TV-Series
Description
The character known as Dogkeeper has the true name Inukashi, which directly translates to dog lender in Japanese. They are a resident of the West Block, the lawless outer district surrounding the utopian city of No. 6.
Inukashi is short, with a slender frame, long dark hair, tan skin, and dark brown eyes. Their clothing, likely due to limited resources in the harsh environment, consists of old, worn garments including a low-cut, long-sleeved button-up blouse of faded maroon, old blue pants ripped at the hems, a grey belt, and tan strapped sandals. Their gender is never explicitly stated, and the narrative keeps it ambiguous throughout the series, a trait reflected in their use of the masculine pronoun ore in the original Japanese.
Their background is marked by abandonment and survival. As a baby, Inukashi was taken in by an old man, but it was primarily his dog that cared for them, a canine they came to refer to as their mother. This early exposure to living and communicating with dogs shaped their entire worldview. Later, while searching for resources, they broke into what they believed was an abandoned home, only to be confronted by its occupant, Nezumi, an encounter that established their long-standing antagonistic relationship.
Inukashi is fiercely independent and possesses a deeply cynical view of humanity, often stating that humans are despicable and that dogs are kinder and better. They are quick-tempered and speak with a blunt, rash manner that often leads others, like the merchant Rikiga, to label them a brat. Despite this rough exterior, they have a softer side that is almost exclusively reserved for their dogs. They are very tough, with another character noting that one might need to watch out more for the dog than the fox, implying a cunning and resilient nature that surpasses even Nezumi's. Beneath their hardened shell lies a deep fear of suffering, pain, and death, a vulnerability they are surprisingly open about, which Nezumi occasionally exploits for manipulation. They are wary and have a great understanding of the brutal world they inhabit.
Their primary motivation is survival, both for themselves and their pack of dogs. To achieve this, they run a hotel within a dilapidated building, renting out rooms as well as their dogs to homeless people, who use the animals for warmth. In addition to this unique service, they operate as an informant and a dealer, buying and selling information, food, clothing, and other goods to those who can pay. Their deep bond with their dogs is their central driving force. The dogs see Inukashi as their leader and follow their every command, and any insult to the memory of the dog who raised them is met with extreme hostility.
Inukashi's role in the story is that of a necessary ally and a sometimes reluctant helper to the protagonists, Shion and Nezumi. Initially viewing Shion as a strange and naive oddball, they eventually offer him a job washing their dogs. Over time, they develop a soft spot for Shion, caring for him more than they would like to admit. Their relationship with Nezumi is strictly business on the surface, often volatile and filled with arguments and threats. This stems partly from a past incident where Nezumi charged a high price to sing for the soul of Inukashi's dying canine mother. Despite this, a grudging regard exists, and Inukashi finds themself worrying about both Shion's and Nezumi's safety when the two infiltrate the Correctional Facility. They join forces with Shion, Nezumi, and Rikiga to plan an infiltration of the Correctional Facility to rescue Safu, using their street smarts and resources to assist the mission.
Throughout the series, Inukashi undergoes a subtle but significant development. While they claim to despise humans and only care for their dogs, their interactions with Shion begin to challenge this belief. They find themself getting attached and wondering why. A pivotal moment occurs near the end of the series when Shion saves a baby and entrusts it to Inukashi. This act helps them begin to understand caring for another living being outside of their dogs. Their connection to Nezumi also softens; despite not liking it, they are glad when Nezumi is willing to sing for their dying dogs and when he promises to sing their own soul away should they perish.
Regarding notable abilities, Inukashi possesses an extraordinary affinity with dogs. They are able to command them and act as their leader. Their keen business sense and street cunning allow them to navigate the dangerous and chaotic economy of the West Block, trading in information and goods to survive. While not a fighter in the traditional sense, their toughness and understanding of the West Block's underworld make them a resourceful and resilient survivor.
Inukashi is short, with a slender frame, long dark hair, tan skin, and dark brown eyes. Their clothing, likely due to limited resources in the harsh environment, consists of old, worn garments including a low-cut, long-sleeved button-up blouse of faded maroon, old blue pants ripped at the hems, a grey belt, and tan strapped sandals. Their gender is never explicitly stated, and the narrative keeps it ambiguous throughout the series, a trait reflected in their use of the masculine pronoun ore in the original Japanese.
Their background is marked by abandonment and survival. As a baby, Inukashi was taken in by an old man, but it was primarily his dog that cared for them, a canine they came to refer to as their mother. This early exposure to living and communicating with dogs shaped their entire worldview. Later, while searching for resources, they broke into what they believed was an abandoned home, only to be confronted by its occupant, Nezumi, an encounter that established their long-standing antagonistic relationship.
Inukashi is fiercely independent and possesses a deeply cynical view of humanity, often stating that humans are despicable and that dogs are kinder and better. They are quick-tempered and speak with a blunt, rash manner that often leads others, like the merchant Rikiga, to label them a brat. Despite this rough exterior, they have a softer side that is almost exclusively reserved for their dogs. They are very tough, with another character noting that one might need to watch out more for the dog than the fox, implying a cunning and resilient nature that surpasses even Nezumi's. Beneath their hardened shell lies a deep fear of suffering, pain, and death, a vulnerability they are surprisingly open about, which Nezumi occasionally exploits for manipulation. They are wary and have a great understanding of the brutal world they inhabit.
Their primary motivation is survival, both for themselves and their pack of dogs. To achieve this, they run a hotel within a dilapidated building, renting out rooms as well as their dogs to homeless people, who use the animals for warmth. In addition to this unique service, they operate as an informant and a dealer, buying and selling information, food, clothing, and other goods to those who can pay. Their deep bond with their dogs is their central driving force. The dogs see Inukashi as their leader and follow their every command, and any insult to the memory of the dog who raised them is met with extreme hostility.
Inukashi's role in the story is that of a necessary ally and a sometimes reluctant helper to the protagonists, Shion and Nezumi. Initially viewing Shion as a strange and naive oddball, they eventually offer him a job washing their dogs. Over time, they develop a soft spot for Shion, caring for him more than they would like to admit. Their relationship with Nezumi is strictly business on the surface, often volatile and filled with arguments and threats. This stems partly from a past incident where Nezumi charged a high price to sing for the soul of Inukashi's dying canine mother. Despite this, a grudging regard exists, and Inukashi finds themself worrying about both Shion's and Nezumi's safety when the two infiltrate the Correctional Facility. They join forces with Shion, Nezumi, and Rikiga to plan an infiltration of the Correctional Facility to rescue Safu, using their street smarts and resources to assist the mission.
Throughout the series, Inukashi undergoes a subtle but significant development. While they claim to despise humans and only care for their dogs, their interactions with Shion begin to challenge this belief. They find themself getting attached and wondering why. A pivotal moment occurs near the end of the series when Shion saves a baby and entrusts it to Inukashi. This act helps them begin to understand caring for another living being outside of their dogs. Their connection to Nezumi also softens; despite not liking it, they are glad when Nezumi is willing to sing for their dying dogs and when he promises to sing their own soul away should they perish.
Regarding notable abilities, Inukashi possesses an extraordinary affinity with dogs. They are able to command them and act as their leader. Their keen business sense and street cunning allow them to navigate the dangerous and chaotic economy of the West Block, trading in information and goods to survive. While not a fighter in the traditional sense, their toughness and understanding of the West Block's underworld make them a resourceful and resilient survivor.