Unlocking the Mysterious Appeal: Exploring the Target Audience of Bungo Stray Dogs

Highlights

The series delves into themes of trauma, self-empowerment, and the entitlement to experiencing moments of lostness, striking a chord with viewers who have undergone their own share of anguish.

Bungo Stray Dogs presents a poignant perspective on life, skillfully intertwining entertainment and joy with a profound examination of feelings, thus creating a story that resonates and holds significance for its viewers.

Disclaimer: The upcoming text includes spoilers for Bungo Stray Dogs, which can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

The target audience for a piece of media is not a definite truth, as it is difficult to predict which groups will be interested in a story regardless of its genre or medium. However, understanding the target audience can provide insight into the appeal of a work of art or the vision of the creator, as exemplified by Kafka Asagiri, the author of Bungo Stray Dogs.

Bungo Stray Dogs, written by Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa (known as Harukawa35), began publication in late 2012. The story takes place in modern-day Yokohama and showcases fictional versions of renowned authors and poets. In this world, superpowered detectives combat gifted mobsters in a society where supernatural abilities are commonplace. The series was adapted into an anime in 2016 by Studio Bones, known for their work on Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and Mob Psycho 100. Directed by Takuya Igarashi and written by Youji Enokido, the anime has aired for five seasons and even received a feature film. At the time of writing, the fifth season is currently being aired.

Who Is Bungo For?

"Bungo Stray Dogs is not meant for individuals who excel at navigating life's challenges."

This story is not intended for individuals who excel at living in the world. Some people are so adept at life that they find no use for a "story" whatsoever. These individuals believe that stories are merely a pastime or hobby, and they deem them unnecessary and a waste of money. It was not my intention for such people to be readers in the first place. I excluded them. However, there are indeed individuals who still require stories like oxygen. I always hope that Bungo Stray Dogs will serve as the vital oxygen for these individuals. They are the ones Dazai referred to as the "lost ones."

- Kafka Asagiri, 季刊エス, circa 2019 (translated by Twitter user Popopretty)

These powerful words eloquently express Asagiri's profound love for storytelling, devoid of any implication that every fan of Bungo shares the same sentiment. Yet, this quote highlights a notable distinction between two categories of art enthusiasts - those who deeply crave it and those who do not.

There is no clear division - even the notion that these two are the only extremes is only applicable in certain situations. However, there is some truth to it that becomes evident when examining the extremes, and Asagiri's quote presents a relatable depiction. Each individual enjoys art in their own unique way and to varying degrees. Some individuals simply seek to be entertained, while others strive to establish a connection with it. Certain individuals appreciate artistic expressions of reality, while others crave a complete escape from reality.

Although these comparisons are presented as pairs, they are not exclusive nor do they contradict one another. When Asagiri discusses not being skilled at living, he is not explicitly referring to escapism. At first glance, Bungo may appear to be about splendid superhuman detectives battling each other, thus providing enjoyable escapism within popular culture. However, at its core, the story also delves into themes of trauma, tragedy, depression, and ultimately, the affirmation of oneself.

The Right to "Feel Lost"

The message conveyed in Bungo Stray Dogs may not be immediately evident to newcomers, but at a certain point, it becomes clear and resonates deeply. The true understanding of the story goes beyond a superficial glance and requires careful reading. We have previously explored the themes of trauma in the series and the characters' struggles with their right to exist.

These messages gain even more strength as the series progresses. By Season 5, the term "strays" extends beyond just Atsushi, the protagonist who finds a sense of belonging and purpose in the Armed Detective Agency. Many other characters are also orphans and have experienced self-hatred due to their unique abilities and the actions they have taken, often through circumstances beyond their control.

The reference to the "lost ones" can be found in Chapter 36 of the manga or Episode 24 of the anime. This particular scene portrays Osamu Dazai's attempt to persuade Kyouka Izumi against giving up. At the tender age of 14, Kyouka has committed the unfortunate act of taking 35 lives, leading her to believe she is unworthy of continuing on. However, the Agency refuses to abandon her. Dazai, who carries a dark past burdened by even more death, encourages her by asserting that the uncertainty she feels about how to live is her intrinsic human right.

"We are granted the freedom to feel adrift, akin to mud-stained stray dogs. Asagiri skillfully infuses his story with tragedy, evoking a Shakespearean touch, while Taku Iwasaki's anime score intensifies the dramatic essence that defines Bungo's aesthetic. However, amidst this tragedy, lies an immensely optimistic statement about discovering a sanctuary where one can live with confidence and without apprehension. Each stray harbors a cherished abode that is worth battling for."

The Art and the Audience

Hardcore enthusiasts of Bungo often find this quote deeply relatable, though explaining exactly why can be difficult. It is unlikely that Asagiri intended to offend his audience with this statement. In fact, it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that he expressed it with a great deal of affection. After all, life presents countless reasons to feel sorrowful and lost.

Art has always served as an escape, but escapism doesn't necessarily mean fleeing from pain. Instead, it involves recontextualizing and confronting pain through storytelling. Bungo's audience doesn't need to experience the same traumas as its characters, but they may resonate with a distinctive kind of pain that arises from those traumas. Whether it be a lack of self-assurance, depression, or even something more profound.

The experience of Bungo Stray Dogs goes beyond mere entertainment; its poignant portrayal of life's ups and downs gradually reveals a profound sense of authenticity. Exploring this narrative in a single article hardly does justice to its depth and emotional impact. Ultimately, despite feeling lost, there exists a place where one can truly belong—a sanctuary waiting to be discovered. As Asagiri emphasized, this message holds the same importance as the air we breathe.

Source: Twitter (@Popopretty1)