Takizawa Seidou, a promising yet initially insecure CCG investigator, undergoes a harrowing and ultimately transformative experience during the Owl Suppression Operation. His ghoulification officially begins in Tokyo Ghoul:re episode 6, titled “Awakening,” although the full extent of his transformation isn’t immediately apparent until later episodes.
The Catalyst: A Brutal Encounter with Tatara
Takizawa’s downward spiral is intrinsically linked to the tragic events surrounding the Owl Suppression Operation. The raid, designed to eliminate the One-Eyed Owl (Eto Yoshimura) and the Owl (Yoshimura), resulted in heavy casualties for the CCG. Takizawa, driven by ambition and a desire to prove himself, found himself directly confronting the powerful Ghoul Aogiri Tree executive, Tatara.
The Battle and its Consequences
This encounter proved devastating for Takizawa. While he initially showed promise, his inexperience and lack of control over his quinque, Doujima 1/2, ultimately led to his crushing defeat. Tatara, known for his devastating flames and overwhelming power, inflicted grievous injuries upon Takizawa. It was widely believed within the CCG that Takizawa had perished in the aftermath of the battle, alongside fellow investigator Amon Koutarou.
However, the truth was far more sinister. Takizawa had been captured by Aogiri Tree and subjected to brutal experimentation, orchestrated primarily by Dr. Kanou. This experimentation aimed to artificially create One-Eyed Ghouls, a concept that Kanou had been pursuing relentlessly after his failed attempts with Rize Kamishiro.
The Horrors of Artificial Ghoulification
The process that Takizawa underwent was far from natural. Unlike Kaneki Ken, who received his ghoul abilities through a quinque transfusion (organ transplantation) from Rize, Takizawa was subjected to invasive surgeries and the forced implantation of ghoul kakuhou (a ghoul’s unique organ responsible for Rc cell production and kagune manifestation).
The Role of Dr. Kanou’s Experimentation
Dr. Kanou’s experiments were deeply unethical and incredibly painful. They involved not only the surgical implantation of kakuhou but also continuous manipulation and experimentation with Rc cells. The goal was to force a human body to adapt to the presence of ghoul organs and biology, a process that often resulted in failure and death. Many subjects perished during these experiments, highlighting the brutal nature of Kanou’s research.
From Investigator to Ghoul: A Tormented Transformation
The ghoulification process left Takizawa physically and mentally scarred. He emerged from the experimentation a changed individual, bearing little resemblance to the confident and ambitious investigator he once was. He became unstable, prone to outbursts of violence, and deeply conflicted about his new identity. He adopted the moniker “Owl” (or “T-OWL”), mirroring the ghouls who orchestrated his transformation. This transformation highlights the devastating effects of both physical trauma and psychological manipulation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Takizawa’s Ghoulification
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the details of Takizawa Seidou’s transformation:
1. What type of ghoul did Takizawa become?
Takizawa became an artificial One-Eyed Ghoul. This means he possesses both human and ghoul characteristics, unlike pure ghouls who are born as such. His ghoul abilities were artificially induced through experimentation.
2. What is Takizawa’s Kagune type?
Takizawa possesses an Ukaku kagune, characterized by its wing-like appearance and ability to fire projectiles. This is the same kagune type as Yoshimura (The Owl) and Eto Yoshimura (The One-Eyed Owl), reinforcing his connection to the Owl Suppression Operation.
3. How powerful is Takizawa as a ghoul?
Takizawa is incredibly powerful, considered a significant threat by both the CCG and other ghouls. His artificial ghoulification and rigorous experimentation resulted in a highly potent Ukaku kagune and enhanced physical capabilities. He becomes one of the stronger ghouls in the Tokyo Ghoul universe.
4. What role did Aogiri Tree play in Takizawa’s transformation?
Aogiri Tree was directly responsible for capturing Takizawa after the Owl Suppression Operation and delivering him to Dr. Kanou for experimentation. They provided the resources and environment for Kanou to conduct his research.
5. Did Takizawa retain any memories of his past life?
Yes, Takizawa retained memories of his past life as a CCG investigator, although these memories are often fragmented and distorted. He experiences significant inner turmoil as he grapples with his new identity and the atrocities he committed as a ghoul.
6. How did Takizawa’s relationship with Amon Koutarou change after his transformation?
Takizawa’s relationship with Amon, his senior investigator, becomes incredibly complex. Both believed the other to be dead, and their eventual reunion is fraught with pain, guilt, and a deep sense of loss. They become adversaries and allies at different points in the story.
7. What motivated Dr. Kanou to experiment on Takizawa?
Dr. Kanou’s primary motivation was to create artificial One-Eyed Ghouls and understand the mechanisms behind ghoul biology. He believed that by creating artificial ghouls, he could unlock the secrets of ghoul evolution and potentially develop a way to bridge the gap between humans and ghouls, albeit through unethical means.
8. How does Takizawa’s mental state affect his actions as a ghoul?
Takizawa’s mental state is extremely unstable. He is prone to violent outbursts, emotional breakdowns, and identity crises. His actions as a ghoul are often influenced by his trauma, guilt, and the manipulative influence of Aogiri Tree.
9. Did Takizawa ever regain control of himself?
Yes, over time, Takizawa begins to regain some semblance of control over his actions and identity. He eventually breaks free from Aogiri Tree’s influence and starts to reconcile with his past.
10. What happened to Takizawa after the events of Tokyo Ghoul:re?
After the events of Tokyo Ghoul:re, Takizawa joins the Goat organization, led by Kaneki Ken (now the One-Eyed King). He fights alongside them to create a world where humans and ghouls can coexist peacefully.
11. Is Takizawa considered a tragic character in the series?
Yes, Takizawa is widely considered a tragic character. He was a victim of circumstance, caught in the crossfire of the human-ghoul conflict and subjected to horrific experimentation. His journey is marked by suffering, loss, and a constant struggle to find his place in the world.
12. Where can I learn more about Dr. Kanou’s experiments and their impact?
Further information about Dr. Kanou’s experiments can be found throughout the Tokyo Ghoul manga and anime series, particularly in the Tokyo Ghoul:re arc. Examining the backstories of other artificial ghouls created by Kanou, such as the Quinx Squad, will also provide valuable context.