Series & First Appearance
Decim is a central character in the anime "Death Parade", which premiered in January 2015. The series was created by Yuzuru Tachikawa and produced by Production I.G. Decim first appears in the series premiere, Episode 1, titled "Fly," where he introduces himself as the bartender of Quindecim, the establishment for the recently deceased.
Profile at a Glance
Decim is typically portrayed as an enigmatic figure, embodying the role of an arbiter who evaluates souls after death, making him a critical character in the progression of the narrative. His apparent age seems to hover around his mid-20s. As a member of the organization known as the Arbiters, Decim oversees judgment between life and death, utilizing unique games to reveal the true nature of souls. His signature abilities include manipulating the rules of the games and using an emotionless demeanor to impart fairness.
Personality & Motivations
Decim is characterized by his serious and cool demeanor; he approaches his duties with professionalism and a deep sense of respect for those who have experienced life fully. His stoic nature contrasts sharply with his fascination for creating and dressing up mannequins, indicating a hidden creativity and a desire for connection. As the series progresses, the introduction of human emotions—granted to him by Nona—complicates his judgments, leading him to question his role as an arbiter and the system by which he operates.
Abilities / Powers
As an arbiter, Decim possesses several notable abilities:
- Game Manipulation: He engineers various games—often designed to test the moral compass of the deceased—resulting in outcomes that lead to judgment.
- Soul Assessment: He has the ability to perceive the deepest inclinations and truths of a person’s soul, which ultimately guides his decisions on their fate.
- Immunity to Death: As a part of the arbiter class, he cannot be killed, living outside the normal constraints of human experience.
However, the introduction of human emotions creates a limitation in his ability to remain objective, causing internal conflicts about his duty and the implications of his decisions.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Decim’s development is intricately tied to the overarching narrative of "Death Parade". Key turning points include:
- Learning from the Souls: His interactions with clients like Chiyuki reveal the complexity of human emotions and morality, prompting him to reconsider his own detached philosophy.
- Emotional Awakening: In later episodes, such as Episode 9 ("Death March") and Episode 10 ("Memento Mori"), the evolution of his character culminates as he grapples with the implications of feelings, leading him to challenge the broader system of judgment he serves.
His final confrontation in the series showcases a pivotal transformation, where he begins to embrace the very emotions he was originally tested on.
Notable Relationships
- Nona: As Decim’s creator and supervisor, Nona’s role is crucial in shaping his character. She grants him emotions for experimentation, leading to significant conflict in judgment and perspectives on morality.
- Chiyuki: Their bond becomes central to the plot; through her, Decim learns about the warm intricacies of human life that he initially struggled to comprehend.
- Oculus: As a fellow arbiter, Oculus often acts as a foil to Decim, embodying the cold, pragmatic approach that Decim begins to question.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Decim’s most impactful moments occurs in Episode 5 ("Death – Sayaka and Nao"), where he provides a powerful assessment of life and choice while guiding the deceased through their final games. This scene encapsulates his struggle and the ethical weight of his role. A memorable quote that resonates with fans is when he says, "The choices you made are your own, and this is what you chose," highlighting his belief in personal responsibility despite his own evolving understanding of human emotion.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actor: In Japanese, Decim is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai, known for his work in projects like "Sword Art Online" and "My Hero Academia." In the English dub, he is voiced by Matthew Mercer, famed for his roles in "Attack on Titan" and "Critical Role."
- Popularity: Since his introduction, Decim has amassed considerable popularity, with member favorites reaching over 6,399 on various anime database sites.
- Cultural Impact: Decim represents themes of morality, choices, and the essence of life and death, which resonate with audiences who appreciate deep philosophical narratives within the medium.
Through his journey, Decim serves not only as an arbiter of souls but also as a conduit for exploring the complexities of human existence in "Death Parade," making him a memorable figure in the anime landscape.
