OVA
Description
Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief Executive Director of Public Security Section 9, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. In the context of the Laughing Man case, Aramaki is a composed and strategically-minded leader who oversees the entire investigation from a command position, rarely engaging in direct field combat himself due to his age and position. His physical appearance is distinctive, and he is informally referred to by his subordinates with the nickname old ape, a reference to his simian-like facial features in the original manga. Aramaki is one of the least cyberized members of Section 9, possessing only a cyberbrain prosthesis, which makes him, alongside agent Togusa, one of the few almost entirely human members of the otherwise heavily augmented unit.
Aramaki's personality is defined by a strict, no-nonsense demeanor combined with a fierce, unwavering loyalty to the members of his team. He is described as gruff, wise, quick-thinking, direct, and honorable to a fault. As a leader, he demonstrates a shrewd tactical acumen, capable of making difficult decisions, including allowing his own team to be declared fugitives as a strategic ploy to lure out their adversary during the Laughing Man investigation. Despite his hard exterior, he shares a deep, familial bond with his operatives, particularly with Major Motoko Kusanagi, viewing them not just as subordinates but as something closer to family. His motivations are rooted in a strong sense of justice and a dedication to eradicating crime, traits that often put him at odds with corrupt political figures but have also earned him a network of influential allies. He has little personal desire for power and does not abuse his authority, preferring to focus on getting the job done rather than navigating political intrigue, though he is more than capable of doing so when necessary.
Throughout the events of the Laughing Man incident, Aramaki acts as the anchor and protector of Section 9. When the team faces political fallout or existential threats, he uses his extensive political connections and personal resourcefulness to shield them, often putting his own career on the line. His role is largely diplomatic and strategic; he coordinates with other government departments, manages the flow of information from politicians, and secures the operational autonomy that allows his field agents to do their jobs. One of his most significant actions following the main Laughing Man storyline is his personal offer to the titular hacker, Aoi, recruiting him to join Section 9, a testament to Aramaki's respect for exceptional skill and his pragmatic approach to justice. While Aoi ultimately declines the offer, this moment highlights Aramaki's ability to see beyond the label of criminal to recognize potential value.
Aramaki's key relationships are central to his character. His professional and personal bond with Major Motoko Kusanagi is particularly significant; while their interactions often remain businesslike, there is a clear undercurrent of mutual trust and deep respect, with the Major serving as his most trusted operative. He also has a past connection to an old flame in London, a relationship glimpsed during an international case that shows a more personal and charming side to his character. In terms of development, while he remains a steadfast leader, the series reveals depth to his past, including the fact that he was once married and that he was instrumental in imprisoning his own mentor, Colonel Tonoda, for corruption, an act that led to their estrangement. A subplot also involves his search for his missing brother, Yousuke Aramaki, who later appears among refugees on Dejima.
As for notable abilities, Aramaki's strengths are not physical but intellectual and political. He is a master strategist and a savvy bureaucratic operator, able to pull strings and leverage favors to achieve his goals. His quick thinking is demonstrated in a crisis when, while trapped during a robbery attempt in London, he coolly assumes command of the situation, coordinating both the hostage-takers and the police to ensure a peaceful resolution. On the rare occasions he does resort to violence, he is shown to be proficient, once dispatching assassins with a revolver, proving that his age does not render him helpless. Ultimately, his greatest ability is his leadership; he provides the political cover and strategic direction that allows the unique and often unpredictable talents of Section 9 to function as an effective unit.
Aramaki's personality is defined by a strict, no-nonsense demeanor combined with a fierce, unwavering loyalty to the members of his team. He is described as gruff, wise, quick-thinking, direct, and honorable to a fault. As a leader, he demonstrates a shrewd tactical acumen, capable of making difficult decisions, including allowing his own team to be declared fugitives as a strategic ploy to lure out their adversary during the Laughing Man investigation. Despite his hard exterior, he shares a deep, familial bond with his operatives, particularly with Major Motoko Kusanagi, viewing them not just as subordinates but as something closer to family. His motivations are rooted in a strong sense of justice and a dedication to eradicating crime, traits that often put him at odds with corrupt political figures but have also earned him a network of influential allies. He has little personal desire for power and does not abuse his authority, preferring to focus on getting the job done rather than navigating political intrigue, though he is more than capable of doing so when necessary.
Throughout the events of the Laughing Man incident, Aramaki acts as the anchor and protector of Section 9. When the team faces political fallout or existential threats, he uses his extensive political connections and personal resourcefulness to shield them, often putting his own career on the line. His role is largely diplomatic and strategic; he coordinates with other government departments, manages the flow of information from politicians, and secures the operational autonomy that allows his field agents to do their jobs. One of his most significant actions following the main Laughing Man storyline is his personal offer to the titular hacker, Aoi, recruiting him to join Section 9, a testament to Aramaki's respect for exceptional skill and his pragmatic approach to justice. While Aoi ultimately declines the offer, this moment highlights Aramaki's ability to see beyond the label of criminal to recognize potential value.
Aramaki's key relationships are central to his character. His professional and personal bond with Major Motoko Kusanagi is particularly significant; while their interactions often remain businesslike, there is a clear undercurrent of mutual trust and deep respect, with the Major serving as his most trusted operative. He also has a past connection to an old flame in London, a relationship glimpsed during an international case that shows a more personal and charming side to his character. In terms of development, while he remains a steadfast leader, the series reveals depth to his past, including the fact that he was once married and that he was instrumental in imprisoning his own mentor, Colonel Tonoda, for corruption, an act that led to their estrangement. A subplot also involves his search for his missing brother, Yousuke Aramaki, who later appears among refugees on Dejima.
As for notable abilities, Aramaki's strengths are not physical but intellectual and political. He is a master strategist and a savvy bureaucratic operator, able to pull strings and leverage favors to achieve his goals. His quick thinking is demonstrated in a crisis when, while trapped during a robbery attempt in London, he coolly assumes command of the situation, coordinating both the hostage-takers and the police to ensure a peaceful resolution. On the rare occasions he does resort to violence, he is shown to be proficient, once dispatching assassins with a revolver, proving that his age does not render him helpless. Ultimately, his greatest ability is his leadership; he provides the political cover and strategic direction that allows the unique and often unpredictable talents of Section 9 to function as an effective unit.