Ryūnosuke Akutagawa views the world in stark black and white, adhering to a “survival of the fittest” philosophy where the weak must perish to make way for the strong. He is unafraid of pain or defeat, driven by the desire to hear even a single word of acknowledgment from a certain figure in his life. His ruthless and vicious nature makes him one of the most feared members of the Port Mafia. Subordinates of the Black Lizard follow his orders largely out of fear, as Akutagawa is quick to punish incompetence or defiance. Self-styled as the Port Mafia’s “dog,” Akutagawa is willing to commit heinous crimes to advance both the organization’s goals and his personal agenda. Merciless and blunt, he shows no hesitation in killing targets, whether they are civilians, children, or enemies. While hostile towards the weak, he dislikes unnecessary torture and prefers to end lives quickly whenever possible.

Despite his violent tendencies, Akutagawa often maintains a composed and detached demeanor, distancing himself from personal connections. However, his composure is fragile; his temper flares quickly, especially when faced with mistakes or perceived disrespect. This volatile anger stems from his traumatic past as an orphan in Yokohama’s slums, where survival was a constant struggle. Meeting Osamu Dazai at age 14 marked a turning point in Akutagawa’s life. Though initially an independent and ferocious fighter, his encounter with Dazai instilled a deep sense of respect and a desire for approval. Even after enduring Dazai’s harsh and often cruel training methods, Akutagawa remained steadfast in his belief that strength was paramount, clashing with Dazai’s emphasis on strategy and intelligence.

Dazai’s departure from the Port Mafia left a deep scar on Akutagawa, amplifying his feelings of inferiority. Dazai’s high regard for Sakunosuke Oda, a man who refused to kill, only deepened Akutagawa’s self-doubt. These feelings of inadequacy transferred to Atsushi Nakajima, Dazai’s new protégé, whom Akutagawa initially dismissed as weak and undeserving of Dazai’s attention. Their rivalry, born out of resentment and jealousy, becomes a central part of Akutagawa’s character arc. While he views Atsushi as a paradox—someone weak yet determined to find meaning in life—Akutagawa begins to recognize Atsushi’s strength over time. Though their animosity remains, he develops a grudging respect for his rival, even offering Atsushi moments of insight and support during their battles.

Beneath his rage and bitterness, Akutagawa occasionally displays a more compassionate side, particularly in his relationship with his younger sister, Gin. He demonstrates a willingness to help her and shows rare moments of vulnerability in their interactions. Additionally, after being saved by Higuchi and the Black Lizard, Akutagawa expresses gratitude, acknowledging the effort made on his behalf. These brief glimpses of humanity suggest that, despite his hardened exterior, Akutagawa is capable of growth and connection.

Ultimately, Akutagawa’s personality is a complex blend of anger, determination, and a deep-seated desire for validation. His brutal honesty and unyielding nature make him both a fearsome adversary and a tragic figure shaped by his harsh upbringing and unfulfilled need for approval.

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa has a slim build and notably pale skin. His frequent coughing often leads him to cover his mouth with his hand. His hair is short, choppy, and black, with distinctive white tips at the ends of his chin-length side bangs. His sharp, somewhat baggy eyes are a dark, empty grey, contributing to his overall gaunt and intense appearance.

Akutagawa’s signature outfit consists of a long black coat that extends past his knees, paired with black fitted pants and black dress shoes. Beneath the coat, he wears a white dress shirt adorned with layered ruffled fabric and a white jabot, lending a Victorian flair to his attire. When cloaked in Rashōmon, his coat completely envelops his body, including his mouth, enhancing his menacing presence.

During his time in the slums, Akutagawa wore dirty and tattered clothes, reflecting his harsh and impoverished upbringing. On his days off, his style is simplified to a black coat paired with frameless tinted glasses, presenting a more understated look. After being bitten by Bram Stoker, Akutagawa’s appearance transforms, taking on a vampiric form.

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa and his younger sister, Gin, grew up as orphans in the slums alongside a group of about eight other children. Life in the slums was harsh, and the polluted air took a toll on Akutagawa’s health, leaving him with weakened lungs and chronic illness. Despite their dire circumstances, the children relied on one another for survival.

One day, the group accidentally overheard details about a Port Mafia shipment intended for low-level subordinates. The mafia men, realizing this, tracked down the children and brutally killed all but Akutagawa and Gin, who managed to escape. The traumatic event left Akutagawa scarred and vengeful.

Determined to honor a promise made with his fallen companions, Akutagawa sought out the location of the shipment to exact revenge on the men who murdered them. However, when he arrived, he discovered that the six men were already dead—killed on the orders of Osamu Dazai, who had been observing Akutagawa. Dazai, impressed by Akutagawa’s potential, presented him with a choice: join the Port Mafia as his student or take enough money to ensure he and Gin never experienced poverty again.

Overwhelmed by grief, rage, and an unfamiliar sense of respect for Dazai, Akutagawa chose to join the Port Mafia, setting him on the path to becoming one of its most feared operatives.

Akutagawa’s ability, Rashōmon (羅生門, Rashōmon), allows him to transform his overcoat into a dark, shadow-like monster that is both highly versatile and immensely destructive. Rashōmon can cut through virtually anything, including solid objects, enemies, and even intangible elements like space itself. This makes it a formidable weapon in both offense and defense.

The ability is not limited to his overcoat; Akutagawa can extend Rashōmon’s influence to other articles of clothing as well, enhancing his versatility in combat. With precise control, he can unleash devastating attacks, form protective barriers, or manipulate the ability to suit various combat scenarios. Rashōmon’s sheer destructive power, combined with Akutagawa’s skillful use, solidifies his status as one of the most dangerous members of the Port Mafia.

As a senior member of the Port Mafia, Akutagawa undertakes dangerous missions and serves as a key enforcer for the organization. His ability, Rashōmon, makes him one of the most feared members of the mafia, capable of inflicting massive destruction with ease.

Akutagawa views Atsushi Nakajima as a rival and frequently clashes with him throughout the series. Their dynamic represents a contrast between Atsushi’s growth and Akutagawa’s struggle for recognition, adding depth to their conflict.

Akutagawa’s relationship with Osamu Dazai is a central aspect of his character. He sees Dazai as both a mentor and a symbol of his inadequacies, driving him to seek Dazai’s acknowledgment through acts of strength and brutality.

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa is a symbol of determination, conflict, and complexity in Bungo Stray Dogs. His journey to gain strength and recognition, coupled with his ruthless use of Rashōmon, makes him one of the series’ most compelling and tragic characters. Akutagawa’s relationships, particularly with Dazai and Atsushi, further highlight themes of growth, mentorship, and the pursuit of self-worth, solidifying his role as a central figure in the series.