Kiyoshi Taira
Kiyoshi Taira |
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| Kanji: | 平 清 |
| Romaji | Kiyoshi Taira |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 51 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 164 cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Tōru Ōkawa |
| English: | Andrew Love |
Kiyoshi Taira, is a supporting character in the anime and manga series Btooom!. Originally a mild-mannered and gentle individual, Taira becomes one of the participants forcibly thrown into the deadly real-life version of the Btooom! video game. He briefly allies himself with protagonists Ryōta Sakamoto and Himiko, forming one of the few peaceful trios in the early stages of the game.
Despite his initial kindness and loyalty, Taira’s mental state rapidly deteriorates under the pressure of the survival game. Paranoia, injuries, and isolation begin to consume him, ultimately leading to his betrayal of his allies and a tragic downfall that ends in suicide.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Saejima is a dependable and friendly coworker in the same office as Yukiya Himuro and Mio Fuyutsuki. Though he does not possess any supernatural abilities like some of his colleagues, Saejima stands out due to his grounded nature, strong work ethic, and reliable presence. He quickly becomes one of the people who helps bridge the gap between the human and supernatural employees at the office, treating everyone with equal respect and humor. His open-minded attitude and approachable personality make him someone others often turn to for casual conversation or support, whether it’s about work or personal matters.
Before joining the company, Saejima likely followed a traditional route into corporate life, and while not much is revealed about his past, it’s clear that he values camaraderie, honesty, and balance in his professional and personal life. His steady nature contrasts well with the eccentricities around him, allowing him to act as a social anchor. Over time, Saejima becomes especially close to Komori-san, with whom he shares a charming and slowly developing romantic dynamic. Through his interactions, Saejima contributes to the warm, comedic tone of the series and highlights the importance of normalcy and kindness in a workplace filled with magical quirks.
Appearance
Taira is a middle-aged man with a stocky build, short dark hair, and tired eyes that hint at his age and weariness. He often appears sweaty, nervous, or anxious, especially as the pressure of the island begins to weigh on him. His clothing is practical and rugged, becoming more disheveled as the game progresses.
As his physical and mental state deteriorates, Taira’s appearance reflects his growing desperation he becomes more unkempt and visibly distressed.
Personality
Taira begins the game as gentle, cooperative, and humble. He prefers to avoid conflict and expresses a genuine desire to cooperate and escape the island without resorting to murder. Among early characters, he stands out for his sympathetic demeanor and willingness to trust others.
However, Taira is also emotionally fragile, and the stress of the game, coupled with a severe injury and growing suspicion, leads to paranoia and despair. His breakdown reflects the psychological trauma inflicted on even the most kind-hearted individuals in a kill-or-be-killed scenario. His eventual betrayal of Ryōta and Himiko is not rooted in malice but in hopelessness and fear, making his fate all the more tragic.
Role in the Story
Alliance with Ryōta and Himiko: Taira meets Ryōta early in the story and quickly forms an alliance, relieved to have found someone trustworthy. When Himiko joins their group, Taira is supportive of their teamwork and remains a stabilizing figure for a time.
Decline and Paranoia: After suffering a serious leg injury, Taira becomes increasingly dependent on Ryōta and Himiko. The injury, combined with isolation and the harsh reality of the game, causes his mental state to unravel. He becomes suspicious that his allies might abandon or harm him, despite their continued loyalty.
Betrayal and Suicide: In a moment of fear and desperation, Taira betrays Ryōta and Himiko, hoping to escape or gain the upper hand. However, his betrayal immediately backfires, and wracked with guilt and despair, he ultimately takes his own life, unable to cope with what he has done or the environment he’s trapped in.
Relationships
Ryōta Sakamoto: Initially Taira’s most trusted ally. He relies heavily on Ryōta for survival and emotional support, but their relationship is tragically cut short by Taira’s breakdown and betrayal. Ryōta is deeply affected by Taira’s death.
Himiko: Taira treats Himiko kindly and views her as part of their fragile group. Though not especially close, he respects her strength and presence, and his betrayal hurts her emotionally as well.