#and i kinda prefer what the first game did with subaru's character

[foxstens]

i feel so blue-balled wtf

[mythicamagic]

Why do people dislike Reiji? (Thoughts)

Disclaimer: This is not a proper character study like narihira made for Reiji here, and this was not made with the intent to offend. You're perfectly entitled to your own opinions ^^ This is more of a general summery of thoughts on the subject below and isn't meant to be taken too seriously.

I did a similar post on Yui, which tackles the hate she receives here, but since the dislike on Reiji is more complicated, this needed to be longer. I'm just rambling for about 2,500 words. Very non professional. Have fun!

About a year ago I continually saw posts or comments about the second eldest Sakamaki brother and what a douche canoe he was. Since I figured it was none of my business, I just ignored it, and the comments bypassed my notice. However, recently I've seen a mini serge in dislike for Reiji again (mostly in youtube comments), and I got to thinking;

Why do people dislike Reiji seemingly more than the other characters?

Now this isn't to say that some of the brothers aren't disliked for various reasons, but none of the dislike geared towards them is half as...vocal. Despite the Lost Eden popularity poll showing that he did pretty well in the ranks, the dislike seems constant. Not loud and in your face, but just a continuous feeling of...urgh, for Reiji. (At least in Western audiences)

So today lets have a little look into the tea loving pigeon boy and why he seems to get under the skin of so many.

Now, since we're all familiar with Reiji, I'm sure he doesn't need an introduction. However! Casting my thoughts back, I know that my first introduction to him and the franchise was the anime. I'm sure this is the same for many of you out here in the West.

Since this is probably the case, lets roll with that.

Anime Reiji

Our first introduction to Reiji is in episode 1. Yui has just been shoved down by a guy and licked, it happens. Reiji makes his presence known, and Yui is pretty grateful for the interruption.

We get our first look at him. The image he gives off is very butler-esque. I've seen a few people admit that they thought he was the actual butler of the house initially. He has a stern, gentlemanly charm about him, so common in megane characters it's become a trope.

Now I'd say it's very unlikely that this show was your introduction to anime as a whole. You'd probably seen at least a few to have fallen into the hell of otome adaptations. This will have set up an expectation for you. You know the glasses wearing guy. He's stern, smart, cold, snarky but usually has a soft side hidden somewhere.

All this expectation has been weighed onto Reiji's shoulders within the first episode. Yes he's a vampire, so we're expecting some bloodsucking, and hey, you probably heard that the series was full of jerks, but really, Reiji will just be kinda stern, right?

Nah.

Fast-forward to episode two and Yui wakes up to nearly getting her blood sucked. Again she is saved by Reiji's intervention.

She receives a carton of cranberry juice from him and although we're warned that she's basically just going to be used as a blood-bag from now on, a sense of responsibility has been tied to Reiji's name. He's organised as evidenced by him giving her a school uniform and explaining the situation to her (albeit sternly.)

So we as the audience see him as a well put together guy.

Then we have half a second of Reiji casually announcing that he will whip Yui if she disobeys him. If you were like me, you weren't paying attention to this detail the first time round, so this information flew over your head. If you were paying attention, then you probably either did a double take, frowned, or smiled like this; ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

But that was just half a second, and new stuff is being thrown at you, so that little tidbit is forgotten for awhile.

Episode 3 - We see that Reiji very obviously dislikes Shuu.

Fast-forward to the killer that is episode 5 and this is where I feel like the dislike chart goes through the roof.

Up to this point, Reiji's been an okay guy. Not nice, but not bad. If he's your type then your swooning from the megane feels. If he's not your type then you're most likely lukewarm or just indifferent to him. But this episode changes those feelings for some.

His scene opens with Yui waking him from a dream, that he reveals to be a nightmare. He decides to make some tea, and Yui somewhat awkwardly waits as he sits down with a cup, not giving her any. He sneers at her for automatically assuming that she'd get a cup too, which is what we as the audience would also assume. It's common courtesy, and the way he worded it was purposefully misleading. Therefore when she doesn't receive a cup, we feel a wince of unfairness. We feel that he's a jerk for denying her, because he quite obviously has the means to give her a cup and it would cost him nothing to do so. He just doesn't on principle that she's a blood-bag and should 'know her place.'

