Suicide seems to be an all too often event in Japanese society. So it does not seem surprising when it finds its way into anime. I have too few examples to rank, but here are some of the most notable. SOME minor SPOILERS.
Paranoia Agent. There is one episode where an old man, a younger man, and a young girl enter into a suicide pack. Oddly, and darkly, it is the funniest episode in the series. Actually, it is the only funny episode. They fail in their attempts, but they do become the only ones to freak out Li’l Slugger.
Goku in Dragon Ball Z. Twice Goku gives his life to save others. The first time really does not count as a suicide because he expects to get revived with the Dragon Balls. But the second time, Goku blows himself up trying to take Cell with him, thinking that this time he won’t come back. Apparently Goku did not watch enough anime. Anyway, it’s an heroic death, but it is still a suicide – technically.
Homura in Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion. I know many are going to say, “What the hell are you talking about? When did Homura commit suicide? Apparently you did not watch the post-credits sequence, or you did not watch closely. After the credits run, we see Homura and Kyubey. We don’t get a look at what happens next, only the aftermath of their confrontation. Homura apparently finally destroys Kyubey as she is doing a victory dance around his mangled body. Next, Homura goes to the edge of the precipice they were fighting on, and she leaps to the ground below. Or does she? Look again. She does not leap. She leans forward and lets herself fall headfirst. Even a magical girl cannot survive a broken neck.
Chisa from Lain. Chisa is a minor character who is only seen in two scenes. But she opens the series by jumping off a building to her bloody death below. That is the catalyst which sets the story in motion. Actually, the catalyst is the e-mail from Chisa from beyond the grave, which Lain answers.
Misa from Death Note. Misa seems to be the sole survivor, but without Light and without her Shinigami, Misa is all alone in the world. She takes care of that problem by jumping off a building at the end. True you don’t see her jump, but it is certainly implied. Many Misa fans however insist she does not die. So what is she doing climbing on that building?
When They Cry. I don’t know the name of the character. I never watched the series, but I have seen clips. This one clip had this girl intentionally bang her head against a sharp knife so that the series villainess does not kill her. Brutal..
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So you got any examples?
Note: I do not recommend suicide for anyone. Get help.
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