5 Manipulation Techniques To Learn From Anime - The Art of Deception

Anime has a fan base of approx. 2.88 billion giving it a lot of viewers from all over the world. Anime has quite a remarkable effect on the viewers with its attractive character, remarkable storyline, and thoughts provoking themes, but one dark aspect is the psychological manipulations that are used by the anime characters which can have both positive and negative impacts on viewers. 

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A wide range of techniques used by the to achieve their goal, manipulate someone, and affect the actions of others are shown with great execution.

In this article we will dive deep into the manipulation techniques used by some famous anime characters, remember it’s not the plot but the device but a form of art. 

Whether it's the mind games played by genius protagonists or the intricate webs spun by enigmatic villains, the world of anime showcases a vast array of manipulation techniques that leave an indelible mark on both the story and its audience.

So here are some famous anime characters and the technique they use -

1. Light Yagami from Death Noe

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Light Yagami is a master of emotional manipulation taking advantage of the fears and vulnerabilities of those around him to use them as we have seen in the anime. 

He understands the power of fear and uses it very well for his own benefit. Second comes his mind games and psychological manipulation, throughout the anime we have seen Light and L being engaged in cat-and-mouse games trying to outwit each other and gaining the upper hand in the game. 

Lastly is his appearance, he presents himself as an intelligent and morally upright man and was also referred to as an “honor student” to deceive others.

2. Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass

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Lelouch Lamperouge was depicted as a great character who uses his strategic brilliance and masterful manipulation. He had his intelligence, charisma, and a supernatural phenomenon called “Geass” which he uses very perfectly to bring down his father’s empire the Great Britannian. 

Lelouch with his Geass gain power to control the action of others and manipulate one’s thoughts. With his brilliance, he perfectly employs fighting strategies and manipulates the political factions with his Geass. 

Lastly, he concealed his identity as “Zero”, presenting himself as the symbol of resistance forces. His mask helps him to become the leader of the rebellion hiding his true identity.

3. Johan Liebert from Monster

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Johan Leibert played the role of antagonist in the anime “Monster”, He orchestrates a series of events that plunges those around him into chaos and despair. 

His primary manipulation technique is strategic manipulation, he created a chain of events one leading to the other exploiting the vulnerability of others. He carefully pulls strings from shadows creating a ripple effect. Next is his Mind manipulation, Johan possesses a deep level of understanding of human psychology and uses it to prey on the vulnerabilities of others. 

Lastly are his emotional manipulation, with his charming and charismatic personality, Johan effortlessly gains the trust and admiration of those around him. He uses this emotional manipulation to manipulate others' perceptions of him, making it easier for him to control their actions and gain their loyalty.

4. Shogo Makishima from Psycho-Pass

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Shogo Makishima played the role of antagonist in “Psycho-Pass”, he was shown as a cunning manipulator whose great intellect and deep understanding of human psychology challenge the system in Psycho-Pass. 

Mind games and psychological manipulations are his main tricks as shown in the series again and again, exploiting the psycho-pass system readings of individuals he manipulates them and pushes them towards the act of rebellion. 

Another one is emotional manipulation which is used by every manipulator to have an edge over others. Using dissatisfaction and resentment of individuals towards the system, he recruits followers who become willing to go against societal norms and engage in acts of rebellion. 

Makishima's ability to appeal to people's deepest emotions enables him to amass a group of like-minded individuals who share his anti-establishment sentiments. Lastly using his appearance he hid his true self behind the character of the intellectual and well-spoken person to gain the trust of others to use them.

5. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka from The Classroom of the Elite

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Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was shown as the master manipulator in the anime series where he plays the role of a fool but is actually the smartest student in the school. 

He is a great strategic planner as shown in the anime where he always moves four steps ahead of his enemies completely crushing them and showing that all of their actions were just what he wanted them to do. 

Second, is his manipulation of relationships, as we have seen in the series how he forms a relationship with someone only to get what he wants and trick others into thinking he is doing all of this for their sake. 

Lastly are his emotional manipulations, in anime he is shown as someone who is not capable of human emotions, but he knows how to use them very well, he exposes the vulnerability of his opponents putting them in tough situations and destabilizing their decision-making process.

Final Thoughts

Through the exploration of popular anime series, we have seen how the characters use great manipulation techniques to gain what they desire. S the active viewers we are drawn into their web of deception, questioning our own perceptions and moral compass as we witness the consequences of their actions unfold. 

These techniques which are shown are quite captivating that if we look carefully around us a lot of people knowingly or unknowingly are using them to get what they truly desire. Manipulators often rush their targets into making decisions or taking action. 

Take your time to think things through and don't feel pressured to comply immediately. Take a step back, gather information, and consider the consequences of making any commitments. That is the advice I will give you all so that you will not get manipulated.

Written By- Shivam Sharma