Strong, Kind, and Beautiful: The Charisma of Aira Shiratori in "Dandadan"

Who is Aira?

Aira Shiratori is a classmate of Momo's and one of the standout characters in Yukinobu Tatsu's "Dandadan." Known for her beauty at their high school, she initially comes across as cute and carefree. However, beneath this exterior lies a competitive and somewhat overconfident personality. Her journey begins in Chapter 10 of the original manga, where she criticizes Okarun for being unattractive. Momo, upset by this, punishes Aira by dropping a washbasin on her head. This incident leads to Aira developing the ability to perceive supernatural phenomena and gaining the power of Acrobatic Silky. From then on, she becomes an ally in battles against supernatural beings, though her relationship with Momo remains one of constant bickering.

Despite her initial unpleasant traits, Aira undergoes significant personal development through her interactions with Momo. She learns to value honesty and genuine friendship, leading to a more complex and endearing character.

Aira's Charm #1: A Twisted Yet Kind and Earnest Personality

Aira may seem twisted at first, but there is a kind and earnest side to her that shines through during critical moments. Initially, she sought revenge on Momo for the washbasin incident, even believing Momo was a demon. She spread malicious rumors about her, which eventually led to her isolation. However, after fighting alongside Acrobatic Silky and the aliens, her perspective changed, and she regretted her actions. She chose honesty over her reputation, confessing to her classmates, "I was the one who spread those rumors."

This confession resulted in Aira being isolated in class, but it also allowed her to shed superficial friendships and form a genuine bond with Momo. Although they often engage in playful jabs, Aira finds comfort in being her authentic self around Momo.

Aira's Charm #2: A Competitive Hard-worker

While Aira may come off as self-absorbed, she is also highly dedicated. As a child, she faced a setback when she failed to win the top prize in a piano competition. Fueled by frustration, she practiced relentlessly and made a comeback the following year, winning the grand prize. When a classmate laments, "I don't have any talent," Aira retorts, "Those who keep talking about talent just aren't trying hard enough." Her dedication extends beyond piano; she consistently works on her appearance, showing that her confidence stems from her commitment to self-improvement.

Aira's Charm #3: A Secret Softie for Her Friends

Aira and Momo are constantly bickering, a habit that started from their initial antagonistic encounter. Even now, as comrades, they continue to exchange insults like "stupid girl" and "ugly." However, despite her harsh words, Aira genuinely cares for Momo. This is evident in her rigorous training, driven by a desire to help Momo, who frequently faces supernatural incidents. Her concern is further highlighted when she tells Momo, "Make sure you let me know if anything supernatural happens," upon learning of Momo's involvement in such events.

Similarly, Aira, though often harsh with her other companions, never fails to rush to their aid in times of crisis. Her strength intensifies when fighting with her friends in mind. Despite her inability to express herself honestly, Aira is, deep down, a kind-hearted girl who truly values her friends.

Aira's Charm #4: Strong, Beautiful, and Brave!

When using her Acrobatic Silky power, Aira transforms into a long-haired warrior. She gracefully manipulates her flowing locks and employs powerful, balletic kicks in combat. Her intense kicking techniques are as beautiful as they are effective. Beyond her fighting prowess, Aira exhibits remarkable courage. She fearlessly confronts formidable enemies and takes charge to protect her less combat-ready companions, often proclaiming, "I'm the leader!" and embodying this role with her strength and bravery.

Her "ojou-sama" (young noble lady) speech in her Acrobatic Silky mode is particularly captivating. It's a refined manner of speaking, interspersed with endearing, quirky expressions like "elegant drill" and "elegant break." Fans eagerly anticipate more of Aira's battle scenes in the second season.

Aira's Charm #5: Well-mannered and Kind to Children

Throughout the series, we catch glimpses of Aira's perfect manners and gentle side towards children. For example, after a battle with Acrobatic Silky, they have their first meal together at Momo's house. Despite getting into a heated argument with Momo and storming off, Aira doesn't forget her manners. As she leaves, she turns to Seiko and says, "Thank you for having me! The somen was delicious!" It's often said that truly bad kids don't have such good manners, and this is a testament to Aira's character.

Moreover, Aira is the one who dotes on Dover Demon's child, Chiquitita, more than anyone else. During group meals, we see Aira attentively taking care of Chiquitita, and it's absolutely heartwarming! Many fans are captivated by this contrast between Aira's usually competitive nature and her unexpected fondness for children and impeccable manners.

Highlight of Anime Season 2: Friendship with Momo! Spoiler Alert

The second season of the anime, which began airing in July, will continue to explore the deepening friendship between Aira and Momo. Pay close attention to scenes that highlight this evolving relationship. One of the trailers features Aira and Okarun surrounded by historical music figures, engaged in intensive training. This scene underscores Aira's personal growth and development.

Beyond her personal journey, Aira is also expected to shine in dynamic battle sequences, promising impressive fight choreography. Further insights into Aira's character will be revealed during a sleepover at Momo's house, offering a rare glimpse of Aira without makeup and just waking up. Additionally, her interactions with Chiquitita will showcase a softer side and her fondness for children.

Aira: The Chosen Best Girl!

Aira may be a bit twisted, but she's kind, brave, and dependable. She's the type of character you can't help but fall for the more you get to know her. Every time I discover a new side to her, I'm reminded of what a great girl she is. I'm really looking forward to seeing her in action in the second season of the anime!

About "Dandadan"

"Dandadan" is a story about Momo, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun, an occult geek. The two start talking after Momo rescues Okarun from getting bullied. However, an argument ensues between them since Momo "believes in ghosts but denies the existence of aliens," and Okarun "believes in aliens but denies the existence of ghosts." To make each other believe in what they denied the existence of, Momo goes to an abandoned hospital, which is a UFO hotspot, and Okarun goes to a tunnel, which is a haunted place. In each place, they encounter overwhelming paranormal entities that defy comprehension. Amid trouble, Momo awakens her hidden power and Okarun gains the power of a curse to challenge the paranormal entities! Could this be the start of a fateful romance as well? Now begins a new story of occult battles and adolescence!

Cast

• Momo: Shion Wakayama
• Okarun: Natsuki Hanae
• Seiko: Nana Mizuki
• Aira: Ayane Sakura
• Jiji: Kaito Ishikawa
• Manjiro: Hiroyuki Yoshino
• Turbo-Granny: Mayumi Tanaka
• Dover Demon: Tomokazu Seki
• Taro: Tomokazu Sugita
• Hana: Hirano Fumi
• Naki Kito: Masako Isobe
• Evil Eye: Mutsumi Tamura
• Chiquitita: Naomi Ōzora

Staff

• Original Work: Yukinobu Tatsu (serialized in Shonen Jump Plus BY SHUEISHA)
• Director: Fuga Yamashiro, Abel Gongora
• Series Composition & Screenplay: Hiroshi Seko
• Music: Kensuke Ushio
• Character Design: Naoyuki Onda
• Creature Design: Yoshimichi Kameda
• Color Design: Satoshi Hashimoto, Makiho Kondo
• Art Director: Junichi Higashi
• Compositing Director: Kazuto Izumita
• Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
• Sound Director: Eriko Kimura
• Animation Production: Science SARU

Theme Songs

• Opening: "Kakumei Dōchū" by Aina The End
• Ending: "Doukashiteru" by WurtS

Digital Publication

• "Dandadan" digital comic series
• ©Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA,DANDADAN Production Committee