As a child, Azuma Genkaku was raised in a Buddhist temple, where he endured relentless abuse from his fellow monks-in-training. He was subjected to severe bullying, physical beatings, and even sexual assault. During this time, he found solace in caring for an injured kitten, forming one of his few emotional attachments.

Despite the cruelty he suffered, Genkaku maintained an outwardly calm demeanor. When confronted by the temple’s Bhikkhu (ordained Buddhist monk) after another altercation, the elder chastised him, stating, “It seems you can only sow and reap evil, Genkaku.” In response, Genkaku expressed no resentment toward his tormentors, instead remarking, “I have no hate. They are probably suffering. They are weak, unfortunate, foolish people living in a fanatical world.” However, he struggled with the concept of salvation and questioned Buddha, asking, “Why did you decide death should be painful without experiencing it yourself?”

Following the Great Tokyo Earthquake, Genkaku returned to the ruined temple, only to find the lifeless body of the kitten he had once cared for. Among the debris, he discovered one of his former tormentors wounded and trapped beneath rubble pleading for help. Rather than offering aid, Genkaku seemingly embraced a new philosophy. When the Bhikkhu later arrived in search of survivors, he found Genkaku sitting beneath a makeshift shrine built from the mutilated corpses of the other monks. In a chilling revelation, Genkaku proclaimed, “I have understood the salvation of the living.” He had come to believe that true salvation could only be achieved through death.

Genkaku was later taken into Deadman Wonderland, where he was recruited by Tsunenaga Tamaki and trained as an Undertaker for at least three years. Two years before the events of the series, he was responsible for murdering the wife of Nagi Kengamine, a tragedy that sent Nagi into a violent rampage, resulting in the deaths of twenty-two Undertaker soldiers. During the assault, Genkaku, despite his reputation, hid in a locker out of fear. This experience deeply affected him, leading him to develop an obsessive fixation on Nagi, hoping to ultimately convert him to the Undertakers’ cause.

Azuma Genkaku is a young man with long, unkempt red hair, which was noticeably shorter before his time in Deadman Wonderland. He wears the traditional robes of a Japanese monk, accompanied by a set of prayer beads adorned with a skull. His attire and overall presence reflect his self-proclaimed identity as an Ultra Buddhist Priest, contrasting sharply with his violent and fanatical beliefs.

At first glance, Azuma Genkaku appears laid-back and irreverent, but beneath this casual facade lies a deeply violent and unstable individual. He is impulsive, excessively brutal, and harbors a twisted sense of amusement in battle, often grinning psychotically while fighting or killing. His sadistic nature is evident in his complete disregard for human life, including that of his own subordinates, whom he slaughters without hesitation.

Genkaku firmly believes that life is defined by pain and suffering, and that true peace can only be achieved through death. This philosophy drives his merciless actions, as he views murder as a form of salvation. Even in his final moments, as he faces defeat at the hands of Ganta Igarashi and Nagi Kengamine, he accepts his fate with a smile.

Despite his violent tendencies, Genkaku considers himself a patient individual. He has a particular fondness for rock music and is frequently seen smoking, adding to his rebellious and unpredictable nature.

Flying V Nirvana
Genkaku’s primary weapon is a V-shaped electric guitar known as Flying V Nirvana, which doubles as a firearm. In the manga, the guitar splits into two machine guns that fire live bullets, while in the anime, it shoots compressed air-like projectiles. The weapon was first damaged by Shiro and was ultimately destroyed when Ganta Igarashi used his Ganbare Gun against him.

Worm Eater
Genkaku also carries a skull-shaped pendant around his neck, which contains the Worm Eater, an anti-Deadman weapon designed to neutralize Branch of Sin abilities. However, this pendant was destroyed when Genkaku attempted to block Ganta’s Supersonic Ganta Gun, leaving him vulnerable in battle.