Tanizaki had a slim, average build with orange hair, hazel eyes, and pale skin. His hair was parted in the middle, with its spikes sweeping downward, and he wore a light grey bobby pin clipped on his left side. Complementing his hairstyle, Tanizaki also wore earrings that matched the color of his pin.

His usual attire included an oversized off-white V-neck sweater with a black stripe on the collar, light blue pants, and brown shoes. A red sweater was wrapped around his waist, adding a casual touch to his outfit. Underneath his sweater, he wore a black tank top.

Following the Cannibalism Arc, Tanizaki donned a formal suit during the Agency’s celebration. Later, when the Armed Detective Agency was framed as terrorists, he wore a white hooded suit and eventually changed into riot gear, complete with black boots and gloves, originally taken from the military police.

Tanizaki was arguably one of the most “average” members of the Armed Detective Agency, lacking the eccentric or loud characteristics that many of his colleagues exhibited. However, he often participated in their shenanigans, especially when instructed by senior members like Doppo Kunikida. He sometimes expressed feeling mediocre as a detective, with an ability that he considered “not too useful for battle.” Despite this, he assured newcomers like Atsushi Nakajima that he had managed to last in their dangerous line of work. Tanizaki also showed humility and politeness, readily apologizing for his actions when necessary, such as when he apologized to Atsushi for his seemingly rude demeanor during the latter’s entrance exam, even though it was part of his role.

Tanizaki had a knack for adapting to his surroundings, often using his illusory ability to excel in reconnaissance missions. His adaptability extended to acting, where he convincingly played roles such as a bomber, even when such roles were unplanned. However, he was prone to nervousness in certain situations, like visiting the Ministry of Home Affairs’ secret base or flying a plane solo, which earned him the nickname “wimpiest in the east,” complementing Atsushi’s “wimpiest in the west.”

Despite his calm and humble demeanor, Tanizaki had a fragile sense of morality. He was willing to take drastic measures to preserve himself and the Agency, even if it involved highly immoral actions such as harming civilians, aiming to kill enemies, or considering alliances with the Mafia. These impulsive tendencies occasionally made him a liability, as his actions could endanger his colleagues, the Agency’s reputation, and Yokohama as a whole.

Tanizaki cared deeply for his fellow Agency members but had an especially intense devotion to his sister, Naomi. Her well-being often became his top priority, and he would not hesitate to act violently and bloodthirstily toward anyone who harmed her. Although he was frequently embarrassed by her antics and physical displays of affection, he cherished her deeply, once declaring that morality, ego, and pride meant nothing to him compared to her safety. His protective instincts were so strong that he openly threatened even the Mafia’s Black Lizard commanders, vowing to kill them if they ever laid a finger on Naomi.

Tanizaki’s ability, Light Snow (細雪 Sasame Yuki), allowed him to create illusions within a specific range around him, shrouding the area in a gentle snowfall. These illusions could manipulate the perception of reality, enabling Tanizaki to mislead or deceive opponents by crafting false environments, concealing his movements, or confusing his enemies. This ability was particularly useful in reconnaissance missions and situations requiring stealth, as it provided a strategic advantage without directly engaging in combat. However, its effectiveness depended on the situation and the element of surprise, making it a more subtle and support-oriented ability compared to those of his peers.

Tanizaki was a competent cook, capable of preparing various dishes with care and skill. One of his notable specialties was Hayashi rice, a flavorful Japanese-style hashed beef stew served with rice. His cooking ability reflected his thoughtful and meticulous nature, often providing comfort to those around him through his culinary efforts. This skill added a touch of normalcy and warmth to his otherwise dangerous and unpredictable life as a member of the Armed Detective Agency

Tanizaki lived alone with his younger sister, Naomi, forming a close sibling bond that was central to his life. Little is known about their past or what happened to their parents, leaving much of their background a mystery. Before joining the Armed Detective Agency, Tanizaki was a student, and his transition into the Agency was marked by a particularly harsh and severe entrance exam. The experience was so intense that Tanizaki buried the memories deep within his subconscious, suggesting that recalling them might trigger unresolved trauma. This enigmatic past adds a layer of depth to Tanizaki’s otherwise calm and composed demeanor, hinting at the challenges he faced before finding his place in the Agency.

Jun’ichirō Tanizaki embodies themes of family, loyalty, and resourcefulness in Bungo Stray Dogs. His ability to create illusions with Light Snow and his close relationship with Naomi highlight the importance of bonds and emotional support in overcoming challenges. As a member of the Armed Detective Agency, Tanizaki’s calm and dependable nature leaves a lasting impression, both within the series and among fans.