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Émile Durkheim

Kojiro Sasaki

Kojiro Sasakiis Humanity’s representative in the third round of Ragnarok, where he facesPoseidon, the Greek God of the Seas. Renowned as one of Japan’s greatest swordsmen, Kojiro is a complex figure in history, remembered for his extraordinary skill, indomitable spirit, and a legacy marked by growth through defeat. Despite being famously referred to as“History’s Strongest Loser”(史上最強の敗者ルーザー, Shijōsaikyō no Rūzā), he rises to become“Humanity’s Strongest Swordsman”(人類史上最強の剣士, Jinrui Shijōsaikyō no Kenshi), showcasing his unparalleled mastery in combat.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Kojiro is portrayed as a lean, agile warrior with long, flowing hair and a sharp, perceptive gaze that reflects his battle-hardened experience. His relaxed demeanor often masks his deadly precision and unshakable resolve. He wields his iconic katana with a confident, fluid stance, embodying the essence of a swordsman who has spent a lifetime refining his art.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Kojiro Sasaki, the legendary Japanese swordsman, engaging in battle with his signature Monohoshizao (Drying Pole) katana. Renowned for his unmatched precision and adaptability, Sasaki’s combat prowess is immortalized in tales of his duels.

Abilities

Kojiro Sasaki’s reputation as Humanity’s Strongest Swordsman stems not only from his skill but also from his unmatched ability to adapt and evolve mid-battle. His techniques and mental acumen make him a fearsome opponent, even against divine beings.

  • Pre-Emptive Reflection (事前反射, Jizen Hansha): Kojiro’s signature ability allows him to analyze his opponent’s movements and strategies to perfection, replaying scenarios in his mind to predict and counter their attacks. This makes him a master of adaptation, capable of turning the tide against even the most overwhelming foes.
  • Perfected Swordsmanship: Kojiro’s lifetime of training and battles has honed his swordsmanship to a transcendent level. His movements are swift, precise, and imbued with an instinctive understanding of combat dynamics.
  • Unyielding Determination: While he has experienced countless defeats, each loss has strengthened Kojiro’s resolve, enabling him to grow stronger with every challenge. His mental fortitude is his greatest weapon, allowing him to stand against gods with unwavering confidence.
  • Dual Wielding Mastery: In his battle with Poseidon, Kojiro demonstrates his versatility by using two swords in tandem, enhancing his offensive and defensive capabilities.

Background

Kojiro Sasaki is based on the legendary swordsman from feudal Japan, renowned for his rivalry with Miyamoto Musashi, another iconic figure in Japanese history. Despite losing many of his duels, Kojiro’s defeats became stepping stones for his unparalleled growth as a swordsman. His legacy is one of perseverance, self-improvement, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.

Role in the Story

  • Battle Against Poseidon: Kojiro’s fight with Poseidon is a turning point in Ragnarok, marking Humanity’s first victory. Despite facing the overwhelming power and arrogance of the god, Kojiro’s strategic brilliance and ability to adapt allow him to exploit Poseidon’s weaknesses. His triumph demonstrates that even the gods are not invincible when faced with Humanity’s resilience and ingenuity.
  • Symbol of Human Growth: Kojiro’s role extends beyond his combat skills, serving as a representation of Humanity’s capacity to evolve and overcome challenges. His victory over Poseidon inspires both humans and gods, proving that strength comes not from innate power but from relentless effort and determination.

Relationships

Poseidon

Kojiro’s opponent in the third round of Ragnarok. The clash between the two represents the struggle between divine arrogance and human perseverance, culminating in Kojiro’s decisive victory.

Miyamoto Musashi

Though Musashi does not appear in Record of Ragnarok, Kojiro’s rivalry with him is a cornerstone of his backstory, symbolizing his growth through competition.

Humanity’s Fighters

Kojiro earns the respect of his fellow human representatives through his humility, wisdom, and the lessons he imparts about the value of persistence.

Trivia and Insights

  • Iconic Sword: Kojiro wields his katana with unparalleled precision, often associated with his signature move, the“Swallow Reversal”(燕返し, Tsubame Gaeshi), a technique inspired by his historical counterpart.
  • First Victory for Humanity: Kojiro’s win against Poseidon is Humanity’s first triumph in Ragnarok, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament.
  • Adaptation Master: Kojiro’s ability to predict and counter his opponents’ moves makes him one of the most strategically gifted fighters in the series.

Legacy and Impact

Kojiro Sasaki’s story in Record of Ragnarok resonates as a celebration of human resilience and growth. His victory over Poseidon underscores the series’ central theme: that strength lies not in perfection but in the ability to learn, adapt, and persist. As Humanity’s Strongest Swordsman, Kojiro inspires both his allies and adversaries, proving that even the greatest of gods can be humbled by the indomitable human spirit.