Warning: Contains spoilers for Dandadan episode #6.Dandadan episode #6 is the formal introduction of Aira Shiratori, one of the series' main characters, going forward. While initially presented as a nameless mean girl picking on Okarun in episode #5, episode #6 further involves her in the plot by revealing her to have one of Okarun’s testicles, thus sparking a more extended role for her within the overarching narrative.
Aira’s already left a big mark on Dandadan’s story, and that’s especially clear through her interactions with Momo. It’s one thing for Aira’s actions in episode #6 to make her antagonistic toward Momo, but between the specific way Aira’s written and how it reflects Momo’s character, Aira’s character in Dandadan does a perfect job of emphasizing why Momo has been such a great character from her debut. All of that, of course, serves to make Aira a perfect rival character for a story like Dan Da Dan, and the story will only get better for it.
Dandadan's First Rival Character Is Momo's Perfect Opposite
Why Aira Is A Great Rival To Momo
Aira can be viewed as Momo’s rival in Dandadan not just because of her antagonism, but because of how much she parallels Momo’s character. For starters, both Momo and Aira are tied to the supernatural and become victims of supernatural entities because of it, but while Momo has been tied to the supernatural since birth, Aira’s connection to the supernatural world of Dandadan only happened because Aira stumbled upon one of Okarun’s magical testicles. It’s a far weaker connection by comparison, and as shown in episode #6, it has yet to be made permanent, in the slightest.
Going further, not only did Aira wholeheartedly embrace the supernatural while Momo spent her life rejecting it, with Aira even seeing herself as a chosen one of sorts after finding Okarun’s testicle, but Aira presents herself as a nice person while secretly looking down on others through pride and arrogance, something briefly touched on in Dandadan episode #5 before being further elaborated on in episode #6. By comparison, Momo acts abrasive and tough while being a genuinely nice person on the inside, so Aira also parallels Momo’s character by being written with the exact opposite of her personality.
All those parallels between Momo and Aira exist to show why Dandadan's Momo is a great character. Aira is depicted as an arrogant bully who’s prideful and haughty to the point of delusion, whereas Momo, by comparison, has only ever tried to look out for people and has never thought she was better than anyone, even after unlocking her telekinetic powers. Aira’s negative character writing emphasizes just how good a person Momo is by showing what a more stereotypical version of herself would be like, and Momo’s character is all the better for it.
Dan Da Dan's Rival Character Is Exactly How A Story Like It Would Write A Rival
Beyond direct parallels to Momo, Aira is a great rival because of how she perfectly fits into Dan Da Dan’s story. As much as Aira tries to antagonize Momo, even spreading rumors about Momo being a slut, she never poses a real threat to Momo thanks to Momo’s powers, and her introduction even had Momo hitting her over the head with a washtub. Any seriousness Aira might have is undermined by her general incompetence, but with how goofy Dan Da Dan can be, Aira is the perfect rival character for Dandadan specifically because she’s impossible to take seriously.
The lack of seriousness in Aira’s character also feeds into her general personality. Not only does Aira obsess with gimmicky occult nonsense while ironically being ignorant of the real ones in Dandadan, but as previously discussed, she’s so haughty and over-the-top that she sees herself as some sort of chosen one, even though the person she’s chosen to antagonize is the actual protagonist of the story. Aira’s goofy personality is another part of her character that’s perfectly in line with Dandadan ’s tone, and it’s another big part of why she’s such a great rival to Momo.
How Momo & Aira's Rivalry Can Make Dandadan Even Better
Above all else, Momo and Aira’s rivalry is nothing but a boon for Dan Da Dan’s story. The comedy and character writing are already top-notch, but with how well Aira plays off Momo and emphasizes her character's strengths, Aira and Momo’s rivalry can make Dandadan even better with how much it will flesh out their characters and the story surrounding it. The way Momo and Aira’s rivalry develops is bound to play a big part in Dandadan, going forward, and as such, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about how it unfolds.
Dan Da Dan releases new episodes Thursdays on Crunchyroll.
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
Cast Natsuki Hanae , Shion Wakayama , Nana Mizuki , Ayane Sakura , Kaito Ishikawa , Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Kaori Maeda , Miyu Tomita , Ryûnosuke Watanuki , Hikaru Tanaka , Seitaro Taniguchi , Satomi Kobashi , Mayuko Kazama , Ryuuzaburou Ootomo
Character(s) Ken Okarun Takakura , Momo Ayase , Seiko , Aira Shiratori , Jin Jiji Enjōji , Turbo Granny , Serpoians , Miko , Muko , Momo's Boyfriend , Male Student A , Male Student B , Elementary School Boy , Flatwoods Monster
Release Date September 13, 2024
Seasons 1
English (US) ·