Reigen Arataka: The Best Worst Mentor in Mob Psycho 100

Introduction

Reigen Arataka is arguably the most compelling non-powered character in anime today. In a world brimming with psychic abilities and world-ending threats, he stands out as a remarkably ordinary, yet utterly captivating figure. He is a master of manipulation, a self-proclaimed psychic with no actual powers, and the mentor, of sorts, to Mob, the impossibly powerful psychic at the heart of Mob Psycho 100.

Mob Psycho 100, created by ONE, the same mind behind One-Punch Man, centers around Kageyama Shigeo, nicknamed Mob, a middle school student with immense psychic abilities. He struggles to control his powers and desires nothing more than to live a normal life. He seeks guidance from Reigen Arataka, the owner of Spirits and Such Consultation Office. Reigen’s job is ostensibly to exorcise evil spirits, but in reality, he’s a con artist who exploits Mob’s powers for his own gain. However, beneath the veneer of the conman lies a surprisingly complex individual who provides Mob with crucial life lessons and a moral compass that Mob desperately needs. While seemingly a charlatan, Reigen Arataka is the unlikely hero who guides Mob toward a better understanding of himself and the world around him.

The Art of the Scam: Reigen’s Business Practices

Reigen’s “psychic” business, Spirits and Such Consultation Office, is built on a foundation of elaborate deception. He charges exorbitant fees for his services, which range from massages and salt-throwing to fabricated ghost stories and exaggerated claims of spiritual intervention. Reigen’s true skill lies not in psychic abilities, but in his ability to read people and exploit their vulnerabilities. He’s a master of improvisation, always quick with a plausible explanation and a confident demeanor.

Consider his methods: facing a client convinced of ghostly harassment, he might perform a vigorous massage, claiming to be channeling psychic energy to dispel the negative spirits. Or, he might sprinkle ordinary salt, selling it as specially blessed holy items capable of warding off evil. He uses Mob’s abilities covertly, subtly directing him to deal with genuine threats while Reigen takes all the credit. He fabricates stories to embellish his resume, making him seem far more knowledgeable and experienced than he actually is.

The humor derives from the sheer audacity of his schemes and the contrast between his elaborate pronouncements and the often mundane reality of his actions. It’s difficult to not laugh when Reigen, in the face of a powerful spirit, throws salt in its eyes claiming some technique and then running behind Mob to order him around. His confidence is unmatched, even when facing situations that should have him quaking in his boots.

Yet, the ethical implications of his actions cannot be ignored. Reigen is essentially profiting from the fears and insecurities of vulnerable people. He takes advantage of their belief in the supernatural, charging them for services he knows are fraudulent. Is he truly hurting anyone? While his methods are questionable, it can be argued that he often helps those who are lost or confused, providing them with a sense of closure, even if it’s based on a lie. Whether his good intention justifies the con is another discussion.

Guiding the Psychic: Reigen as a Mentor

Despite his exploitative tendencies, Reigen plays a crucial role in Mob’s development, acting as an unlikely mentor. He provides guidance and support, often unintentionally, helping Mob navigate the complex world around him and understand the implications of his immense psychic powers. This mentor relationship becomes the moral backbone of the story.

Reigen constantly emphasizes the importance of emotional control, telling Mob that his psychic abilities don’t make him better than anyone else. This is a vital lesson for Mob, who struggles with feelings of inadequacy and the temptation to use his powers to solve all his problems. Reigen teaches him that true strength lies in character and self-discipline, not in supernatural abilities. He constantly reminds Mob to not use his powers against other people.

He also stresses the value of hard work and self-improvement. Reigen encourages Mob to participate in everyday activities, like joining the Body Improvement Club, urging him to develop his physical abilities and social skills rather than relying solely on his psychic powers. He understands that Mob’s powers are a part of him, but not the entirety of who he is. By encouraging him to pursue other interests and develop his personality, Reigen helps Mob find a sense of normalcy and balance.

Perhaps most importantly, Reigen acts as Mob’s moral compass. He teaches Mob the difference between right and wrong, even if he himself doesn’t always adhere to those principles. He guides Mob in making difficult decisions, especially when Mob struggles with the temptation to use his powers for personal gain or revenge. He explains the potential repercussions of irresponsible power usage and encourages Mob to consider the consequences of his actions.

Beneath the Facade: Reigen’s Vulnerability

Reigen is not just a conman and mentor; he is a vulnerable human being. He is insecure about his own lack of abilities, aware that he’s just an ordinary person in a world of extraordinary power. He’s a workaholic who constantly seeks validation and fears being seen as a failure.

There are many moments where Reigen shows genuine concern for Mob’s well-being. When Mob is in danger, Reigen doesn’t hesitate to put himself at risk, even though he is powerless against psychic threats. He genuinely cares about Mob’s happiness and wants to see him succeed in life. He may not always express it overtly, but his actions speak volumes.

Reigen’s lack of power is what makes him so relatable. In a world of psychics, he is the everyman. He represents the ordinary person who tries to make a difference in the world, even without supernatural abilities. He’s a reminder that strength comes in many forms, and that even the seemingly powerless can have a positive impact.

He feels the burden of responsibility for being Mob’s mentor, knowing that his guidance will shape Mob’s future. He wants to steer Mob in the right direction, but he is also aware of his own limitations and flaws. He carries the weight of knowing he isn’t perfect, but he continues to try his best. This creates layers of insecurity within him that he constantly hides, often through bravado and quick-wittedness.

A Taste of Power: The Real Psychic Arc (Spoilers Ahead!)

In a pivotal arc, Reigen temporarily gains psychic powers due to a unique set of circumstances involving Mob’s overflowing energy. This transformation forces Reigen to confront his own limitations and reveals deeper truths about his character.

When he gains these powers, even for a short time, Reigen initially revels in his newfound abilities. He experiences the power he has only mimicked for so long. He gets a taste of what it is like to be able to actually exorcise spirits and help people. However, he quickly realizes that psychic powers are not a shortcut to happiness or fulfillment. He is overwhelmed by the responsibility and the potential for misuse.

Ultimately, the experience reinforces his existing beliefs. He understands that true strength lies in character, not in supernatural abilities. The arc proves that despite his flaws, Reigen remains grounded and recognizes the importance of hard work, empathy, and ethical behavior. He does not fall into the trappings of power that others may be tempted by.

The Enduring Appeal of Reigen Arataka

Reigen Arataka is a multifaceted character who defies easy categorization. He is a conman, a mentor, a friend, and a deeply flawed human being. He embodies the complexity of human nature, showcasing both our capacity for deception and our potential for good.

He acts as a foil to Mob’s powers, highlighting the value of being human. Despite the supernatural elements of Mob Psycho 100, Reigen gives the audience something to grab onto and relate to. He showcases the importance of everyday values and personal growth.

Reigen represents the idea that even those who are flawed and imperfect can have a positive influence on the world. He demonstrates that mentorship is not about perfection, but about guidance, support, and the willingness to help others grow. He serves as a reminder that real power comes from within, from the strength of one’s character and the depth of one’s compassion.

Reigen Arataka is a testament to the fact that you don’t need psychic powers to make a real difference in someone’s life. He’s a flawed, funny, and ultimately, deeply human character who reminds us that even the biggest con artist can have a good heart. He is a character that sticks with you, even after the last episode rolls. His relatability and complexity makes him an icon of character writing and a testament to the human spirit.