Episode list

Mikado Ryugamine, a young man longing for something unusual to happen in his life, moves to Ikebukuro at the invitation of his childhood friend Masaomi Kida. Arriving in Tokyo for the first time, he begins his new life living as a high school student.

It is the Entrance Ceremony at Raira Academy, and the auditorium swells with a varied mix of emotions emitted from the students.

Masaomi Kida is out about town, fervently trying to pick up girls, while Mikado tags along, feeling a bit confused and bewildered.

People throughout the city speak of an urban legend known as the 'Headless Rider.'

Mikado, Masaomi, and Anri all enjoy some after-school time, while elsewhere, magazine writer Shuji Niekawa makes little progress in his search to find 'the Strongest in Ikebukuro.'

As of late, an increasing number of people have been going missing in the districts of Ikebukuro and Shibuya. However, those that have gone missing are people that will not be missed much such as fugitives and illegal aliens. And today, once again, a group of illegal aliens living in an abandoned hotel, have fallen victim to some young 'man hunting' thugs with metal pipes and knives. They capture the fleeing 'merchandise' with much enjoyment, but the question lies - where do they take them? And who will have the nerve to stand up and save these people?

Shizuo Heiwajima, also known as 'the strongest man in Ikebukuro', is a man who definitely relishes that title. Though he carries with him a high esteem, something is amiss. Lately he has been extremely short-tempered and does not know why. His senior partner, Tom Tanaka, will occasionally try to calm him down, and Celty is quite often found worrying over him. His short-temperedness also has everyone wondering - what exactly is bugging him? He wanders throughout the city reflecting upon his past.

Celty, anxious and uneasy about being unable to find her head, gets into a quarrel with Shinra and runs away from home. While he waits patiently for her return, a certain individual pays him a visit. What is this person's connection to Shinra? And what is this individual's goal? Meanwhile, an exchange student named Shiri wanders the streets of Ikebukuro with a sign and sketchbook asking random people 'Hello! What are you looking for?' As she gains more and more answers, we learn that the ideals of the people of Ikebukuro are very different.

Yagiri Pharmaceutical's executive director is irritated by the fact that she is unable to determine the whereabouts of her beloved younger brother Seiji. To locate him, she contacts Izaya Orihara, the information broker. Meanwhile, Seiji, unconcerned that he is being looked for, continues to roam the streets of Ikebukuro together with a woman with a scar on her neck. The girl, seemingly frightened by something, leads him by the hand, wanting 'to go far away.' Full of love, Seiji tenderly smiles at her. This seemingly tranquil scene is broken, however, by a sudden coincidental meeting with a certain individual followed by a girl's fading scream.

It turns out Mikado had bumped into the girl with the scar on her neck on a street corner. Filled with a sense of deja-vu, the sounds of a neighing horse reach his ears. The girl was being chased by the Headless Rider. Mikado succeeds in safely getting home with the girl, who tells him she has amnesia. A fearful Mikado consults with Masaomi on a course of action, and ultimately decides to wait and see what happens. The next day, much to Mikado's bewilderment, he finds two individuals waiting for him outside the school gates - the information broker Izaya and the Headless Rider.

Shinra asks Celty if finding her head really matters after all the new memories she developed since, asking her hand in marriage. Mikado calls Namie claiming he will bring Mika to her in exchange for the truth behind Mika. Mikado, disgusted by the truth, asks Namie to turn herself in.

Seiji attacks Mikado for the return of the girl with the scar on her neck. However, in the midst of the fight, the girl reveals the truth, which shocks both Seiji and Celty. Seiji is seemingly paralyzed from the shocking truth, while an infuriated Celty leaves the scene. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure, Izaya, approaches Mikado...a man who just earlier had watched these people be teased by fate.

Half a year has passed since the Dollars meeting and Ikebukuro seems to have returned to normal. But underground, the Yellow Scarves and the Slasher are becoming increasingly active. Darkness approaches, ready to destroy the days of peace, as each is forced to face their past and present. And in Celty's confrontation, who appeared and dealt the final blow?

Anri is attacked by the Slasher. The same night, the user Saika appears in the chatroom, and posts a puzzling message - 'Today. Cut. Did cut. More. Stronger. Love. Wish. Wish. Is. Want.' Mikado, worried about rumors that the Slashers are the Dollars, decides to cooperate with Celty. What is the Slasher's true form and goal? Celty begins to grow closer to the truth...

Magazine Journalist Shuji Niekawa's unbridled passion cannot be stopped, and now it's raging stronger than ever. A Russian who runs a sushi shop, the Awakusu organization, an Information Broker, the Headless Rider... After much thought he begins to investigate the supposedly strongest man in Ikebukuro, Shizuo Heiwajima. While walking around the town and talking to people, he is suddenly attacked! What other tragic events will befall this unfinished night?!

Anri is targeted by the Slasher, but Kyohei's gang happens to witness the scene from their van and take action to rescue her. Shizuo and Celty join the fight, and after defeating the Slasher, finally reveal his true identity. However, this moment of relief doesn't last long as Celty is shocked to read what has been posted in the chatroom. At the same time, Anri, having returned home, is visited by someone...

Haruna Niekawa chases Nasujima who, unexpectedly, appears at her house. Anri, who also happens to be there, follows. As she faces off against Haruna, who is controlling the gang of Slashers, truths about her past are revealed. Elsewhere, Shizuo fights an unending battle against the Slashers in South Ikebukuro Park. As he defeats them one after another, his expression starts to take on a hint of joy.

Civil unrest begins to descend upon the city of Ikebukuro.

It's another normal day for Mikado, Masaomi and Anri. But Anri notices that something is wrong with Masaomi, and takes action to find out what it is. Elsewhere, a gang-war breaks out between the Yellow Scarves and the Dollars over the identity of the Slasher. The standoff grows as Mikado's desire to stop it is ignored.

The Headless Rider, who is also a member of the Dollars, saves someone with a katana. As a result, the Yellow Scarves became even more suspicious that the Slasher is a member of the Dollars.

Masaomi's orders are ignored as the Yellow Scarves begin to hunt down members of the Dollars. Mikado becomes extremely depressed after seeing a friend of his get assaulted by the Yellow Scarves and begins to question whether the existence of the Dollars is worth such a sacrifice. Meanwhile, Anri tries to put a stop to the gang war, but ends up making the situation worse...

The Dollars are enraged at the evil deeds of the Yellow Scarves. While taking in the members' comments on the BBS, Mikado desperately tries to find a solution. Meanwhile, the Yellow Scarves learn that Anri is the girl who escaped from their hideout during the night of the meeting, and track her down. However, an unexpected group of people steps in to save her...

The sound of a gunshot resounds from a nighttime alley, followed by a phone call for Masaomi. Mikado goes out somewhere with Celty, followed by Anri who later learns the truth. Each of their hearts is filled with trust, doubt, and unease. Everything appears to be rushing toward a conclusion, and a smile crosses Izaya's face as he enjoys the chaos.

Kyohei and Saburo make a comeback, a weakened Masaomi tells Mikado and Anri that they are perfect for each other just before he goes unconscious.

The Headless Rider receives a mysterious red bag that creates big trouble.

While on location shooting and hosting 'Love Love Star Chance! Find Ikebukuro's Number One Couple!', Yuhei looks for a cute couple to star in his upcoming movie, but will it be Mikado and Anri who are suddenly put on the spot?