
Izaya Orihara
Izaya Orihara |
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Kanji | 折原 臨也 |
Rōmaji | Orihara Izaya |
Age: | 23 (at introduction) |
Birthday: | May 4 |
Height: | 175 cm (5’9″) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Hiroshi Kamiya |
English | Johnny Yong Bosch |
Izaya Orihara (折原 臨也, Orihara Izaya), is a cunning and enigmatic information broker in Durarara!!. Known for his manipulative nature and vast influence, Izaya serves as one of the series’ most pivotal characters. He claims to love humanity, often exploiting its darker tendencies for his own amusement. Despite his professed affection for people, Izaya harbors an intense hatred for Shizuo Heiwajima, with whom he shares a long-standing rivalry. As a member of the Dollars and the mastermind behind multiple conflicts in Ikebukuro, Izaya plays a central role in shaping the series’ events.
Background

Appearance in anime
Izaya’s origins remain shrouded in mystery, contributing to his enigmatic persona. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary intellect and a deep fascination with human behavior. He began his career as an information broker, amassing a vast network of connections in both the legal and criminal worlds. Izaya’s manipulation of people and events has allowed him to gain immense power and influence in Ikebukuro, but it has also earned him many enemies.
He is one of the founders of Amphisbaena, a smuggling organization, and Heaven’s Slave, a human trafficking ring. His involvement with these groups demonstrates his willingness to exploit human suffering to achieve his goals. Izaya is also a prominent member of the Dollars, though his true motivations for joining remain ambiguous.
Appearance
Izaya is a slender man with short black hair and sharp facial features. He typically wears a black jacket with a fur-lined hood, which has become his trademark look. His piercing gaze and smirk reflect his confidence and superiority complex. Despite his casual attire, Izaya carries an air of sophistication and danger, which makes him a striking presence.
Personality
Izaya’s personality is defined by his manipulative and sadistic tendencies. He delights in orchestrating conflicts and observing how people react under pressure, viewing humanity as a fascinating experiment. While he claims to love all humans, his actions often suggest otherwise, as he frequently exploits their weaknesses for his own gain.
Izaya is highly intelligent, analytical, and strategic, always staying several steps ahead of his adversaries. He thrives in chaos and enjoys creating discord among the various factions in Ikebukuro. Despite his aloof and composed demeanor, he has a deeply narcissistic streak and harbors insecurities about his place in the world. His rivalry with Shizuo Heiwajima highlights his need to prove his superiority, even at great personal risk.
Role in the Story
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Mastermind Behind Ikebukuro’s Chaos
Izaya serves as a central antagonist in Durarara!!, manipulating events and people to create chaos in Ikebukuro. His actions often pit the city’s factions such as the Dollars, the Yellow Scarves, and the Saika Army against each other, furthering his own agenda while keeping himself out of the spotlight. -
Conflict with Shizuo Heiwajima
Izaya’s rivalry with Shizuo is one of the series’ most iconic dynamics. He often provokes Shizuo into violent outbursts, using him as a pawn in his schemes while simultaneously trying to prove his intellectual superiority. Their animosity stems from Izaya’s belief that Shizuo embodies everything he despises in humanity uncontrolled strength and raw emotion. -
Manipulation of Mikado Ryuugamine
Izaya plays a key role in Mikado’s transformation throughout the series. By feeding Mikado information and subtly guiding his decisions, Izaya pushes him toward embracing his darker impulses and taking a more active role in the Dollars. This manipulation underscores Izaya’s ability to influence even the most unsuspecting individuals. -
Role in the Final Arc
In the later arcs of Durarara!!, Izaya’s schemes come to a head as his manipulations unravel and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. His rivalry with Shizuo culminates in a dramatic confrontation, marking a turning point in their dynamic and forcing Izaya to reevaluate his place in Ikebukuro.
Relationships
Shizuo Heiwajima
Izaya’s hatred for Shizuo is both personal and philosophical, as he views Shizuo as an uncontrollable force of nature that contradicts his belief in humanity’s complexity. Their rivalry drives much of the series’ conflict.
Mikado Ryuugamine
Izaya sees Mikado as a fascinating experiment, manipulating him to explore his darker tendencies. He views Mikado as a potential successor in his chaotic endeavors.
Celty Sturluson
While Izaya occasionally assists Celty in her search for her head, his true intentions remain unclear, as he often exploits her vulnerabilities for his own amusement.
Namie Yagiri
Namie serves as Izaya’s secretary, though their relationship is far from professional. Namie’s unrequited love for her brother and Izaya’s manipulation of her emotions create a toxic dynamic.