Durarara

Durarara is a Japanese light novel series written by Ryohgo Narita with illustrations by Suzuhito Yasuda. It began publication in 2009 under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint and has continued through multiple volumes, expanding into a broader multimedia franchise.

The story is set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, a bustling urban district known for its subcultures, rumors, and street life. It weaves together the lives of a large ensemble of characters, including Mikado Ryugamine, a shy high school student who moves to the city; Masaomi Kida, his friend who offers guidance; Anri Sonohara, a quiet girl with a hidden past; Celty Sturluson, a headless Irish Dullahan who travels by motorcycle; Izaya Orihara, a shrewd information broker; and Shizuo Heiwajima, a physically imposing man with a temper. The narrative is characterized by multiple viewpoints and interlocking plots centered on urban legends, gang activity, and the interplay between ordinary life and supernatural elements.

Durarara has been adapted into several media formats. The anime adaptation Durarara!! produced by Brain's Base aired in 2010, followed by Durarara!!x2 in 2015–2016, which expanded the story across three cours. The series has also spawned manga adaptations and related stage productions. Critics and fans often cite its large, interconnected cast and its blend of mystery, action, and supernatural themes set against a contemporary city backdrop.

The title Durarara is associated with the distinctive soundscape of Ikebukuro and the chaotic energy surrounding Celty and the city. The franchise has grown to include multiple novels, comics, and other media that explore the same setting and characters.