Series & First Appearance
Reiji Sakamaki is a key character from the visual novel and anime series Diabolik Lovers, created by Aya Hidaka and produced by Zexcs. He made his debut in the first episode of the anime adaptation, which premiered in 2013.
Profile at a Glance
Reiji is an 18-year-old vampire categorized as the second son in the Sakamaki household. As a third-year student, he often takes on a parental role for his younger brothers. Known for his strictness and sadistic tendencies, Reiji demonstrates a complex set of abilities, including exceptional intelligence and proficiency in various poisons. His signature weapon is a collection of toxins, which he uses primarily in his experiments and conflicts.
Personality & Motivations
Reiji is characterized by his strict demeanor and high standards, often striving for perfection. Despite his typically gentle approach towards those he cares for, his jealousy towards his older brother Shuu drives him to acts of cruelty, including verbal abuse toward Yui, the story’s protagonist. Driven by a desire to prove himself superior, he harbors complex feelings of love and hate towards his family, particularly his mother, Beatrice. Reiji’s primary motivation is to gain recognition and respect, mainly from his mother, leading him to extreme actions, such as hiring a vampire hunter and orchestrating disasters to get attention. His obsession with bringing his mother back to life showcases his internal conflict between affection and resentment.
Abilities / Powers
Reiji possesses a variety of abilities typical of a vampire, including enhanced physical strength, speed, and heightened senses. His most notable skill is his expertise with poisons, which he collects and studies obsessively. This affinity for toxins not only makes him a formidable opponent but also a dangerous character in his pursuit of his goals. A keen intellect allows him to devise complex plans; however, his emotional instability often complicates his effectiveness in utilizing these abilities.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout Diabolik Lovers, Reiji’s character undergoes significant development. His initial portrayal as a strict and unforgiving brother gradually reveals deeper layers of his psyche, prominently in arcs concerning familial conflict and his obsession with his mother’s approval. For instance, the arc where he attempts to manipulate events to outshine Shuu reflects both his desperation and vulnerability. Additionally, as he engages more with Yui, subtle changes in his attitude suggest a struggle between his sadistic nature and a desire to connect, adding depth to his character evolution across the series.
Notable Relationships
Reiji’s dynamics with his family form the core of his character design. His rivalry with Shuu stems from long-standing feelings of inadequacy, exacerbated by Shuu’s perceived laziness. This jealousy fuels his darker impulses, often leading to harmful actions against Shuu’s friends. His complex relationship with his mother, Beatrice, is pivotal; Reiji’s desire to win her favor often leads him to take extreme measures, such as attempting to resurrect her using experimental drugs. His interactions with Yui are also significant; while he insults her, there are moments of genuine concern that reflect the conflict between his cruel persona and his capacity for compassion.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in Episode 2, where Reiji confronts Yui, stating, "You belong to me, and I will not tolerate disobedience." This line encapsulates his possessive and dominating nature, emphasizing both his sadistic tendencies and a twisted sense of loyalty. Another poignant moment is during his attempts to revive Beatrice, showcasing his deep-seated emotional turmoil and the lengths he will go to seek approval. These scenes resonate with fans, illustrating the complexity of his character and his internal struggles.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Reiji Sakamaki has gained notable popularity within the Diabolik Lovers fandom, often appearing on character ranking lists with significant fan support, reflecting his depth and intrigue. His character is voiced by Ken’ichirō Matsuda in Japanese, whose performance brings nuance to Reiji’s duality of obsession and vulnerability. In English, he is voiced by Aaron Dismuke, offering a different yet compelling interpretation of his character traits. Reiji typically sits between 20-30 in character popularity polls, highlighting both his dark allure and complicated nature as appealing factors among viewers.
In summary, Reiji Sakamaki embodies a complex blend of strictness, jealousy, longing, and emotional conflict, contributing to the rich character tapestry of Diabolik Lovers. His evolution and interactions not only define his arc but also significantly impact the overarching narrative of the series.
