Character Analysis: Ichiyō Higuchi
The Unsuitable Path of Loyalty and Resilience Introduction: The Literary Foundatio
In Bungou Stray Dogs, Chapter 14 takes its title"An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (彼女には向かない職業) directly from the famous 1972 detective novel of the same name by British author P. D. James, often dubbed the "Queen of Crime Fiction."
In the novel, Cordelia Gray a young woman possessing immense emotional resilience despite her inner psychological vulnerability, finds herself forced to navigate a harsh, male dominated world after the death of her partner, Bernie. Society, the police, and authority figures constantly deem her profession as "unsuitable" for a woman. Yet, through her sharp intelligence, sheer determination, and willingness to embrace a bleak path, Cordelia proves them wrong.
Kafka Asagiri masterfully bridges this exact literary premise to mirror Ichiyō Higuchi, framing her character through the tragic and resolute lens of Cordelia Gray.
Higuchi's Persona: Between Ruthlessness and Vulnerability
At first glance, Higuchi presents herself as a cold, ruthless, and unwavering member of the Port Mafia. Under the command of Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, she acts as his assistant and personal bodyguard, showing zero hesitation in wielding firearms or eliminating enemies to protect the organization's interests.
However, beneath this formidable exterior lies a deeply human struggle:
The "Unsuitable" Status: When Akutagawa is hospitalized, Boss Mori notes that Higuchi is fundamentally "unsuitable" for the brutal reality of the Port Mafia. Behind her harsh mask, she is easily flustered, self-doubting, and hesitant—frequently contemplating leaving the organization despite the lethal consequences deserters face.
Lack of Respect: Because her subordinates recognize her internal conflict, they rarely offer her genuine respect, obeying her commands primarily out of terror for Akutagawa’s wrath. Her impulsive devotion often drives her to disobey direct orders, resorting to drastic measures to protect her senior.
Earning Her Place:Despite her flaws and the overwhelming pressure, Higuchi's earnest, unwavering nature eventually earns her the respect of the *Black Lizard* squad. She demonstrates extraordinary courage and loyalty, bearing her burdens to this day with a clear awareness of the Port Mafia's role in protecting Yokohama.
The Parallels: Cordelia Gray & Ichiyō Higuchi
"...she was voluntarily embracing his ill-luck. She certainly never saw herself as powerful enough to change it."
P.D. James, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
This single line from P. D. James’s novel captures the emotional core of Higuchi's devotion to Akutagawa:
1Voluntarily Embracing Suffering: Much like Cordelia chooses to bind her fate to a troubled, unlucky partner, Higuchi voluntarily steps into the harsh, violent underworld of the Port Mafia. She chooses to stand beside Akutagawa a man shrouded in harshness and darkness fully knowing the emotional and physical toll it takes on her.
Accepting Powerlessness with Absolute Resolve: Higuchi is fully aware that she is an "ordinary" human lacking a supernatural Ability (*Inō*). She knows she cannot change Akutagawa's dark nature or force him to acknowledge her, yet she willingly accepts her limitations and fights with everything she has relying on her skill with firearms and absolute loyalty to survive in a world of monsters.
Beyond character traits and psychological themes, Asagiri and the character designer went step further by directly reflecting Cordelia Gray’s visual identity onto Ichiyō Higuchi
Looking at the Japanese book cover for An Unsuitable Job for a Woman the resemblance is uncanny:
The Silhouette & Outfit: The sleek, minimalist black suit that Higuchi wears which always stood out for its simplicity compared to the elaborate designs of other Port Mafia members is a literal homage to Cordelia’s iconic cover look.
The Hair & Stance: The short blonde haircut, the posture, and even the precise, calculated way she holds her handgun are virtually a copy-paste of Cordelia Gray’s visual representation.
It finally answers the long standing question of why Higuchi's character design was kept so simple in a world full of flamboyant outfits. However, one small grievance remains for Asagiri: Why skip the pearl necklace? Higuchi’s beauty and devotion definitely deserved that touch of elegance to complete the look!
Final Thoughts: What Lies Ahead for Higuchi?
I’ve decided to read the novel (An Unsuitable Job for a Woman) in its entirety to observe Cordelia’s character growth and her ultimate trajectory. Naturally, this makes me wonder: Could Cordelia’s journey offer us a subtle glimpse into Higuchi’s future in Bungou Stray Dogs?
While Asagiri might not follow P.D. James’s narrative to the letter often choosing to adapt foundational themes while forging his own twists it remains an exciting parallel to explore. Whether Asagiri relies on the novel as a blueprint for Higuchi's future development or has a completely unexpected path hidden for her, one thing is certain:
Just as Cordelia Gray proved that an "unsuitable" job could become her greatest triumph, I truly hope to see Higuchi step into the spotlight once more, proving her worth and commanding the respect she so deeply deserves
Bonus Insight: Cordelia Gray’s Broader Literary Impact
Did you know that Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan, also paid tribute to Cordelia Gray by featuring her in the "Detective Picture Book" of Volume 28?
This further proves just how influential Cordelia Gray is within the mystery and detective fiction genre. Her legacy as a pioneering female detective is undeniable. The fact that Kafka Asagiri chose to base Ichiyō Higuchi on such a rich, historically significant character is proof that Higuchi holds immense untapped potential. If Asagiri gives her the spotlight she deserves, her trajectory in Bungou Stray Dogs could be truly extraordinary.
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