What does Tanaka do?


What exactly is Tanaka's function in the Phantomhive family? To my
understanding from watching season 1 and 2 of the anime, the manga (up to the
Phantomhive murders arc) and the OVAs, it seems like he was Vincent's head
butler back when he was the head of the house.

But since Ciel has come into power along with Sebastian, his function seems
small. In the anime and manga when Sebastian assigns tasks, he always tells
Tanaka "The usual will be fine". What does this mean? Can anyone explain?




Tanaka-san mainly only drinks tea. He was the previous Head-Butler of the
Phantomhive family before Ciel shows up with Sebastian. Since Ciel makes
Sebastian the Head-Butler, Tanaka-san was then task-less and turned into a
backup Head Butler. This was later shown when Sebastian had to leave and was
unavailable, Tanaka assumed the position of Head-Butler, commanding the staff
trio until Sebastian's return.

In the Book of Circus, when the circus members attacked the Phantomhive manor
(not knowing that the Ciel Phantomhive they are after are actually in their
main camp disguised under the pseudonym Smile), it was shown that Elisabeth
was spending the night at the manor. She was awaken due to the noises but
Tanaka-san calmed her down and told her that she should go back to sleep while
fully aware that there is a broken window (with a dead body IIRC) behind him.
Elisabeth didn't notice this since he was there.

This might be his main task now, taking care of Elisabeth when she came over.

In addition he was also the figurehead of the Funtom corporation (anime 1st
season episode 9).




Tanaka-san mainly only drinks tea. He was the previous Head-Butler of the
Phantomhive family before Ciel shows up with Sebastian. Since Ciel makes
Sebastian the Head-Butler, Tanaka-san was then task-less and turned into a
backup Head Butler. This was later shown when Sebastian had to leave and was
unavailable, Tanaka assumed the position of Head-Butler, commanding the staff
trio until Sebastian's return.

In the Book of Circus, when the circus members attacked the Phantomhive manor
(not knowing that the Ciel Phantomhive they are after are actually in their
main camp disguised under the pseudonym Smile), it was shown that Elisabeth
was spending the night at the manor. She was awaken due to the noises but
Tanaka-san calmed her down and told her that she should go back to sleep while
fully aware that there is a broken window (with a dead body IIRC) behind him.
Elisabeth didn't notice this since he was there.

This might be his main task now, taking care of Elisabeth when she came over.

In addition he was also the figurehead of the Funtom corporation (anime 1st
season episode 9).

