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Émile Durkheim

Dobu

Dobu (ドブ, Dobu) is a prominent character in the anime series Odd Taxi. A 39-year-old anthropomorphic gelada baboon, Dobu is a member of the yakuza involved in various criminal activities. His cunning and manipulative nature make him a central figure in the series, driving much of the tension and conflict in the story.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Dobu is depicted as a gelada baboon with distinctive facial features that include a pronounced muzzle and sharp, intimidating eyes. His rugged appearance is accentuated by his dark gray fur and rough demeanor, which reflect his life in the criminal underworld. Dobu is usually dressed in a red jacket worn over a dark shirt, complemented by casual pants and rugged shoes. His attire adds to his intimidating aura, underscoring his status as a seasoned gangster.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Dobu with an intense, furious expression, radiating his intimidating and volatile nature

Personality

Dobu is a complex character, blending ruthless pragmatism with moments of sharp humor and cunning. As a yakuza enforcer, he is unafraid to use intimidation and violence to achieve his goals, but his methods also rely heavily on psychological manipulation and careful planning. Despite his menacing persona, Dobu occasionally displays a surprising level of insight and wit, making him an intriguing antagonist.

Dobu’s primary motivations revolve around money, power, and self-preservation. His willingness to exploit others for personal gain is tempered by his calculated approach to challenges, which often sets him apart from his more impulsive counterparts in the criminal world.

Role in the Story

Connection to Odokawa
Dobu’s relationship with Hiroshi Odokawa, the series’ protagonist, is a key element of the narrative. Although their interactions are initially antagonistic, Dobu recognizes Odokawa’s unique intelligence and resourcefulness, leading to a tenuous partnership at times. Their dynamic is marked by tension, wit, and mutual distrust, driving much of the series’ plot forward.

Criminal Activities
As a yakuza member, Dobu is deeply entangled in the series’ criminal underworld. His schemes include smuggling, robbery, and debt collection, often putting him at odds with law enforcement and rival factions. Dobu’s actions frequently escalate the stakes for Odokawa and other characters, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.

Rivalry with Yano
Dobu’s rivalry with Yano, a fellow yakuza member, serves as one of the show’s central conflicts. Their clashing personalities and methods of operation create a volatile dynamic, with Dobu’s pragmatism often at odds with Yano’s flamboyant style and rhyming speech patterns. This rivalry highlights the internal struggles within the yakuza hierarchy.

Relationships

  • Hiroshi Odokawa: Dobu sees Odokawa as both a threat and a potential ally, depending on the situation. Their uneasy alliance showcases Dobu’s strategic thinking and ability to adapt.
  • Yano: Dobu’s rivalry with Yano is characterized by deep animosity and competing ambitions, driving much of the yakuza-related tension in the story.
  • Shiho Ichimura: Dobu’s interactions with Shiho reveal his ability to manipulate others for his own ends, showcasing his role as a cunning antagonist.
  • Trivia

  • Dobu’s name translates to “ditch” or “gutter” in Japanese, symbolizing his connection to the darker, criminal aspects of society.
  • His character design as a gelada baboon reflects his rugged and dangerous personality, emphasizing his role as a seasoned gangster.
  • Despite his criminal nature, Dobu’s sharp wit and occasional humor make him a fan-favorite character.
  • Legacy

    Dobu’s character embodies the themes of morality, manipulation, and survival in Odd Taxi. As both an antagonist and a reluctant collaborator, he adds depth and complexity to the story’s exploration of the criminal underworld. His dynamic with Odokawa and rivalry with Yano highlight the nuanced storytelling of Odd Taxi, making Dobu a memorable and impactful character in the series.