Isato Amadera

**Isato Amadera** (天寺イサト, *Amadera Isato*) is one of the characters in Yuto Sano's manga series, *Gokurakugai*.

## Appearance

Isato is a tall young man, likely standing at around 6 feet (approximately 182 cm) or a bit more. He's a bit shorter than Tao and has a slender physique. His hair is short and dark, with untidy bangs that hang in front of his slightly rounded dark eyes.

During their initial encounter at Meito Shrine, Isato wore an informal attire consisting of a dark changshan as his top, loose light-colored pants, and white loafers.

In a flashback involving his father, Isato was dressed in a long-sleeved collared shirt with sizable pockets on each side of the upper abdomen area. He paired this with a dark shirt underneath and light-colored pants.

## Personality

Isato's character is marked by a gentle and compassionate demeanor. His actions and interactions reflect kindness and concern towards others. He engages in meaningful rituals, such as lighting candles and offering prayers for his deceased grandfather, showcasing his deep familial respect and affection. Despite facing adversities like an abusive father and a tough upbringing, Isato exhibits remarkable resilience. He perseveres through difficulties, working diligently to accumulate funds for his grandfather's potential medical expenses.

Initially, Isato hesitates to openly share his personal history with Alma and Tao. When he eventually does divulge sensitive details about his family's past, he briefly pauses, revealing a reserved facet of his personality.

Isato's empathy towards his late grandfather is evident as he grapples with regrets about not standing up for himself and feeling responsible for his grandfather's well-being. Despite the familial challenges he's encountered, Isato maintains a profound emotional connection to his grandfather's memory and holds his legacy in high regard.

## Plot

### Background

Isato is a young man who encountered Tao and Alma at the Southern Fudo District Cemetery. He was on his way to visit a special grave, and his encounter with Alma and Tao led to a series of revelations about his past and his relationship with his family. His grandfather was buried in the Amadera Family Grave, the very grave he was visiting. He shared with Alma and Tao that his own father had murdered his grandfather. This act was driven by his father's greed for insurance money. Isato's father's criminal actions eventually led to his imprisonment, where he later succumbed to illness and passed away. This tragic revelation deeply affected Isato's life.

He explained that his childhood and upbringing were marked by difficulty and abuse. His father was unemployed and relied on his grandfather's money, which led to financial strain and hardship for Isato. As a minor, Isato was forced to work to support the family and faced physical abuse if he dared to speak out against his father's actions. Throughout these struggles, Isato found solace in the support of his grandfather. He described a heartbreaking incident where he had saved money to cover potential hospital bills for his ailing grandfather, only to have his father forcibly take the money, leaving Isato devastated. Isato's life was characterized by instances of mistreatment and cruelty at the hands of his father.

Tragedy struck again when Isato returned home one day to find his beloved grandfather dead, with his father nearby. Isato's father dismissed the death callously, leaving Isato to grieve silently. The cycle of abuse continued as Isato's father demanded his son's hard-earned wages, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

Sharing his painful memories with Alma and Tao, Isato expressed regret for not being able to stand up for himself and break free from his father's abuse. Alma reassured him that he wasn't to blame for everything and that his gentle nature often led him to feel responsible. This conversation began to offer Isato a perspective on his past and the emotional burden he had carried.

After recounting his experiences, Isato found relief in sharing his feelings. He realized that he shouldn't blame himself for the circumstances he faced. Alma's words and Tao's support helped Isato come to terms with his past and consider a path toward healing.

The encounter took a supernatural turn when Isato was suddenly attacked by Magas, mysterious creatures formed from resurrected corpses. Alma intervened and defeated the Magas, further demonstrating his unique abilities. Through the confrontation, Isato witnessed Alma's transformation into a half-maga, raising questions about Alma's nature, which Tao clarified later.

The Magas' presence also brought about unexpected closure for Isato. One of the Magas identified itself as the corpse of Isato's abusive father, which was both shocking and unsettling for Isato. However, Tao explained that these entities held remnants of memories from before their deaths, not their actual spirits.

Isato's confrontation with the Maga that claimed to be his father's remains allowed him to voice his rejection of his father's influence and his desire to break free from the past. This cathartic moment marked a turning point in Isato's journey toward healing and closure. Alma's guidance and encouragement helped Isato understand that living a life consumed by regret wouldn't bring fulfillment. He urged Isato to release the burden of guilt he carried regarding his grandfather and to move forward with his own life. Alma's suggestion that Isato could offer an apology to his grandfather in the afterlife resonated deeply with Isato, bringing him a sense of closure and acceptance.

As the events unfolded, Isato's emotional journey intertwined with the supernatural elements of the story. His willingness to confront his past, acknowledge his pain, and seek a path toward healing showcased his resilience and strength. The encounter with Alma, Tao, and the Magas ultimately played a significant role in helping Isato begin the process of overcoming his traumatic past and shaping a brighter future for himself.

## Relationships

### Familial

* **Unnamed Father:** Isato's relationship with his father was marked by abuse, mistreatment, and trauma. His father was responsible for the murder of Isato's grandfather, driven by greed for insurance money. Isato's father was described as lazy and reliant on his grandfather's money. He forced Isato to work and subjected him to physical abuse if he dared to speak out. His father's actions led to a difficult upbringing for Isato, where he was constantly burdened by his father's demands and cruelty. Isato's father's abusive behavior, along with his role in his grandfather's death, had a profound negative impact on Isato's life.
* **Late Grandfather:** Isato's late grandfather was a source of support and solace in his life. Isato had a close and positive relationship with his grandfather, who offered him comfort amidst the difficulties caused by his father's abuse. Isato often found refuge in his grandfather's kindness. Unfortunately, his grandfather's health deteriorated due to excessive work, and his death had a significant impact on Isato. His grandfather's death marked a turning point in Isato's life, as it left him grieving and struggling to cope with the loss.

### Non-Familial

* **Alma:** Isato's encounter with Alma was a pivotal moment in his life. Alma's empathetic nature and reassurance helped Isato open up about his traumatic past. Alma's supportive words and perspective allowed Isato to begin the process of healing and letting go of the guilt he carried. Alma's half-maga transformation and battle against the Magas demonstrated his protective nature and willingness to come to Isato's aid. Alma's advice to Isato about living a fulfilling life and finding closure had a profound impact on Isato's emotional state.
* **Tao:** Tao, along with Alma, played a crucial role in Isato's journey of self-discovery and healing. Tao's acceptance of cigarettes as a form of payment and her reassurance to Isato that their agency was there to listen created a safe space for Isato to share his painful experiences. Tao's explanation of the Magas and their nature helped Isato understand the supernatural aspects of the situation. Tao's presence during the encounter with the Maga that claimed to be Isato's father's remains provided comfort and clarity for Isato, helping him confront his past and reject the false justifications presented by the Maga.

## Etymology

* The name **"天寺イサト" (Amadera Isato)** is a combination of characters with specific meanings. **天寺 (Amadera)** could be interpreted as "Heavenly Temple" or "Temple in the Sky." **イサト (Isato)** is a given name and does not have specific meaning in traditional Japanese kanji characters. Instead, it is often written in katakana, a script used for foreign words, names, and onomatopoeia. Names written in katakana are often chosen for their phonetic sound rather than their individual meanings. Putting it together, the name 天寺イサト (Amadera Isato) carries the idea of a celestial or heavenly temple associated with the given name Isato. However, since Isato is written in katakana, its meaning is more focused on its sound and uniqueness rather than a specific semantic meaning.

## References

*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 5/5 (Page 10-11).
*Gokurakugai* Manga: Chapter 2 (Pages 47-48).