In Makoto Shinkai’s latest anime film, “Suzume,” a young girl named Suzume encounters a peculiar white cat that sets her on a journey across Japan to close a series of magical doors. This cat, named Daijin, plays a pivotal role in the story, guiding Suzume and shaping the events that unfold. However, Daijin is no ordinary cat; he is a supernatural being with a complex and often perplexing nature.
The True Identity of Daijin
Daijin is revealed to be a keystone, a mystical entity that protects Japan from the Mimizu, a supernatural worm responsible for earthquakes. As a keystone, Daijin’s purpose is to seal these doors and prevent the Mimizu from escaping. However, when Suzume first encounters Daijin, he is in the form of a stone statue that she finds in the ruins of an abandoned building.
Upon touching the statue, Daijin comes to life and transforms into a living, breathing cat. This initial transformation sets the tone for Daijin’s character, as he demonstrates his ability to manipulate his physical form and the world around him.
Daijin’s Relationship with Suzume
Daijin quickly forms a bond with Suzume, and it becomes clear that he has taken a liking to her. He follows her around, often appearing when she least expects him, and seems to take pleasure in her company. However, Daijin’s actions are not always benevolent, and he often puts Suzume in harm’s way as he guides her on her journey.
One of Daijin’s most significant acts is when he turns Souta, a young man who joins Suzume on her quest, into a chair. This transformation is a key plot point, as it sets in motion a series of events that lead Suzume and Souta to the main gate in Tokyo. Daijin’s reasons for doing this are not entirely clear, but it seems to be part of his larger plan to guide Suzume to her ultimate destination.
Daijin’s Chaotic Nature
Throughout the film, Daijin exhibits a chaotic and unpredictable nature. He often appears to be acting in his own best interests, rather than those of Suzume or the other characters. He is not bound by human morality or social conventions, and his actions can be seen as selfish and manipulative.
However, it is also possible to interpret Daijin’s behavior as that of a deity who operates on a different plane of existence. As a keystone, his primary concern is the protection of Japan from the Mimizu, and he may view the human characters as mere pawns in his larger game.
The Significance of the Black Cat
In addition to Daijin, there is another cat that appears in the film – a black cat named Sadaijin. This cat is also a keystone, and it is revealed that he has been possessing Suzume’s aunt, Tamaki, in order to manipulate events.
The appearance of Sadaijin raises questions about the nature of the keystones and their relationship to one another. It is possible that they are siblings or rivals, and that their actions are part of a larger cosmic struggle. However, the film does not provide definitive answers to these questions, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
See Also: Is Suzume Better Than Your Name?
Daijin’s Sacrifice
In the climactic final act of the film, Daijin makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to seal the main gate in Tokyo. He transforms back into his keystone form and takes Souta’s place as the seal, becoming trapped in the process.
This act of self-sacrifice is a surprising and poignant moment in the film, as it reveals a depth to Daijin’s character that was not previously apparent. It suggests that, despite his chaotic and manipulative behavior, Daijin cares deeply for Suzume and is willing to sacrifice himself to protect her and the world.
The Ambiguity of Daijin’s Nature
Throughout the film, Daijin’s true nature remains ambiguous. He exhibits traits of both a trickster and a protector, and his actions are often difficult to interpret. This ambiguity is a key part of Daijin’s character, as it reflects the complexity of the world he inhabits and the forces he represents.
In many ways, Daijin is a reflection of the natural world itself – beautiful and awe-inspiring, but also dangerous and unpredictable. He is a reminder that the world is not always black and white, and that even the most seemingly benevolent forces can have a dark side.
The Significance of Daijin in Japanese Mythology
Daijin’s character draws heavily from Japanese mythology and folklore. The concept of the keystone, for example, is reminiscent of the Shinto belief in kami – divine spirits or forces of nature that are believed to inhabit the world.
The idea of a cat as a divine messenger or trickster is also common in Japanese folklore. Cats are often depicted as having supernatural powers and the ability to transform into human form. In the film, Daijin’s ability to manipulate his physical form and the world around him is a clear nod to these mythological traditions.
The Lasting Impact of Daijin
Despite his ambiguous nature, Daijin leaves a lasting impact on both Suzume and the audience. He is a complex and fascinating character who defies easy categorization and forces us to question our assumptions about the nature of good and evil.
In many ways, Daijin is a reflection of the human experience itself – a mixture of light and dark, joy and sorrow, love and loss. He reminds us that life is not always simple or straightforward, and that even the most challenging experiences can ultimately lead to growth and transformation.
As Suzume embarks on her journey to close the magical doors and seal the Mimizu, Daijin’s presence looms large. He is a constant reminder of the forces that shape our world and the choices we make in the face of adversity. And in the end, his sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cat in “Suzume” is a complex and multifaceted character who defies easy categorization. Daijin is a supernatural being with the power to manipulate the world around him, and his actions shape the events of the film in profound and unexpected ways.
Through his relationship with Suzume and his ultimate sacrifice, Daijin emerges as a tragic and heroic figure – a trickster and a protector, a force of chaos and a source of wisdom. He is a reminder that the world is not always what it seems, and that even the most mysterious and unpredictable forces can ultimately lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
As we continue to explore the rich and fascinating world of Japanese mythology and folklore, Daijin will undoubtedly remain a beloved and enduring character. He is a testament to the power of storytelling to capture the complexity of the human experience and to inspire us to see the world in new and unexpected ways.