
Mikado Ryuugamine
Mikado Ryuugamine |
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Kanji | 竜ヶ峰帝人 |
Rōmaji | Ryuugamine Mikado |
Age: | 16 (at start) |
Birthday: | March 21 |
Height: | 165 cm (5’5″) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Toshiyuki Toyonaga |
English | Darrel Guilbeau |
Mikado Ryuugamine (竜ヶ峰帝人, Ryuugamine Mikado), is a high school student who moves to Ikebukuro at the beginning of Durarara!! at the invitation of his childhood friend, Masaomi Kida. Behind his seemingly ordinary and shy demeanor, Mikado harbors a desire for excitement and adventure, which eventually leads him into the chaotic world of Ikebukuro’s underworld. He is one of the founders and the enigmatic leader of the Dollars, an internet-based colorless gang, and later becomes the leader of the Blue Squares while also aligning himself with the Saika Army.
Background

Appearance in anime
Mikado grew up in a quiet, uneventful town, yearning for a more exciting and adventurous life. This desire is what prompts him to accept Masaomi’s invitation to move to Ikebukuro and enroll at Raira Academy. Prior to moving, Mikado secretly created the Dollars, an anonymous online group with no hierarchy or specific purpose. Initially a harmless experiment, the Dollars would eventually become one of the most influential factions in Ikebukuro, far surpassing Mikado’s expectations.
As Mikado becomes more involved in the city’s complex web of gangs, conspiracies, and supernatural events, his once-innocent desire for excitement morphs into a dangerous obsession with control and order. His relationships with Masaomi Kida and Anri Sonohara play a pivotal role in shaping his journey, as he grapples with his growing darker tendencies and the consequences of his actions.
Appearance
Mikado has a modest and unassuming appearance, befitting his shy personality. He has short black hair, dark eyes, and typically wears his school uniform: a dark blazer with a white shirt and tie. His simple, almost plain look contrasts with the more flamboyant personalities of Ikebukuro, making his later transformation into a darker character all the more striking.
Personality
At first, Mikado appears timid, polite, and soft-spoken, often struggling to assert himself in unfamiliar situations. However, beneath his shy exterior lies a deeply ambitious and curious individual who yearns for a more extraordinary life. This desire drives many of his decisions and eventually leads him down a morally ambiguous path.
As the series progresses, Mikado begins to reveal a darker, more manipulative side. His increasing need for control and order over the chaotic world of Ikebukuro contrasts sharply with his initial naivety. Despite his flaws, Mikado deeply values his friendships and struggles to reconcile his actions with the people he cares about, particularly Masaomi and Anri.
Role in the Story
-
Arrival in Ikebukuro
Mikado’s journey begins when he moves to Ikebukuro and reconnects with Masaomi Kida. As he adjusts to his new life, he becomes entangled in the city’s mysteries and discovers the existence of its many factions, including the Dollars, the Yellow Scarves, and the enigmatic figure of Celty Sturluson. -
Revealing His Leadership
Mikado’s role as the founder of the Dollars is gradually revealed, showcasing his intelligence and surprising capacity for influence. Despite initially creating the group as a casual experiment, he finds himself at the center of Ikebukuro’s conflicts as the Dollars grow in power and notoriety. -
Dark Transformation
As Mikado becomes more involved in the chaos of Ikebukuro, he begins to embrace a more ruthless and authoritarian approach to managing the Dollars. His alliance with Aoba Kuronuma and the Blue Squares marks a turning point in his character, as he struggles with his growing detachment from morality and his desire to bring order to the city at any cost. -
Conflict with Masaomi and Anri
Mikado’s relationships with Masaomi and Anri are central to his character arc. Masaomi’s warnings about the dangers of Ikebukuro often clash with Mikado’s growing ambition, while Anri’s role as the wielder of Saika adds further complexity to their dynamic. These relationships ultimately force Mikado to confront the consequences of his actions and his darker tendencies.
Relationships
Masaomi Kida
Mikado’s childhood friend and the person who invites him to Ikebukuro. Their friendship becomes strained as Mikado’s actions as the leader of the Dollars grow increasingly extreme.
Anri Sonohara
A close friend and classmate who harbors her own secrets as the wielder of Saika. Mikado has a complex relationship with Anri, marked by a mixture of friendship, admiration, and guilt.
Aoba Kuronuma
A manipulative figure who influences Mikado’s descent into darkness. Aoba’s role as the leader of the Blue Squares makes him both an ally and a dangerous influence on Mikado.
The Dollars
Mikado’s creation, which grows beyond his control and becomes a central force in Ikebukuro’s conflicts. His efforts to manage the Dollars reflect his evolving character and moral struggles.