Aira’s Transformation and Powers, Explained

Dandadan, the popular action romance anime and manga by Yokinobu Tatsu is one of the best shows of 2024. It has quickly risen in popularity due to its unique blend of supernatural elements, humor, romance, and dynamic art style. Aira Shiratori was subtly introduced in Episode 5 of the anime series, but she is poised to have a big role in the story going forward.

After a really interesting incident, she becomes able to see spirits and eventually, she awakens powers that enable her to compete with the monsters of the occult. Aira’s transformation is a truly important part of her character, as it takes her on a deep dive into a world unlike any other.

Related

Dandadan: Who are the Serpoians?

The Serpo Aliens from Dandadan are bizarre, otherworld entities. Here’s why they are so unsettling.

Aira’s New Form And Powers Are A Butterfly Effect Of Okarun’s Challenges

Okarun’s Adventure Into The Occults Also Affected Those Around Him

Initially introduced as a narcissistic character, Aira Shiratori’s journey begins with her misguided belief that Momo Ayase is a demon, due to her ability to create psychic limbs with her powers. However, Aira can only see through Momo’s psychic ability because she came in contact with Okarun’s golden balls which are rich in life force.

His missing golden balls are an essential plot point that a lot of the story is based on so it’s not entirely surprising to see them causing butterfly effects as the story goes on. Turbo Granny lost them during her face-off with the dynamic duo of Okarun and Momo, and Aira found them while she was taking a walk. These golden balls granted her the power to see spirits, and consequently, allowed more spirits to take notice of her since she reacted to them.

Aira’s Had Always Had An Affinity For The Occult Arts

Acrobatic Silky Was Always A Part Of Her Life

Despite being introduced to a whole new world after coming in contact with the golden ball, Aira was not a stranger to spirits, albeit she probably did not realize it. When she was a child, she interacted with the spirit of Acrobatic Silky, thinking she was her deceased mother. The regret of losing her child prevented Acrobatic Silky’s soul from resting in peace, and having Aira call her “mama” compounded the issue, eventually turning her into a yokai.

Ever since, Silk stalked Aira, waiting for an opportunity to interact with her and have her acknowledge Silky as her mother once again. Aira acquiring Okarun’s golden ball presented itself as the perfect opportunity to do so, breaking into a huge fight involving Okarun, Momo, and the ballerina-themed yokai. Aira lost her life force during this great clash, and Acrobat Silky gave up hers to ensure Aira’s survival. Unbeknownst to Aira, she would never live a normal life after her incident.

Related

Dandadan: The One Where Everyone Is Naked

What’s worse than fighting aliens, the Loch Ness monster, and a hulking mantis shrimp with boxing gloves? Doing all that while naked.

Aira’s Transformation And Powers Are Heavily Inspired By Acrobat Silky

Aira’s Very Own Spirit Form

After receiving Acrobatic Silky’s life force (aura), Aira gained access to a new form, that can channel the ability of the Yokai. In Episode 8 of the anime, her transformation is formally unveiled. This transformation is not just a superficial change; it fundamentally alters Aira’s role in the story and her interactions with the other characters. She becomes a better character overall and gets closer to Momo and Okarun, cementing her spot as a main part of the story. Just like Okarun’s transformation, she also gets a Yokai mask that covers most of her face, however, hers retains a striking resemblance to Acrobatic Silky, unlike Okarun and Turbo Granny.

Her hair also becomes extremely long like that of the Yokai, and she gains acrobatic abilities coupled with really sturdy legs. According to Aira, Acrobatic Silky’s personality also comes into play, making her a bit more hostile to those who do not respect her (although this is a core aspect of Aira’s personality before she even receives Silky’s aura). In her new form, Aira becomes one of the strongest characters in the series.

She gains exceptional agility, swiftness, and reflexes to perform gymnastic maneuvers. Her coordination is top-shelf, as is her balance and flexibility. She also gains incredible lower leg strength, which puts her among the best close-range combatants in the series. The powerful kicks she can unleash are strong enough to send yokai like Mr. Mantis Shrimp flying. It also greatly increased her endurance and durability, allowing her to take powerful punches and tank them.

Acrobatic Silky’s signature hair properties were also transferred to Aira, and she can greatly increase the length and alter its properties to carry out a variety of tasks, including increased mobility and to complement her fighting style. Her hair is strong enough to lift cars, restrain enemies, and cover great distances by using her hair to latch onto objects and propel herself (like Spider-man). She can also use her hair to trap particularly evasive foes and bring them closer to deliver the finishing strike.

Defense is also not left out of the equation, as incorporating spiral power into her hair ability gives her a protective shell that wraps around her. She can also use this power on offense by manipulating her hair to take on the form of a drill to break through even the toughest defenses. However, her hair is still vulnerable and can be destroyed or burnt if exposed to fire or attacks with very high destructive power.

Dandadan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.

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.

Studio

Science Saru

Creator

Yukinobu Tatsu

Number of Episodes

9