There is also a faint sense of unease, because while it does fit with his image to be a stern jerk, it's slightly jarring to see someone so full of manners deny someone common courtesy. It doesn't fit with the aforementioned image and perception we have of a gentleman character.

Still with me on the unfairness thing? Cool.

Next we have Yui accidentally angering him because of an innocent comment about Shuu, and we see a flashback of Reiji as a young boy.

Now, being ignored at a young age is horrible, and very damaging to a child. I think at least some of you in the audience felt something at the sight of Reiji watching his mother and Shuu from afar, but this sympathy is quickly erased for some.

Reiji randomly decides, hey, you CAN have tea Yui.

Yui has some, but then discovers that it's poisoned. She breaks the cup and collapses.

Reiji expresses annoyance with her at coughing so openly and breaking his cup. Those in the audience feeling animosity towards him get even more fuel for their Reiji dislike pile. He is again reaffirming the notion that he values manners, but since he denied her tea earlier and then poisoned her, the manners thing feels grating and an excuse to nitpick, rather than being interested in upholding propriety.

Things take a downward spiral as the blood sucking scene happens, but since he's a vampire this part isn't what people tend to take issue with. It's more that in this scene, Reiji exhibits some out of nowhere psychopathic behavior by saying that he'll bandage Yui's hand so tight that it will rot and fall off at the wrist, then screaming and crying, she will finally die.

(*whispers* the pacing in this anime is a bit off. Just y’know..a bit. Reiji is sadistic and frightening but this felt so out of left field. I could write a whole other post about how this anime’s poor pacing affected peoples perceptions of Subaru but that’s for a whole other day. )

This scene is quite intense and gives a lasting impression on Reiji's character.

All of the above has taken place within the space of just a few minutes, and the thoughts on his behavior have most likely been subconsciously felt. From this point on for many, they absolutely refuse to trust in Reiji's character again. They wont like him because of this slight.

So, why the sudden and sustained feelings of dislike?

Well my friends, let's take a look at some similar characters.

Exhibit A - Hans from Frozen

Exhibit B - Toma from Amnesia Memories

I'm assuming you know these two guys, but if not then here's a quick run down. (Spoilers for Frozen and Amnesia Memories.)

Exhibit A - Prince Hans is initially the love interest of the main character Princess Anna. He's charming, regal, charismatic, hot, and a gentleman. Those in the audience who didn't see his betrayal coming, quite liked him. Some liked him more than Kristoff. (My favorite part about watching Frozen with someone who hasn't seen it before and knows nothing about the 'twist', is asking them halfway through who they prefer, Hans or Kristoff. More often its been Hans.)

Then BAM! Twist! Hans as it turns out, is a selfish douchenozzle, and was out for the crown all along! Le gasp!

I've literally never seen people hate a character so quickly. And why? Well it's because we thought we knew him, and how dare he play us like he played Anna? Some of those in the audience associate him subconsciously with all the betrayals they've ever felt. Cheating boyfriend? Hans. Traitor friend? Hans. He is a reminder of every past betrayal and they hate him for it.

Exhibit B - Toma is one of the love interests from Amnesia Memories. While I'm sure many were shocked and angered by him in the anime, I'm going to speak of my experience with him in the game, as it was a special one.

Toma is again, charming, trustworthy, warm, friendly and a gentleman. He has an obvious protective streak but throughout the routes, it feels brotherly and nice. Then we get to his route.

It's just Toma, I think, merrily playing the game as MC stays at his house.

It's just... Toma, I wonder, as MC increasingly stays over longer and longer.

It's...Toma, I worry as MC keeps falling asleep after drinking Toma's offered tea.

HOLY SHIT TOMA! I scream, as she wakes up locked in a cage.

Anger, betrayal and dislike are intermingled with many peoples feelings towards Toma. He exhibits concern for MC but continually keeps her locked up and spirals into obsession. He shattered peoples expectations of him and then crushed them by revealing himself as a yandere and unearthing a problematic personality. (Hot for some, a deal-breaker for the entire game for others.)

