You cannot even begin to analyze Osomatsu without first acknowledging the obvious — Osomatsu is a sextuplet. This fact is the entire framework of Osomatsu’s character. It is the foundation in which every trait, vice, and mental illness of his has grown from. It is important to keep in mind that Osomatsu is as much of an individual as he is a collective. Osomatsu is equal parts an individual and a sextuplet.

The circumstances of the sextuplets’ birth are a bit unfortunate. Born to parents who were not at all prepared to take on the challenge of raising six children all at once, the sextuplets’ childhood is marked predominantly by their financial struggles. In order to save money, the family rarely eats red meat for dinner, sticking to only fish or even vegetables for their meals. The sextuplets have little toys to play with and minimal furniture in order to fit all six boys into their small bedroom. Notably however, their clothing is bought in bulk and their hair is cut the same, with little to differentiate between the six of them.

When you only have the money to afford one child, the solution becomes to treat six as one. This financial burden of being born sextuplets is what begins each of the brothers’ individual identity issues.

When you dress the same, look the same, and share the same things, it’s easy to begin to develop in the same way as well. Early on in their childhood, the sextuplets behave nearly identical to one another, with only very minor differences in their personalities. Osomatsu, as the first born of the six, takes on a leadership role to his brothers, thus becoming the dominating personality amongst the group. As the younger ones, his brothers often emulated Osomatsu in everything.

With six great minds thinking alike, the group is emboldened by one another. They realize that their numbers give them a unique advantage in life. A hassle for their parents to completely control, they become mischievous, and are known as pranksters in their town, often using their similar likeness to trick people. Because of their numbers, they often gang up on and bully weaker individuals, like Chibita or Iyami. With this dynamic, there is comfort and protection within the group. They are strong, so long as they remain together.

Still, that doesn’t entirely mean there isn’t room for individuality within the group. As the leader and eldest brother, Osomatsu is given special treatment and responsibilities by his family and friends. As Osomatsu is usually the most vocal of the brothers, the sextuplets are often referred to as “Osomatsu and his brothers”. In cases when the sextuplets need to be called on, it is often Osomatsu’s name that is called. After all, if Osomatsu is around, his brothers are surely not far behind. Osomatsu is both the face of this group and the brother most depended on. Naturally, when everything is seemingly about you, you begin to develop a bit of an ego. This ego is very different from the kind of ego some of his brothers may show later on as adults, as it is natural and developed organically as a result of their childhood.

WIP