The Trashcan

I want to talk about this here, since it's basically just ENG fans here and it might provide some closure to people who are (reasonably) upset by how Mikoto's story concluded.

I firmly believe that Mikoto's case, and most portrayals of D.I.D in Japanese fiction, result from the case of the heavily publicized Otaku Killer. I am going to talk about it a little bit here, but not too much. I implore you though, if you choose to look it up for yourself, PLEASE BE CAREFUL. It is an absolutely VILE case of child abuse and exploitation committed by this man, and it's not for the faint of heart, much less for someone with a history of CSA.

This was a man who killed four young girls over the span of the year. He was caught in his attempt to abduct a fifth child. When interviewed, he claimed that within his mind existed a "Rat Man", who commanded him to do what he did. Somehow, the psychologist (or several) screening him came to the conclusion that this was a confirmed case of D.I.D. His childhood was rife with isolation and bullying, but the details are overall vague, at least for the general public. Reportedly he came from a family with a solid reputation, and he excelled greatly in school, though his grades abruptly plummeted later on for unknown reason. Likely due to family troubles, as he deemed them inconsiderate of his emotions, and that they had too high of expectations for him. All-in-all, though the troubles he suffered were with no doubt real...why exactly was he diagnosed with D.I.D??? Outside of the "Rat Man" claim, did he exhibit any symptoms of amnesia, or...literally anything else??? He was simply diagnosed based on his admission alone, it seems, and people question that label put on him to this day. For good reason, from my perspective.

Despite this, he was still deemed to have been too "aware" during the crimes to receive a reduced sentence, and so he was executed. This case was HEAVILY publicized. Not only did it stain the label of "Otaku" forever (mainstream media blamed his interest in anime and manga for his crimes), but it may have been the general public's first introduction to the concept of a "split personality."

I can't help but think this is the reason Mikoto's writing is the way it is. He's a young adult like he was, who felt "pressured" and had an "inability to be vulnerable with family", who for some reason experienced a sudden change in demeanor that progressed into him killing multiple people. His childhood doesn't have textbook signs for D.I.D development at all, but it's what we're told is true anyways. And now we're to ask questions about his guilt. Despite the fact that it all doesn't seem to "make sense."

Do I think this means Mikoto is an example of good writing? Nope. I'm not happy at all. But I get the feeling this is why it is the way it is (somewhat hindered by the fact that I haven't seen the Japanese audience connect these pieces yet.) As for Yamanaka "having a psychology degree", I firmly believe it. I can fully believe this is what he was taught about D.I.D. ESPECIALLY depending on when he obtained his degree. Even in the West, knowledge about D.I.D among professionals who haven't specifically studied it is sparse. Some licensed Psychologists staunchly believe it doesn't exist at it. Would NOT at all surprise me if Yamanaka was taught that D.I.D was exactly like this particular case. Randomly appearing in adulthood. Randomly leading to violence. No history of childhood trauma. With the genuinely heartbreaking tale of Japan's work exploitation and abuse sprinkled in as a more concrete and relatable explanation.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any details. I'm just going off of my memories of the case and the small articles I read directly before making this.