Dandadan: Who is Aira Shiratori?

Dandadan‘s unique amalgamation of supernatural, romance, and comedy genres thrives primarily because of a quirky cast of characters, each of whom leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Among some of the most memorable personalities in the saga is Aira Shiratori, an intriguing character whose presence adds more layers to the narrative and draws readers into the mysterious supernatural misadventures.

Unlike other characters in the series, Aira brings a distinct energy that allows her to carve her path in the bizarre world of Dandadan. Not only does she fearlessly voice her opinion, but she also displays level-headed decision-making and leadership, even in the face of a crisis. In this article, we’ll explore Aira Shiratori’s life, the origins of her supernatural powers, and the twists of fate that got her entangled with the occult.

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A Narcissist Turned Selfless Savior

Following a Series of Bizarre Incidents, Aira Shiratori Found Her Purpose

At Kami High, Aira Shiratori is regarded as one of the prettiest girls in the school. She boasts significant influence over her peers and is not hesitant to flex her popularity to get what she wants. Unfortunately, her fame slowly goes to her head as she develops delusions of grandeur and starts looking down on others. Using her looks and fake persona, Aira loves to charm boys and feels that her presence makes life worthy of living for them. Her arrogance knows no bounds, and if that is already not horrible enough, Aira is willing to engage in character assassination if someone tries to put her in her place.

In chapter 10 of the manga, Aira accidentally bumps into Okarun in the school hallway. She puts on her facade and apologizes profusely for not being careful enough. Since Aira loves to wrap people around her finger, she seizes the moment and tries to charm Okarun. The interaction is brief as Ken gets embarrassed and walks away red-faced. Momo, who had been looking for him until now, notices that Aira mocks Okarun moments later in front of her friends. It turns out that she gets a kick out of making socially reclusive students feel shy and overwhelmed by acting innocent and dumb. She then makes fun of people for just being flustered, even going as far as assuming that they will think about her for the rest of their lives.

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Momo is not amused by Okarun’s mockery and uses her psychic powers to drop a washbasin on Aira’s head. As Shiratori realizes that Momo is responsible for the assault, she then fires back by surreptitiously spreading horrible rumors about Ayase in the school. Until this moment in her life, Aira has lived recklessly, too preoccupied with petty teenage drama and her popularity at school. But unbeknownst to her, an incident in her childhood and a series of unforeseen incidents will soon change her life forever.

Many years ago, when Aira was just a young girl, she was walking on the streets with her father when she accidentally came across a strange woman in red. Her mother had presumably died sometime in the past, and for some reason, little Aira felt that the woman was her mommy. As she tugged at the woman’s dress and called her mommy, her father rushed to take her back into his arms. Aira soon forgot the incident, but unknown to her, she had met a yokai named Acrobatic Silky that day. Interestingly, Acrobatic Silky led a tragic life as a human being and killed herself after being separated from her daughter. The brief interaction with Aira ignited her motherly instincts, and she followed her ever since then, hopeful that Shiratori would be able to see her again.

Usually, civilians without psychic powers cannot see yokai. But just a few days before crossing paths with Okarun in the school hallway, Aira accidentally found his missing kintama. Since anyone who touches it can see supernatural phenomena, Shiratori suddenly gains the power to see yokai. Aira, being Aira, assumes that her newfound powers are a sign that she has been chosen to protect the world. When Momo uses her psychic powers to drop the washbasin on her head, Shiratori even notices the psychokinesis used in the process. She assumes that Ayase is a demon and she, being a savior of the world, needs to defeat her.

In order to confront Momo, Aira takes her to a secluded place where, with the help of her friends, she manages to restrain her. Shiratori then proceeds to try and defeat Momo, thinking that she is a demon. Just when Momo and Okarun are about to take control, Acrobatic Silky arrives at the scene and takes Aira into her possession. She is desperate to hear her call her mommy again, not realizing that Aira has no recollection of her at all. When Aira calls her a monster instead, Acrobatic Silky eats her alive. In moments afterward, she also ingests Okarun and Momo, only for the latter to free everyone through a cunning move.

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As Acrobatic Silky tries to fight back, Momo and Okarun defeat the yokai. But the brutal battle, unfortunately, leads to Aira’s untimely death. As Momo and Okarun are left shell-shocked, Acrobatic Silky gathers her strength and approaches them. She offers to revive Aira by replenishing her aura and even removes her jaw to reassure the two friends that she is not dangerous anymore. In a dramatic fashion, Acrobatic Silky sacrifices herself to give Aira a new life. Shiratori realizes that the yokai has many regrets for not being a good mother and is, in a way, trying to make amends. She hugs Acrobatic Silky’s residual aura and reassures her that she will remember her forever.

Unbeknownst to Aira at the time, she had not only been revived but had also gained the powers of Acrobatic Silky. In the months after the incident, Aira becomes close friends with Momo and Okarun. She experiences a dramatic shift in her personality and becomes remorseful of some of her past choices. Shiratori even publicly acknowledges that it was she who had spread rumors about Momo. In addition to all this, Aira also becomes an indispensable member of Okarun and Momo’s group. She uses her powers to fight evil spirits and aliens alongside her new friends. Although Aira may have been a cruel and narcissistic teenager at one point in her life, she eventually makes amends and transforms herself into a better person.

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Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga that debuted in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, Dandadan blends action, comedy, romance, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and satisfying adventure. Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura believe in the extraordinary, although the former believes in ghosts and the latter believes in aliens. Determined to confirm their side’s existence, they set out to find their proof.

Release Date

September 13, 2024

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