Yukichi Fukuzawa
Yukichi Fukuzawa |
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Kanji | 福沢 諭吉 |
Rōmaji | Fukuzawa Yukichi |
Statistics | |
Ability | All Men Are Equal |
Reference | An Encouragement of Learning (Series of books by Yukichi Fukuzawa) |
Occupation | Company President Bodyguard (former) Assassin (former) |
Affiliation | Armed Detective Agency Japanese Government (former) |
Appearances | |
Manga Debut | Chapter 2 |
Anime Debut | Episode 2 | Portrayal |
Japanese Voice | Rikiya Koyama Daishi Kajita (young) |
English Voice | Jamieson Price |
Yukichi Fukuzawa (福沢 諭吉, Fukuzawa Yukichi) is the president and founder of the Armed Detective Agency in the Bungo Stray Dogs series. Known for his composed demeanor and sharp intellect, Fukuzawa is a former assassin who now dedicates his life to maintaining peace and justice in Yokohama. Despite his calm exterior, he is a formidable fighter and a respected leader, earning the trust and admiration of his subordinates. His ability, All Men Are Equal, plays a key role in stabilizing and managing the extraordinary abilities of the Agency’s members.
Appearance
Yukichi Fukuzawa
Fukuzawa is a tall man with a serious and stern expression that rarely softens. He has long silver hair that falls just above his shoulders and metallic blue eyes, often accompanied by visible wrinkles and dark circles, giving him a perpetually tired look.
His typical attire consists of a green yukata worn under a black haori adorned with golden zigzag patterns along the borders. He pairs this traditional outfit with zori sandals and white tabi socks, further emphasizing his dignified and traditional appearance.
Twelve years prior, while under the guidance of Sōseki Natsume and before founding the Agency, Fukuzawa’s attire reflected a more formal traditional style. He wore a black hakama over a kimono and a longer haori, accompanied by a scarf with circular patterns. His hair was shorter, only reaching past his neck.
During his teenage years, he donned a hakama and keikogi, standard attire for kendo practitioners. After the events of Cannibalism, Fukuzawa switched to a black yukata and haori paired with a gray divided umanori. Additionally, when receiving the Birch Bow of Exorcism, he opted for a formal Western-style suit, marking a significant shift in his usual traditional aesthetic.
Personality
Fukuzawa Yukichi is a composed and serious individual, embodying the qualities expected from the president of the Armed Detective Agency. He remains calm and collected even in the face of adversaries, ensuring that his demeanor sets a tone of authority and professionalism. As a leader, Fukuzawa prioritizes the safety and well-being of his subordinates above all else, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and care for them. This is evident when he ordered the Agency to suspend all work to focus on rescuing Atsushi Nakajima, and when he showed indignation at threats against the Agency, once breaking a pen in anger upon learning about manipulative actions involving their clerks. His commanding presence and authoritative aura are such that even the boldest Agency members, like Ranpo Edogawa and Doppo Kunikida, respect and heed his instructions without question. Fukuzawa’s sense of justice and dedication to maintaining peace in Yokohama are foundational to his decision to establish the Agency, reinforcing his role as a stabilizing force in the city.
While typically reserved and emotionally restrained, Fukuzawa possesses a sharp, occasionally scathing sense of humor. He once sarcastically encouraged criminals threatening Ōgai Mori to “have fun” handling him, though this stemmed from his confidence in Mori’s abilities. Despite his stoicism, Fukuzawa has a hidden soft spot for cute things, notably cats, which he indulges by keeping treats for them in his yukata sleeves. His affection extends to moments of gentleness, as seen when he hired Kyōka Izumi after she made a heartfelt plea to stay with the Agency. These small glimpses of warmth and humor contrast his usual stern exterior, showing a man deeply committed to his ideals and his team while maintaining a quiet appreciation for life’s lighter moments. His participation in Agency celebrations, such as Kyōka’s welcome party, further reflects his connection to his comrades, even if his expressions of joy remain subdued.
Background
In addition to his work with the Armed Detective Agency, Kunikida briefly held a position as an algebra teacher at Shin-Tsuruya Institute, where he taught twice a week. His passion for teaching and discipline made him a respected figure among his students.
However, his commitment to justice and his responsibilities with the Agency took precedence after his involvement in the Azure King case. The gravity of the case and its implications led Kunikida to leave his teaching role, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to the Agency and its mission to protect Yokohama and its people.
Abilities
Fukuzawa Yukichi’s ability, All Men Are Equal (人上人不造, Hito no Ue ni Hito o Tsukurazu), grants him the power to suppress and regulate the abilities of members of the Armed Detective Agency. This ability ensures that the powers of Agency members are kept under control, maintaining order and stability within the team. According to Osamu Dazai, Fukuzawa’s ability can “adjust the power of their abilities so that they may be controlled,” making it instrumental in the Agency’s operations, especially with highly destructive or volatile abilities.
However, the influence of All Men Are Equal is not automatic. To come under the scope of Fukuzawa’s ability, individuals must pass an implicit “entrance exam,” demonstrating values and a mindset compatible with the Agency. This requirement often manifests in situations of great peril, where candidates’ true character and resolve are revealed. This process not only strengthens the Agency’s ranks with like-minded individuals but also ensures that Fukuzawa’s ability is selectively applied to those who align with the Agency’s mission and ideals.
Skills
Fukuzawa Yukichi is an exceptionally skilled martial artist with a mastery of various techniques, honed through years of rigorous training and experience. His expertise in combat is unparalleled, enabling him to face formidable opponents, whether it be groups of assassins or highly skilled individuals like Ōgai Mori. Since his youth, Fukuzawa has demonstrated exceptional strength, reflexes, and tactical acumen, which has earned him recognition as one of the greatest swordsmen in the government during his time in the Goken. His martial arts abilities are complemented by his disciplined and strategic approach, making him a formidable figure in combat.
Among his signature techniques is kote gaeshi, an aikido move that utilizes an opponent’s momentum to execute a precise and effective throw. He is also adept in seoi nage, a jujutsu shoulder throw technique that leverages the opponent’s weight for powerful execution. Fukuzawa’s mastery of iaido, the art of drawing and striking with a sword in one seamless motion, reflects his precision and discipline. Additionally, his skill in shukuchi allows him to close the distance with opponents instantly by expertly manipulating his body weight, while his knowledge of muto dori enables him to disarm sword-wielding enemies with finesse. These techniques demonstrate his exceptional versatility and adaptability in combat.
Fukuzawa’s legacy as a swordsman is deeply rooted in his past training at a government-run martial arts school, where he earned his reputation as one of the most skilled practitioners in the Goken. His proficiency in swordsmanship, combined with his mastery of unarmed combat techniques, showcases his ability to balance raw power with calculated precision. As the leader of the Armed Detective Agency, his combat prowess serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, discipline, and tactical brilliance.
Legacy
Yukichi Fukuzawa embodies the themes of leadership, wisdom, and protection in Bungo Stray Dogs. As the president of the Armed Detective Agency, his calm yet resolute demeanor serves as a guiding light for his team, ensuring their growth and safety while upholding justice in Yokohama. His character highlights the importance of mentorship and unity, leaving a lasting impression on both the agency and the audience.
Trivia
Fukuzawa’s name, 福沢 諭吉, directly references the historical figure Fukuzawa Yukichi, a key figure in Japan’s modernization and enlightenment.
His exceptional swordsmanship is inspired by his background as a former bodyguard, emphasizing precision and control over brute force.
Fukuzawa’s ability, All Men Are Created Equal, suppresses the uncontrollable powers of his subordinates, allowing them to maintain control and function effectively in society.