TV-Series
Description
Koujaku is a main character in the dystopian cyberpunk story DRAMAtical Murder. He grew up on the island of Midorijima as the childhood friend of the protagonist, Aoba Seragaki, and after an extended absence returns to the island as an adult, his body now covered in scars and elaborate tattoos. He works as a freelance hairdresser whose skill and charisma have made him widely popular, and he also leads a local Rib gang called Benishigure. His All-Mate is a red sparrow named Beni, and he is often seen carrying a blade close at hand. At twenty-seven years old and standing one hundred eighty-six centimeters tall, he presents a striking figure, typically dressed in a bright red kimono accented with blue leaf and bird motifs, his long blue hair partially pulled back, and bandages wrapping his forearms and calves.
Koujaku’s personality is outwardly warm, generous, and protective. He extends kindness to almost everyone he meets and is especially gentle with Aoba, whom he has defended since they were children. Beneath this cheerful surface, however, he harbors deep-seated anger and self-loathing, primarily stemming from a traumatic event in which he killed his mother. He goes to considerable lengths to hide this pain, maintaining a buoyant, upbeat demeanor and spending much of his free time with Aoba, frequently dropping by to enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by Aoba’s grandmother, Tae. His trademark interest in hair and beauty is more than a profession; it mirrors his belief that understanding a person’s essence is vital before trying to change them.
His deepest motivation is to protect Aoba and the people he cares about from harm, a drive rooted in their lifelong bond and his own sense of guilt over his past. He is also compelled to confront the personal demons that shaped him, particularly the legacy of his family background, which includes a yakuza-like clan and the influence of a cruel tattoo artist who left him with both physical and emotional scars. He seeks a future where he is no longer defined by that pain and can stand as a steadfast supporter rather than a burden.
Koujaku’s role in the story is that of a central ally, confidant, and potential romantic partner to Aoba. In the original visual novel, his route delves into his complicated history—his conflicted feelings about his upbringing, his departure from Midorijima, and the full truth behind the incidents that left him scarred. Within the broader conflict involving Toue Inc. and the Rhyme battles, he operates both as a street-level leader of Benishigure and as someone whose personal vendetta intersects with the main plot. The anime adaptation presents him as a loyal friend who supports Aoba through dangerous encounters, never hesitating to draw his weapon when Aoba is threatened.
His key relationships center on Aoba, whom he has known since childhood after rescuing him from bullies who mocked his appearance. This bond is the emotional anchor of his life, providing him with stability and a reason to keep his darker impulses in check. Koujaku also shares a complicated, tragic relationship with his mother, who was a mistress in a powerful household; her fate haunts him and fuels his self-hatred. His leadership of Benishigure and his rivalry with other groups further illustrate his loyalty and his willingness to fight for his found family.
Koujaku undergoes significant development throughout the story. Initially, he appears as a suave, slightly flirtatious older-brother figure, but as the narrative progresses, his hidden anguish is revealed. Facing the man responsible for his tattoos and for the circumstances that led to his mother’s death forces him to break free from years of suppressed rage and guilt. Through this confrontation and through his deepening relationship with Aoba, he moves from a person who barely tolerates himself to someone who can accept both his past and his capacity to protect others without losing control. His evolution is marked by a hard-won balance between his fierce combat instincts and the gentle, nurturing side he shows to those he loves.
In terms of notable abilities, Koujaku’s hairstyling is exceptional and serves as his primary trade, but he is also a formidable combatant. He wields a sword with skill and agility, making him dangerous in close-quarters fights during the violent clashes that erupt in Midorijima. His All-Mate Beni acts as a partner in Rhyme battles and provides mystical support, reflecting his connection to both the cybernetic and spiritual elements of the setting. These talents, combined with his natural physical strength, allow him to serve as a protector and enforcer when the situation demands, even as his true strength lies in his emotional resilience and his capacity to transform vulnerability into resolve.
Koujaku’s personality is outwardly warm, generous, and protective. He extends kindness to almost everyone he meets and is especially gentle with Aoba, whom he has defended since they were children. Beneath this cheerful surface, however, he harbors deep-seated anger and self-loathing, primarily stemming from a traumatic event in which he killed his mother. He goes to considerable lengths to hide this pain, maintaining a buoyant, upbeat demeanor and spending much of his free time with Aoba, frequently dropping by to enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by Aoba’s grandmother, Tae. His trademark interest in hair and beauty is more than a profession; it mirrors his belief that understanding a person’s essence is vital before trying to change them.
His deepest motivation is to protect Aoba and the people he cares about from harm, a drive rooted in their lifelong bond and his own sense of guilt over his past. He is also compelled to confront the personal demons that shaped him, particularly the legacy of his family background, which includes a yakuza-like clan and the influence of a cruel tattoo artist who left him with both physical and emotional scars. He seeks a future where he is no longer defined by that pain and can stand as a steadfast supporter rather than a burden.
Koujaku’s role in the story is that of a central ally, confidant, and potential romantic partner to Aoba. In the original visual novel, his route delves into his complicated history—his conflicted feelings about his upbringing, his departure from Midorijima, and the full truth behind the incidents that left him scarred. Within the broader conflict involving Toue Inc. and the Rhyme battles, he operates both as a street-level leader of Benishigure and as someone whose personal vendetta intersects with the main plot. The anime adaptation presents him as a loyal friend who supports Aoba through dangerous encounters, never hesitating to draw his weapon when Aoba is threatened.
His key relationships center on Aoba, whom he has known since childhood after rescuing him from bullies who mocked his appearance. This bond is the emotional anchor of his life, providing him with stability and a reason to keep his darker impulses in check. Koujaku also shares a complicated, tragic relationship with his mother, who was a mistress in a powerful household; her fate haunts him and fuels his self-hatred. His leadership of Benishigure and his rivalry with other groups further illustrate his loyalty and his willingness to fight for his found family.
Koujaku undergoes significant development throughout the story. Initially, he appears as a suave, slightly flirtatious older-brother figure, but as the narrative progresses, his hidden anguish is revealed. Facing the man responsible for his tattoos and for the circumstances that led to his mother’s death forces him to break free from years of suppressed rage and guilt. Through this confrontation and through his deepening relationship with Aoba, he moves from a person who barely tolerates himself to someone who can accept both his past and his capacity to protect others without losing control. His evolution is marked by a hard-won balance between his fierce combat instincts and the gentle, nurturing side he shows to those he loves.
In terms of notable abilities, Koujaku’s hairstyling is exceptional and serves as his primary trade, but he is also a formidable combatant. He wields a sword with skill and agility, making him dangerous in close-quarters fights during the violent clashes that erupt in Midorijima. His All-Mate Beni acts as a partner in Rhyme battles and provides mystical support, reflecting his connection to both the cybernetic and spiritual elements of the setting. These talents, combined with his natural physical strength, allow him to serve as a protector and enforcer when the situation demands, even as his true strength lies in his emotional resilience and his capacity to transform vulnerability into resolve.