Santouka Taneda

Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Special Abilities Division. A 50-year-old man in traditional Japanese clothing with a shaved head and large round glasses. Birthday: December 3rd. Height: 185 cm. Weight: 98 kg. Blood type: O. Likes: Alcohol, hot springs, staying up late. Dislikes: Wasting things.

He played a significant role in the establishment of the Armed Detective Agency by Fukuzawa, who refers to him as "Professor Taneda," indicating his high regard. According to Fukuzawa, "He has a free-spirited personality, but his insight into people is extraordinary." He recommended Dazai to the detective agency. He had a solo encounter with one of the "Heavenly Beings of Decay," during which the opponent extracted information from his mind using their ability. However, he managed to obtain the information he sought about the "Heavenly Beings of Decay's" objectives. He was gravely injured in the process but managed to relay information about the "Book" to Ranpo before collapsing and being taken to the hospital.

Hail in the Iron Bowl

When an ability is used near him, he can instantly understand its nature.

The ability's name is derived from a haiku by the character's namesake, the poet Santouka Taneda.