Gaen Izuko, the leader of the Gaen Network, appears in the "Monogatari" series. As the saying goes, he knows everything, and he is a terrifyingly knowledgeable and intelligent person. In this article, we will delve into the mysteries surrounding Gaen Izuko!
Who is Gaen Izuko?
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
Suruga's aunt. First appeared in "Tsubasa Tiger." She is the main character in "Koyomi Dead," "Shinobu Mail," and "Ougi Dark." Although she is supposed to be over 30 years old, she looks like she could be in her teens. Her small frame and XL-sized clothing look a bit sloppy, but she still pulls it off well.
THE Big Sister!
Though in her 30s, she looks young, like a teenage girl, wearing a baggy shirt and a cap. Her way of speaking and intimidating demeanor also give her the vibe of a big sister.
An Overwhelming Spec Difference
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
"I'm Gaen Izuko. I'm the big sister who knows everything." Araragi Koyomi struggles to keep up with Gaen's unique style, even at first. He is constantly tormented by the overwhelming difference in specs.
Friend or foe?
And before I knew it, Araragi Koyomi had become my friend. It's easy to suspect that everything is just a dance in his hands. Whether he becomes my friend or foe, I'm desperate to avoid getting caught up in unfortunate circumstances.
Gaen Izuko's True Identity and Strength
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
Although Gaen Izuko conceals this when she first appears, she is in fact the younger sister of Kanbaru Suruga's mother, Gaen Tomi, making her an aunt to Suruga. He also has many other faces, including being the mastermind behind the creation of the human-based supernatural being, Ononoki Yotsugi, during his student days. His ability to create artificial supernatural beings is quite outlandish, but perhaps this is due to his upbringing in the unique Gaen family?
Kanbaru Suruga and Gaen Izuko
In "Suruga Devil," he repeatedly appears in Suruga's dreams in an unusually realistic manner. He has a stern personality and treats others as individuals, regardless of their position or title. Kanbaru Suruga and Gaen Izuko do not appear to be very similar in appearance. Perhaps he resembles his father. However, the unique bloodline of the Gaen family undoubtedly runs strongly in Kanbaru Suruga.
Supernatural Specialist Network
"The spirit of mutual help is important, right? Haha, unlike Meme, I don't have the cold-hearted notion that people can only save themselves on their own. People live, and can survive, by helping each other." Izuko Gaen unintentionally built a powerful supernatural specialist network. Leaving it meant financial and emotional hardship for those working in that field.
One of the Strongest
Although he's the boss of the supernatural specialists, he's rarely seen taking part in combat. However, his frightening knowledge of the situation sometimes makes him so powerful he could be called the strongest. His personality is also quite manly, making Izuko Gaen quite a frightening character.
The Big Sister Who Truly Knows Everything
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
Gaen Izuko's most famous quote is, "I know everything." This line is very similar to Hanekawa's, "I don't know everything. Just what I know," and is often used as a comparison. She literally knows an incredible amount about everything, even parallel worlds, demonstrating a frightening level of knowledge.
What is a lie?
She also frequently uses the word "lie" in her lines, saying, "There are good lies and bad lies in this world. I accept that, I know that. But Nekoyomi, there's no such thing as an acceptable lie." This comment was directed at Koyomi, who was puzzled and unable to believe Mayoi had disappeared.
Meaningful and profound
In this series, the false existence of supernatural creatures is a common theme, and her lines convey a profound depth that fits that theme.
Members of the Gaen Network
The Conman, Kaiki Deishu
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
"I know that Gaen-senpai isn't as generous and kind-hearted as I think he is. After all, he's a cold-hearted guy who would cut ties with a beloved junior over something as trivial as the loss of a town," he said. Senjougahara Hitagi, listening nearby, didn't even bother to hide her displeasure. Kaiki Deishu, a rare con artist, is only interested in what benefits him. His beliefs are consistent and unwavering.
Violent Onmyoji: Kagenui Yozuru
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
"For example, for me, it's not like that. To be honest, I'd prefer either Meme or Dorofune to be there. But those two are kind of vagrant. Incidentally, I don't want Yozuru to be there. Not at all." Kagenui Yozuru is a violent onmyoji who is disliked by Gaen. They don't show this kind of behavior when they're face to face, but their motives are probably swirling and complicated.
The Wanderer, Oshino Meme
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
"Even though he's a senior member of Gaen-senpai's network, he still contacts me, even though I'm outside the network. He's as free-spirited as ever. No one deserves the title of "senpai" more than that man." So says a former member of the Occult Research Club, puppeteer Teori Masashige.
Puppeteer Teori Masashige
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
"I dropped out of college and started this career, but with Gaen-senpai watching over me, things weren't going as planned. My business wasn't getting off the ground. So I came up with a quick idea," says Teori Seiji, who turned to a forbidden spell that would transform him into a monster. As a result, he becomes half-human, half-demon, floating between this world and the next.
Occult Research Club
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
Izuko Gaen, the boss of all things supernatural, begins his career in the university's Occult Research Club. Her unique background as a Gaen family influenced her way of life, and her encounters with members of the Occult Research Club, Kagenoue Yozuru, Kaiki Deishuu, Oshino Meme, and Teori Masaru, determined her future. It was here that she forged the relationships she has today, and with her own talent, she built the powerful organization known as the Gaen Network.
Cursed?
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
During Gaen's student days, Meme Oshino and other members of the Occult Research Club created the supernatural entity known as Ononoki Yotsugi using human corpses. It's a well-known fact that Gaen Izuko was the mastermind behind this creation. In fact, when he created the Ononoki Yotsugi, he used the Anti-Soul technique to bring the dead back to life, and as a result, he was cursed.
In the end, it remains a mystery
This fact is made clear by Ougi's statement. However, while Ougi says "all parties involved," there is no indication that Gaen is under the curse. Perhaps this is because he was merely a planner and not a participant. This remains a mystery.
The Purpose of Sending Koyomi to Hell
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
In the story "Koyomi Dead," Gaen uses a sword called Kokoro-watari to kill Koyomi. This was actually because his goal was to send Koyomi, who was on the vampire's way, to Hell and resurrect him as a human. Even so, sending someone to Hell is a terrifying tactic.
Voice Actor
Source: Bakemonogatari ©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft
The voice actress who played the all-knowing older sister, Gaen Izuko, was Yukino Satsuki. She made her voice acting debut in 1992 as a young girl in the NHK Educational TV film "Wonderful Everyday." She made her anime debut in 1996 as Ninomiya Kiko in "Kiko-chan's Smile." Her most notable roles include Higurashi Kagome in "Inuyasha," Tamiko in "Rinne," and Shimura Tae in "Gintama."
Side Note
When working as a voice actress, she tends to immerse herself in her role, and there's this story about "Inuyasha." She played the heroine, who becomes romantically involved with the protagonist, Inuyasha. Apparently, Kappei Yamaguchi, who voiced Inuyasha, glared at her when he saw her getting friendly with Noriko Hidaka, who played another female character. She must have been quite immersed in her role.
Summary
Gaen Izuko is an extraordinary and unusual character. Her cold, impersonal smile terrifies and makes everyone shiver. Who exactly are the Gaen family? Why did Kanbaru Suruga's mother, Tonoe, have to leave home? When Gaen Izuko and Kanbaru Suruga meet again, will the mystery be solved? We'll have to wait and see!
