The Irregular at Magic High School is a unique gem in today's market. A science-fiction series that utilizes fantasy elements wrapped in the aesthetics of a high school drama, this anime has something for everyone. Along with blending genres to weave a gripping, emotionally complex narrative, Irregular also boasts an impressive cast of characters, led by Shiba Tatsuya and his younger sister Miyuki.
Throughout the series -- including the recently released "Reminiscence" Arc OVA -- viewers have come to learn a great deal about the Shiba siblings and the events that led to their unique bond. Unsurprisingly, a cornerstone of the pair's relationship is their late mother, Shiba Miya. Indeed, Miya's actions and her untimely death have been the main focus behind a number of plot points. And while fans have become familiar with one of the Shiba siblings' parents, there's one who's yet to receive much exposure: their father, the stern, shadowy Shiba Tatsurou.
In his first appearance in Episode 9 of Season 1, Tatsurou's tumultuous relationship with his children is almost immediately established. While visiting Four Leaves Technology, Tatsuya and Miyuki run into their father. During their brief interaction, Tatsurou simultaneously expresses his high opinion of Miyuki (as well as his hopes that she will one day lead the Yotsuba house) and his disdain for Tatsuya.
Quick as this altercation is, a fair amount of information regarding Tatsurou is revealed. First, he is the Vice President and majority shareholder of Four Leaves Technology, as well as the head of FLT's Research and Development. This means he has full access to everything Tatsuya is creating as part of the pseudonymous duo Taurus Silver. Second, as head of Research and Development, Tatsurou understands Tatsuya's capabilities far better than anyone else, including Miyuki. Yet, he still treats Tatsuya as if he were inferior.
Tatsurou's attitude toward his son is tied directly to his relationship with the powerful Yotsuba clan. As a member of the Yotsuba family through marriage, Tatsurou is still something of an outsider. Thus, he must take pains to upset neither the Main House nor the Yotsuba's current leader: his late wife's sister Yotsuba Maya. As such, Tatsurou's displays of fatherly praise toward Miyuki and his blatant disregard of Tatsuya are largely performative, meant to maintain his own protected status within the Yotsuba clan. However, Tatsurou's distant relationship to his son involves more than familial politics.
Although Tatsuya is exponentially gifted with immense power and intelligence, his father Tatsurou lacks both. Consequently, Tatsurou's perspective toward Tatsuya is more convoluted than simple jealousy. It would be more accurate to say that Tatsurou is terrified of his son's potential. And, considering the role he played in The Irregular at Magic High School's Scorched Halloween incident, Tatsurou has every right to be afraid.
Despite occupying a periphery role thus far, Shiba Tatsurou is a complex, duplicitous figure with no shortage of personal agendas and vendettas. Considering his wealth, status and convoluted relationship with his children, it's more than likely audiences will be seeing much more of Tatsurou in Season 3 of The Irregular at Magic High School, which is tentatively set for release later in 2022.