So what do these characters have to do with Reiji?

Simple, they shattered audiences expectations, and thus gave them a sense of betrayal. (Again this is not for all audiences, but these characters are very disliked.)

But Reiji did not exhibit niceness before the betrayal of expectations, so why compare them? Well, I'm factoring his gentleman image again. Reiji may not have been nice before episode 5, but he did have the association of manners and fairness because of his 'type'. His actions in episode 5 turn so quickly violent and surprising that those in the audience already disliking him feel it sharpen.

Therefore, those disliking him wont see the good side of him that all the boys have somewhere. Yes they're all abusive assholes, but they do have good points, and Reiji is no different, it's simply that he's not given a chance to show them to those who dislike him, either because they don't read up on him, or any chances of interest or sympathy have been severed because of a loss of attachment.

The fact that he was ignored as a child is well...ignored. The fact that he saves Yui from dying at the end of the anime is also not enough to temper their dislike of him.

Episode 5 isn't entirely to blame for the dislike of Reiji, but it is a factor. HDB is another.

Reiji's actions and traits, explored:

I think those who played the games first or DID decide to give his route a chance after the anime, dislike him for his actions and traits. Reiji has a grudge holding personality, and is very bitter and resentful. For those who have never been in his position, it's understandable why he comes off as unrelateable. But if you keep an open mind, then he's not that difficult to understand

Being ignored is awful. You have no sense of self worth. Couple that with a sibling who receives everything you crave but throws it away, and of course you can see how Reiji became so twisted and broken.

We find out that he set the fire that killed Shuu's best friend Edgar. He did this as a child, which he later admits to, in a neither gloating or arrogant way. In fact he just seems to be acknowledging it as an act he did as a child, something in the heat of the moment (no pun intended) but not a moment he prides himself on.

Odd. Surely such a man would be happy that he'd crushed his brothers spirits?

Next we have Reiji hiring a vampire hunter to kill Beatrix. Again, a very horrible act, yet again, it's not as cut and dry as it seems. Reiji doesn't want to resurrect his dead mom to kill her over and over again for the sake of it. It's left unsaid that the reason her death bothers him so much, is that it was the one time his whole life that she actually acknowledged him on his own, not as a servant to Shuu.

I honestly don't see anyone disliking Reiji for his treatment of Cordelia, the dude was a badass in those scenes.

 I don't think he gets enough credit for how well he handles her toxic personality and that he absolutely doesn't take her shit. 

He even takes beatings for Yui. This prideful man lowers himself to be Cordelias plaything. FOR A HUMAN. Thats pretty darn massive for someone like Reiji. I find it interesting that Reiji doesn't break from a loss of control of a situation. Laito, someone who seems constantly relaxed, snaps easily if Yui threatens his control by disobeying him. But Reiji keeps calm. What makes him break composure is always a mentioning of Shuu or his mother.

Ultimately Reiji appreciates strong women but he abhors manipulative ones. He even acknowledges Yui as a strong willed girl, which is most likely one of the key reasons for why he becomes attracted to her, aside from her honest kindness.

Then there's the 'training' he puts Yui through. As I said before, Reiji utterly disregards the social conventions that his image seems to uphold. He has no problem with being rude and snarky and can and will do as he pleases because Yui is under 'his roof'. Now, Reiji does care about rules, but he cares about his rules. He has strict guidelines and etiquette that he follows and believes that everyone else in house should too. This is confusing, because one minute he's the salty mom character who insists on getting everyone to school on time and getting good grades, (except Shuu) but then he can switch into paralyzing you with tea because lol I needed to test my new poison and you were convenient.

The whole thing about keeping the family up in the grades department links with self reflection. It all comes back to his need for perfection, because perfection is the only way you might be acknowledged.

That's who Reiji is at his core. He's bitter, complicated and cruel, but ultimately he just wants to be seen. He wants people to acknowledge and love him the way he's never experienced before.

