Nobutaka Oda
Nobutaka Oda |
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| Kanji: | 織田信孝 |
| Romaji | Nobutaka Oda |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 22 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 181 cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Yūichi Nakamura |
| English: | Crash Buist |
Nobutaka Oda, is a major character and one of the most dangerous players in the survival-themed anime and manga series Btooom!. A former classmate of the main protagonist Ryota Sakamoto, Oda enters the deadly game with a cold and ruthless mindset, quickly establishing himself as a formidable and feared opponent. His strategic brilliance, physical strength, and emotionally detached nature make him a critical figure in both the psychological tension and thematic conflict of the story.
Though once closely connected to Ryota, Oda’s path is marked by betrayal and a warped worldview shaped by power struggles and personal trauma. His actions throughout the series raise questions about morality, survival, and the thin line between dominance and cruelty.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Nobutaka Oda and Ryota Sakamoto were once high school classmates, and Oda was regarded as charismatic, athletic, and popular. However, his confident surface masked manipulative tendencies, which became more apparent as the two fell out. Their relationship soured after a complex and controversial incident involving a female classmate, which left deep scars and shaped their later animosity.
Oda eventually built a successful career as an elite businessman, but his dark nature and disregard for others made him a target for nomination into the Btooom! real-life survival game, where individuals are dropped onto a remote island and forced to kill to survive using BIMs (bombs). Unlike many players who were thrown into the game unwillingly, Oda embraces the violence and strategy, seeing it as a proving ground for superiority.
Appearance
Oda is a tall and muscular man, with a strong, imposing build that makes him intimidating even before combat begins. He has short black hair, sharp facial features, and a calm yet cold expression that rarely shifts, even in moments of tension. His composed demeanor gives off an air of control, making it difficult to read his true intentions.
He typically wears practical clothing suited for survival, and carries himself with confidence, often using his body language to assert dominance in conversations or confrontations.
Personality
Nobutaka Oda is intelligent, ruthless, and highly pragmatic. He views the Btooom! game as a battlefield of wits and power, and unlike many other players, he shows little hesitation in killing to secure his survival. His sharp mind allows him to outthink enemies and manipulate allies, and he often uses psychological tactics to disarm or intimidate his targets.
However, Oda is not driven purely by malice he is a cynic, shaped by betrayal, disillusionment, and a desire for control. His actions reflect a belief that trust is a weakness, and survival requires cold logic. While he is often portrayed as a villain, glimpses into his past reveal a more nuanced character whose ideals were warped by experience.
Role in the Story
A Shadow from Ryota’s Past: Oda’s introduction into the game shocks Ryota, who recognizes him from high school. Their shared history creates tension, as Ryota must confront the emotional wounds left by Oda’s betrayal. Oda, in turn, views Ryota as naïve and ill-suited for the game’s brutality.
Power Player: Unlike many contestants, Oda quickly masters the use of BIMs and asserts dominance by eliminating opponents and manipulating others into alliances. His battlefield prowess and ability to stay calm under pressure make him one of the deadliest participants.
Confrontation and Psychological Duel: As the game progresses, Oda and Ryota find themselves on opposing ideological paths. While Ryota seeks humanity, trust, and escape, Oda embraces control, violence, and the opportunity to impose his worldview. Their eventual confrontation serves as one of the series’ climactic moments, both physically and morally.
Relationships
Ryōta Sakamoto: Once classmates, their bond deteriorated after a betrayal involving a fellow student. In the game, they become ideological and literal enemies, with Oda acting as a foil to Ryota’s more hopeful and moral stance. Their dynamic is one of the emotional cores of the story.
Other Players: Oda sees most other players as either tools or obstacles. While capable of forming alliances, he is not above betrayal and manipulation if it benefits his strategy. His cool demeanor makes him difficult to read, keeping others constantly on edge around him.