Taiju Shiba
Taiju Shiba |
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| Kanji: | 柴 大寿 |
| Romaji | Shiba Taiju |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 28 (2018) |
| Birthday: | July 24, 1989 |
| Height: | 195 cm (6’5″) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Tomokazu Sugita |
| English: | Ray Chase |
Taiju Shiba (柴 大寿, Shiba Taiju), is the Seventh Division Captain of the Tokyo Manji Gang and the older brother of Yuzuha and Hakkai Shiba. A ruthless and tyrannical figure, Taiju was formerly the leader of the 10th Generation Black Dragon, one of the most notorious delinquent groups. His aggressive leadership and violent nature make him a formidable antagonist in the Tokyo Revengers series, particularly during the Black Dragon Arc, where he serves as the primary antagonist.
In an alternate timeline, Taiju is the Sixth Division Captain of the Second Generation Tokyo Manji Gang, further cementing his importance in the gang’s complex history. Despite his violent nature, Taiju’s character is driven by a sense of family loyalty and his own misguided ambitions, making him one of the most memorable and intense figures in the series.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Taiju Shiba’s background is marked by a deep-seated desire for power and control, which he has pursued throughout his life. As the leader of the 10th Generation Black Dragon, Taiju was known for his brutal leadership style, ruling through fear and intimidation. His reign over Black Dragon was characterized by violence and dominance, with little regard for the well-being of those around him. This harsh environment shaped his worldview and made him a deeply manipulative and power-hungry individual.
Taiju’s relationship with his younger siblings, particularly Hakkai, is complicated by his abusive nature. Despite being their older brother, Taiju often uses his authority to bully and dominate Hakkai and Yuzuha, creating a toxic family dynamic. His treatment of Hakkai, in particular, serves as a driving force for Hakkai’s personal struggles and his desire to break free from Taiju’s oppressive control.
In the alternate timeline, Taiju becomes the Sixth Division Captain of the Second Generation Tokyo Manji Gang, which showcases his adaptability and continued influence in the world of delinquents. His ambition to rise through the ranks and dominate his enemies remains a central part of his character.
Appearance
Taiju Shiba has an imposing and physically intimidating appearance, fitting his violent and domineering personality. He is a tall and muscular man with long, dark hair and sharp, piercing eyes. His facial expressions often reflect his aggressive nature, with a stern and scowling demeanor that adds to his intimidating presence.
Taiju’s attire typically includes the Black Dragon uniform, which signifies his leadership role within the group, and later the Tokyo Manji Gang uniform as the Sixth Division Captain in the alternate timeline. His clothing and posture reflect his authoritative personality, with his physical presence alone often enough to command attention and instill fear.
Personality
Taiju Shiba is a character defined by his brutal and tyrannical personality. He is ruthless, domineering, and manipulative, using fear and violence to control those around him. As the leader of the 10th Generation Black Dragon, Taiju is known for his unforgiving nature, ruling through strength and fear rather than respect. His violent tendencies are matched only by his overwhelming arrogance, believing himself to be superior to others, especially those weaker than him.
Despite his cruelty, Taiju’s actions are also motivated by a warped sense of family loyalty. He views his younger siblings, particularly Hakkai and Yuzuha, as possessions or tools to further his goals, which complicates the familial relationships in the story. Taiju’s deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing control are central to his character, and these emotions drive much of his violent outbursts and manipulative actions.
Although Taiju is an antagonist, his character is layered with complexity, particularly in his relationships with his siblings. His desire to keep his family under his thumb is a reflection of his need for power and control, and his inability to let go of these ties is what leads to his eventual downfall.
Role in the Story
Leader of the 10th Generation Black Dragon: Taiju Shiba’s most significant role in Tokyo Revengers is as the leader of the 10th Generation Black Dragon. His leadership is defined by violence, fear, and strict control, and his group is feared by other delinquent factions. As the leader, Taiju uses his position to dominate and terrorize those around him, often resorting to extreme measures to maintain his authority. His reign over Black Dragon is marked by cruelty, and his abusive leadership style makes him one of the most formidable antagonists in the series.
Antagonist in the Black Dragon Arc: Taiju serves as the main antagonist in the Black Dragon Arc, where his violent confrontations with the Tokyo Manji Gang escalate the tension between the two groups. His abusive relationship with his younger brother Hakkai and his harsh treatment of Yuzuha are key plot points that drive the conflict. Taiju’s antagonism serves as a catalyst for the emotional and physical battles that take place during this arc, highlighting his role as a destructive force in the lives of those around him.
Sixth Division Captain of the Second Generation Tokyo Manji Gang: In an alternate timeline, Taiju becomes the Sixth Division Captain of the Second Generation Tokyo Manji Gang. His presence in this timeline showcases his resilience and adaptability, as he continues to rise through the ranks of delinquent gangs despite his violent past. His role in this alternate timeline further demonstrates his ambition and his determination to maintain control over his surroundings, no matter the cost.
Relationships
Hakkai Shiba: Taiju’s relationship with his younger brother Hakkai is marked by cruelty and domination. As the older sibling, Taiju exerts control over Hakkai, bullying him and using their familial bond as a means of manipulation. This toxic dynamic leads to Hakkai’s eventual desire to break free from his brother’s influence and is a key source of conflict in the series.
Yuzuha Shiba: Taiju’s relationship with his younger sister Yuzuha is similarly abusive, with Taiju viewing her as an extension of his control. His treatment of Yuzuha contributes to her emotional turmoil and her desire to escape from his oppressive grip.
Tokyo Manji Gang: As an enemy of the Tokyo Manji Gang, Taiju is involved in numerous conflicts with its members. His brutal leadership of the Black Dragon and his desire to defeat Toman make him a key antagonist during the Black Dragon Arc. However, despite his antagonism, Taiju’s complex motivations are rooted in his own insecurities and need for control.