I see him as just as lonely as the other brothers, and though people who dislike him have said that being ignored is 'not as bad as' *insert other brother's backstory here* I cant agree with the sentiment. For one thing I don't think it's right to compare different experiences and weigh them as 'more damaging.' It's just not fair to compare them. It's like in real life when you try and explain your bad experience and someone tries to one up you by voicing an even worse experience. Its not about which is worse. Different individuals experience and are affected by different things.

So in conclusion: I'm not saying - YOU SHOULD LIKE REIJI AND IF YOO DON'T HOW DARE-

I'm just saying that by digging a little deeper into a character you think you dislike, then sometimes you can unearth something surprising and similar to yourself. (Except Shou Tucker from Full Metal. That guy can burn in the pits of hell)

You don't have to like Reiji, but I think by writing him off and distancing yourself from one boys route, you ultimately loose out on understanding the whole picture of Diabolik Lovers.

This is all coming from someone who didn't used to like Reiji, and to be honest I did write him off. But after reading his routes and keeping an open mind, trying to see things from his perspective, I'm very glad I did. It gave me insight into another interesting character, and that's never a bad thing.

Random funny scene to end it:

[aeoki]

[Sub Story] Yuuta Aoi - Virtual Offense and Defense

Location: Arcade Requirement: [Opponent] Yuuta Aoi Characters: Hinata, Yuuta & Makoto Season: Spring Writer: Akira 

TL Notes:

Purikura are photo sticker booths in Japan. The name is derived from the shortened form of the trademark name, “Purinto Kurabu”, which is basically “print club” in English.

Air Hockey: The original Japanese is “エアホッケー (ea hokke)“ and Yuuta confuses this with Subaru’s nickname for Hokuto (Hokke~).

Hinata: Yuuta-kuun ♪

Look, look! Look at this purikura[1]!

I’m making an illusion of me and Yuuta-kun in the photo, even though I’m the only one there -- I did it by creating an afterimage where I repeatedly jumped side to side by myself~♪

Look, I can make it look like we’re hugging or kissing!

Whaddya think? If you don’t want the Yuuta-kun in my head to take me away then the real Yuuta-kun better jump at me...☆

Yuuta: Don’t make such a fuss in public, Aniki.

Hinata: It’s all good! We’re at the arcade, you can hear explosions from all around! No one’s gonna think I’m “noisy” if I’m yelling a little ♪

Yuuta: That’s not the problem here...

Anyway, it says that purikura corner is for girls only. Aniki, you might look like a girl because of your long hair, but you shouldn’t step inside.

Hinata: “Long hair”? Your hair’s the same length too, Yuuta-kun ♪

Yuuta: Being twins is the selling point for “2wink”, so there’s no point if we’re not matching.

It might be kinda interesting to tie our hair up differently once in a while.

Hinata: Say what~? I’d prefer being a match with you, though.

Anyway, what kinda game are you playing? A fighting game?

Yuuta: Yup. The games I’ve played recently have been pretty easy, so they’re no fun. It’s like they’re aimed towards couples or something...

But fighting games are somewhat more of a challenge ♪

Hinata: Yuuta-kun, you like indoor games like this too, huh~♪

I prefer games where I can move about, but do you wanna play air hockey[2] together?

Yuuta: Hmm? Air Hidaka-senpai? What do you mean?

Oh, air hockey, huh... We always end up being tied when time’s up, don’t we?

Anyway, I need to focus for a while, so don’t talk to me.

Hinata: Oh, are you struggling? You’re playing the character that looks like a ninja, right?

Yuuta: Yeah, I like the tricky characters...

I thought my opponent was the strong type who would use only brute force, but he’s surprisingly genuine. He’s pretty good -- I might actually lose.

Hinata: Hmph. It may be a game, but it’s pretty frustrating to lose. 

I’ll go have a chat with your opponent to distract him~♪

Yuuta: Don’t, Aniki... It’s just a game, you shouldn’t get all serious about it.

Makoto: ............

Hinata: Ohh!? Yuuta-kun’s opponent was Yuuki-senpai?

