During Anime NYC 2026, the Bungo Stray Dogs series commemorated a decade of existence, honoring both the principal five‑season run and its spin‑off sequel, Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! 2. The franchise’s hallmark is its practice of christening characters after literary figures and endowing them with abilities drawn from those authors’ works; the story centers on Atsushi Nakajima. After being expelled from his foster home and nearly perishing from hunger, Atsushi intervenes to rescue Osamu Dazai from committing suicide in a river. Dazai subsequently enlists Atsushi into the Armed Detective Agency, an organization composed of individuals with extraordinary powers who tackle cases shunned by conventional law‑enforcement and military entities. Over the span of 2016‑2023, Bungo Stray Dogs delivered fifty‑one episodes across five seasons, while Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! 2 made its debut in July 2026.
In tandem with the milestone festivities, we were able to interview two key contributors to the franchise: Yuto Uemura, the Japanese voice actor for Atsushi, and Chiaki Kurakane, who serves as a producer. Our dialogue touched upon various literary sources that influenced Bungo Stray Dogs, the contrasting creative direction of Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! 2, and additional topics.
Segments of this conversation have been modestly refined for clarity. The interview was carried out with the help of an interpreter.
Q: It’s the 10‑year anniversary of the anime franchise, and there have been multiple seasons, a movie, and the spin‑off series. How do you reflect on the creation of so much content with such a strong appeal?
Uemura‑san: I sensed the same sentiment during today’s panel, namely that fan affection and enthusiasm for the series are astounding. Our responsibility as creators is to collaborate with the characters and determine how best to deliver the story to the audience. The fans, once they receive it, truly internalize it, making it a part of their own experience. Their personal connection and interaction with the work is what has sustained the series’ longevity.
Kurakane‑san: To begin with, there is the rich narrative universe crafted by Asagiri‑sensei, complemented by Harukawa‑sensei’s exquisite visual style and the robust animation production from BONES. The fourth pillar of triumph, however, lies with the audience whose reception, passion, and love for the series also play a crucial role.
Q: Over the course of the series, many characters inspired by prominent literary figures have been introduced. Has the series inspired you to learn more about any of these figures or read any of their works?
Uemura‑san: I revisited the writings of Nakajima Atsushi, the literary figure after whom my role is named. My character’s power, “Beast Beneath the Moonlight,” originates from the novel Moon Over the Mountain. I first encountered this text as a student, but reading it again as an adult gave me a deeper appreciation of its layers. While the author and the character are not identical, I aim in my portrayal of Atsushi to reflect the internal conflict portrayed in the book.
Kurakane‑san: Bungo Stray Dogs regularly partners with Japanese literary museums that showcase authentic manuscripts from the referenced authors. I enjoy visiting these museums to see the exhibits. KADOKAWA has released illustrated editions of the original texts, each featuring the series’ characters; there are twenty‑eight such volumes in total, and I own the complete collection.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece from the museums?
Kurakane‑san: Primarily, there is the Nakahara Chuya museum situated in Yamaguchi, followed by the Kanagawa Modern Literary Museum in Yokohama, and the Shayokan museum dedicated to Dazai Osamu.
I’m going to add that to my travel list.
Uemura‑san: I also visited the Yokohama location, where an exhibition displayed letters penned by the real Nakajima Atsushi. The museum also scattered character stickers of Atsushi throughout, creating a lively atmosphere. This was part of the series’ collaboration with the museum. I hold a teaching credential, and the historical Nakajima Atsushi was also an educator, which made the experience especially engaging.
Q: Uemura‑san, Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! has a much different tone and tempo compared to the main anime series. What has it been like alternating between the different presentations of Atsushi and keeping the two series feeling distinct?
Uemura‑san: Broadly speaking, the two productions differ markedly in style and execution. The principal series adopts a grave tone, emphasizing Atsushi’s internal battles and the anxieties he confronts throughout the narrative. Consequently, my approach centers on conveying his unspoken emotions, a practice applicable to all principal characters whose inner feelings are pivotal. In contrast, Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! prioritizes immediate ambience and spontaneity; I rely on instinct rather than overanalysis. A highlight of the spin‑off is its willingness to pair characters who rarely appear together in the main series, prompting me to treat each project separately and relish its distinct, playful dynamic.
Q: Kurakane‑san, the series has a lot of characters with very distinct personalities that connect and play off each other. Did the intense level of characterization in the series make it difficult to find voice actors?
Kurakane‑san: Surprisingly, casting proved uncomplicated. Our primary goal was to secure voice talent that aligned with Director Igarashi’s conceptual framework. Additionally, Sound Director Wakabayashi‑san offered insights regarding which vocal qualities best suited each character’s persona and internal motivations. Consequently, the decision‑making authority rests largely with them, and I simply adopt their selections, rendering my role straightforward. I believe Director Igarashi’s thorough grasp of the material and his continual communication with series creator Asagiri‑sensei are key factors in achieving accurate character casting.
Q: For both of you, which Bungo Stray Dogs character do you want to get more time in Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! ?
Uemura‑san: I would love to witness more appearances by Lucy. Although my role, Atsushi, is absent from the spin‑off, an episode pairing Lucy with Kyoka was particularly delightful. Observing their bond unmediated by Atsushi felt akin to watching sisters, creating a warm and engaging dynamic. Since both characters possess deep insight into Atsushi’s psyche, additional encounters between them would be enjoyable.
Kurakane‑san: The sequel, Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! 2, introduces numerous new figures, including the Hunting Dogs and the Decay of the Angel, consequently reducing the Detective Agency members’ screen presence. Kunikida functions as a maternal figure for the team, providing a sense of security whenever he is near. However, Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! 2 notably omits him for extended periods, leaving the group feeling somewhat vulnerable; his return would certainly reassure us.
Q: Uemura‑san, what is the environment like during production, especially with how many characters appear across the many sections of the series? Who do you think brings out the most interesting sides of Atsushi?
Uemura‑san: Having spent a decade on the project, my recording experiences now feel like returning to a familiar home. Sound Director Wakabayashi‑san consistently offers me avenues to test my limits and evolve as an artist, resulting in a vibrant studio atmosphere. Regarding which colleague highlights the most compelling aspects of my character, I would credit Dazai. As a senior agent and the figure who first recruited me, his enigmatic nature and unpredictable motives make him especially intriguing. His actions often reflect a protective stance toward Atsushi, yet there are moments when Atsushi surpasses Dazai’s anticipations, and I relish their collaborative efforts to safeguard Yokohama.
Q: What challenges have you faced throughout your time on Bungo Stray Dogs?
Uemura‑san: Within the principal saga, the nuanced shifts in Atsushi’s mental state can be exceedingly delicate, posing a significant hurdle. His personality fluctuates markedly based on his interactions with characters such as Akutagawa or Kyoka, necessitating careful differentiation. While I enjoy the creative liberty afforded to me, coordinating with fellow production team members to realize the final work remains demanding.
We extend our gratitude to Yuto Uemura and Chiaki Kurakane for sharing their time and insights during this year’s Anime NYC event. The complete catalog of Bungo Stray Dogs episodes, plus the 2018 cinematic release Bungo Stray Dogs – DEAD APPLE, can be viewed on Crunchyroll.
© Kafka Asagiri, Neco Kanai, Sango Harukawa/KADOKAWA/Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! Partners
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