My Love-Hate Relationship with Tsukasa Domyoji
Tsukasa Domyoji the main man of F4 (flower four), and of manga and anime Hana Yori Dango or Boys over Flower. Hana Yori Dango is a manga written by Yoko Kamio in 1992 and adapted into an anime series animated by Toei Animation in 1996. Even though the anime series ran nearly 30 years ago, this guy remained in the hearts of many. The character has been part of every millennial and even gen z’s childhood.
Hana Yori Dango being one of the notable romance manga and anime is enough reason for it to have several adaptations. Live adaptations from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand gave justice and delivered from the original manga and anime. Tsukasa Domyoji is the predecessor of Dao Ming Si, Gu Jun Pyo, and Thyme.
What just makes this series special to receive such attention? Personally, the series knows how to send love signals to both the female lead especially the audience. Adding to this factor is the male lead, Tsukasa Domyoji.
Red is a warning sign
Falling for him is easy. Judging by his looks, he has a tall stature, broad shoulders, and handsome face. Adorned by designer brands, travels in and out of the country, and racked with loads of money. It is a dream to be spoiled and be with him. But, don’t be fooled by these outward characteristics.
Despite having the looks and riches, inarguably, Tsukasa Domyoji is a red flag. He is the epitome or trope of a toxic guy. Narcissist, arrogant, egoist, temperamental, impulsive, and classist.
He is a formidable wall no one would dare to go against. If you’re an heir of a conglomerate, raised from an affluent family, and has strings of connections, anyone wouldn’t stand a chance against you. All thanks to these, he easily sits atop the hierarchy.
Since Tsukasa is a big shot, trampling and victimizing those under him became a hobby. He won’t hesitate to go physical on anyone, making him feared. If there is anything Tsukasa is proficient, it would be violence and condescending.
Impossible to be amiable
Tsukasa’s problematic attitude and personality makes it impossible for him to make ties to anyone. People around him tend to evade just to stay away from trouble. Because if they tried to cross the line, Tsukasa will make sure to get even and punish them. He do speaks his mind if he wanted to, but can’t express his emotions. This leads to him often misunderstood. He somehow managed to keep four of his childhood friends due to his unpredictability.
(TW: Depictions of bullying and sexual assault)
Notorious bully
In addition to his offenses, he even made Tsukushi Makino’s (FL) life a living hell just like what he did to others. As the school’s nobody, she is an easy prey for Tsukasa’s sick games. A red card is the start of Tsukushi’s nightmares. Bullied, harassed, and ostracized by many to get rid of her at Eitoku Acadamy. These are all under Tsukasa’s plan. He doesn’t even need to move a finger to make it come true.
Crossing boundaries
Tsukasa is not contented of just bullying Tsukushi. He also insulted and mocked her for having a low-class lifestyle. Aside from name-calling, he also raised his hands against her. Boundaries and consent won’t stop him from doing what he feels like doing. What’s worse is he forced himself to Tsukushi by sexually assaulting her, is an outright abuse.
Red becoming green
With Tsukasa’s personality explicitly portrayed throughout the series, why do some audience still choose him? I felt like I am called out by this question. I’m guilty of gushing over this obvious red flag since I saw him as a kid. Same to this day when he makes me feel things when I watch the series. From anime to TV adaptations, it will always be Tsukasa Domyoji for me.
Witnessing him trying to change for the better is the reason. Subtly, he tries to shed off his cruel shell to the person he loves. Love turns us to a person we hardly know. Tsukasa is one when he found his match, Tsukushi Makino. Aside from his antics and shallowness, his feelings for Tsukushi is genuine from the start. He tried to cross the bridge between them by setting foot in her world.
Discovering Tsukushi’s impoverished life is nothing compared to her strength, resilience, and optimism. Tsukasa realized that there is another world besides the one he lives in and he yearns to be in that world someday. He also became the man who can be relied on. Whenever Tsukushi’s in trouble, he goes out to be her rescue and refuge.
So, why Tsukasa?
These sharp contrasts on Tsukasa’s before and after for me is remarkable. Everyone has a soft spot for someone, and Tsukasa is one of them. The very idea of Tsukasa’s twisted character with other fictional ones is interesting.
However, realities and fantasies must not be confused with one another. Characteristics attributed to toxic guys only seemed enticing on works of fiction but not in real life. Actions made by Tsukasa in the series are intolerable as these where emotional and mental trauma and damage stem. Admiring Tsukasa Domyoji is only bound in the anime/manga/television series.
Moreover, the love and hate I have for Tsukasa Domyoji’s character is not obscure. He has both good and bad side that is difficult to swerve. Maybe it’s impossible for an animated character to be an absolute green flag, especially if it’s Tsukasa. How about you? Did you also choose him over Rui? Check out this link for more of my articles.