Makoto: Hm? Oh, are you... Hinata-kun from “2wink”?

I thought I heard a familiar voice, what a coincidence ♪

Yuuta: I’m here too~ Yuuki-senpai ♪

Makoto: Hmm? Don’t tell me... I was fighting against you just now, Yuuta-kun?

No wonder I thought my opponent was strong~ You’re both good at games, huh ♪

Hinata: Ehh~? That only sounds like sarcasm to me...

Yuuki-senpai, you’re super strong -- you can talk to me while looking back and forth at the game screen. Yuuta-kun’s getting clobbered.

Makoto: Ahaha~ I like gaming. In fact, if I lost in my field of expertise, I’d be more than just pathetic, huh.

Hinata: Ahaha. Yuuki-senpai, do you come to the arcade often?

We’ve got some time in between work, so we decided to head to the arcade for a bit.

But unlike us, “Trickstar’s” busy, right? Are you sure you’ve got time to dillydally here~?

Makoto: Yeah. Actually, I barely got to play any of my favourite games because I was busy for such a long time...

I’ve got the day off for the first time in a while, so I’m going around the arcade.

There’s been an increase of games I’m not familiar with since the last time I came here, so it makes it hard to choose which ones to play.

The fighting game I’m playing right now is a sequel to one of my favourites, but the controls have changed and it’s hard to get used to.

Yuuta: Ohh, is that an excuse if you ever lose~?

Makoto: I won’t lose~ Yuuta-kun’s good, but he’s just using one pattern, so I can deal with him perfectly if I calm down and play.

A weak kick here, and take one step back and fire~♪

Yuuta: Ugh. I-It feels oddly frustrating being toyed with by Yuuki-senpai...!

You’re the one who runs around in confusion on stage~ You’re cheeky for an untrained pair of four eyes!

Makoto: Ahaha. I’m good at doing things easily once I’m familiar with them; I don’t have trouble with simple tasks, either.

We do pretty crazy things in “Trickstar”, so I can’t help but panic, though.

Yuuta: ...Yuuki-senpai, I think there are more compatible “units” for you out there.

If “Trickstar” only makes appearances during contests, then you won’t be able to make the best of your distinct characteristics.

Makoto: Yeah, I hear that a lot. I like the internet too, you see...

People say stuff like he’s holding everyone back, or the balance is ruined because of him.

But still, I prefer “Trickstar”, even if I’m not suited to be there. I’ll fill the areas I lack in with effort -- I want to get used to it quickly so that I can be helpful to everyone.

I’m clumsy, my movements are slow and I’m still useless, but

Everyone in “Trickstar” accepted me and treats me positively. I’d like to return those feelings with my life on the line.

Instead of thinking about whether it’s suitable for me or not, I love “Trickstar” because they throw away that sort of logic.

Not everyone teams up in a “unit” based on numbers and compatibility, anyway.

We belong to ourselves, and we chose the place where we’ll be living in.

You two -- “2wink” -- are the same, right...? There must have been a path where you two joined other “units” you were compatible with.

And yet, you guys became the two-in-one “2wink” together.

Yuuta: Hmph, you’re speaking like you know everything...

Ahh geez, I lost the match. That’s frustrating, it’ll just look like I’m making excuses if I talk back now.

Hinata: Yuuta-kun, your big bro will help you in the second round~ I’ll be the movement and defense, so you focus on the offense!

We won’t lose to anyone when we’re together~♪

Makoto: Ahaha, normally people will only end up holding each other back, though. I bet you two can show me an extraordinary combination.

Alright~ Come at me! Your senpai will fight with you ♪

Hinata: Ah, being with Yuuki-senpai when he’s gaming really gets on my nerves! He’s getting ahead of himself~!

Let’s beat him to a pulp, Yuuta-kun ♪

Yuuta: OK, Aniki ♪ Do you think you’ll be able to defeat him with our single synchronised twin attack~?

Makoto: Ahaha. I’ll do my best. I definitely won’t lose when it comes to gaming.

Even in reality someday, I’ll prove it to you and say “it’s my win!” no matter what it is.