1 and 4 *extremely* interesting because it demonstrates Kunikida's character. I think Dazai is correct: Kunikida's drive makes him potentially incredibly dangerous, just like how Sigma is considered potentially dangerous for being 'a mediocre man who is desperate'. And that makes me think... what if Kunikida was loyal to a different set of ideals? Say... one that aligns with Fukuchi? That... would truly be something.
For me, it's the relatability. I mostly admire him because of his strategic and manipulative mind. But, mostly because I love the real life Dazai Osamu and the character he was inspired by Oba Yozo, the main character of No Longer Human. But I can also see why people dislike/hate him. But I like evil characters turning good. It gives so much depth and complexity.
