Atsushi Nakajima

An 18-year-old orphan with a white tiger ability seeking a reason to live.

Atsushi Nakajima is a fictional character and one of the two main protagonists, alongside Osamu Dazai, in the manga series Bungo Stray Dogs. Created by writer Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa, he also appears in the light novels and the 2018 film Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple. At the start of the series, Atsushi is an 18-year-old orphan who was thrown out of his orphanage, an experience that drives him to find a reason to live. Despite his lack of confidence, he possesses a pure heart and strives to become strong by protecting others.

Quick Facts

Series: Bungo Stray Dogs
Creator: Kafka Asagiri; Sango Harukawa
Portrayed by: Yūki Torigoe
Voice: Yūto Uemura (Japanese); Max Mittelman (English)
First: Bungo Stray Dogs, chapter 1: "Losing a Tiger may be a Blessing in Disguise" (2012)

Lore & Background

Atsushi's character was originally conceptualized as a 24-year-old man but was changed to an 18-year-old to better fit the narrative structure. Artist Sango Harukawa designed him with white hair and a long, dangling belt resembling a tail to hint at his ability to transform into a large white tiger. The character is based on author Atsushi Nakajima's 1942 story Sangetsuki, which features a young man who uncontrollably transforms into a tiger. Kafka Asagiri intentionally wrote him as a person with no personality initially, making it easier for readers to connect with the unique characters around him. His design also serves to heavily contrast his rival, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. Atsushi's arc involves growing self-confidence after being shunned by his orphanage, remembering kneeling before a stained glass window during his banishment.

Reader's Guide

Atsushi's ability, called Beast Beneath the Moonlight, allows him to turn into a large white tiger with incredible strength, speed, durability, and regenerative capabilities. Although initially weak-willed, critics noted his rivalry with Akutagawa and his care for Kyōka Izumi helped him grow stronger. In the 2018 film Dead Apple, Asagiri emphasized Atsushi's psychological development while maintaining his persona as a weak but relatable person. Voice actor Yūto Uemura notes that finding Kyōka and wishing to protect her from a dark fate was a major impact on Atsushi's development. Uemura highlighted the scene where Atsushi contests with Akutagawa on the airship Moby Dick as showing his strength of will. Despite having difficulty portraying his power, lines interacting with people from the Guild gave a good impression of his strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Atsushi Nakajima?

He is an 18-year-old orphan and one of the dual protagonists who works for the Armed Detective Agency. After being expelled from his home, he joins Dazai to find a purpose in life while battling his inner demons.

What are Atsushi Nakajima's powers?

His ability is called Beast Beneath the Moonlight, which allows him to transform into a giant white tiger or project tiger claws from his body. This power can be used for both offensive attacks and defensive maneuvers depending on his mental state.

What role does Atsushi play in the story?

Serving as the main protagonist alongside Osamu Dazai, he represents the moral compass of the team through his pure heart and desire to protect others. His journey focuses on overcoming self-loathing to accept himself and become strong enough to save people.