Dandadan: Who is Aira Shiratori?

Key insights

• Aira Shiratori's distinct energy sets her apart in Dandadan's whimsical world, demonstrating her fearless decision-making and leadership skills.
• Aira's encounter with a yokai named Acrobatic Silky leads to a tragic yet transformative series of events in her life.
• Aira evolves from a narcissistic teenager into a remorseful heroine, making new friends and fighting evil alongside her newfound powers.

DandadanThe unique fusion of supernatural, romantic and comedic genres thrives primarily on the bizarre cast of characters, each of whom leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Among the most memorable characters in the saga is Aira Shiratori, a fascinating character whose presence adds layers to the narrative and draws the reader into the mysterious supernatural misadventures.

Unlike other characters in the series, Aira brings a distinct energy that allows her to make her way into the bizarre world of Dandadan. Not only does she fearlessly represent her opinions, but she also demonstrates level-headed decision-making and leadership in crisis situations. In this article, we explore Aira Shiratori's life, the origins of her supernatural powers, and the twists of fate that drew her into the occult.

A narcissist became a selfless savior

After a series of bizarre incidents, Aira Shiratori found her target

At Kami High, Aira Shiratori is considered one of the prettiest girls in school. She boasts of significant influence over those around her and does not hesitate to use her popularity to get what she wants. Unfortunately, fame slowly gets to her head as she develops delusions of grandeur and begins to look down on others. Aira loves charming boys with her looks and fake personality and feels that her presence makes life worth living for her. Her arrogance knows no bounds, and if that's not terrible enough, Aira is willing to engage in character assassination if anyone tries to put her in her place.

In Chapter 10 of the manga, Aira accidentally runs into Okarun in the school hallway. She puts on her façade 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 is embarrassed and walks away red-faced. Momo, who had been looking for him until now, soon notices that Aira is mocking Okarun in front of her friends. It turns out that she enjoys making socially withdrawn students shy and overwhelmed with her innocent and stupid behavior. She then makes fun of people for just being nervous, even going so far as to assume that they will think about her for the rest of their lives.

Momo is not pleased by Okarun's mockery and uses her psychic powers to drop a sink on Aira's head. Realizing that Momo is responsible for the attack, Shiratori retaliates by secretly spreading terrible rumors about Ayase around the school. Up until this moment in her life, Aira has lived recklessly, too preoccupied with petty teenage dramas and her popularity at school. But unbeknownst to her, an incident in her childhood and a series of unforeseen events will soon change her life forever.

Many years ago, when Aira was still a young girl, she was walking through the streets with her father when she happened to meet a strange woman in red. Her mother had probably died at some point in the past, and for some reason little Aira felt like the woman was her mom. When she pulled on the woman's dress and she called out “Mommy,” her father rushed over to take her in his arms again. Aira soon forgot the incident, but unbeknownst to her, she had met a yokai named Acrobatic Silky that day. Interestingly, Acrobatic Silky lived a tragic life as a human and took her own life after being separated from her daughter. The brief interaction with Aira ignited her motherly instincts and she followed her ever since, hoping that Shiratori would see her again.

Normally, civilians without psychic powers cannot see Yokai. But just days before he met 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. Being Aira, 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 sink on her head, Shiratori even notices the psychokinesis used. She assumes that Ayase is a demon and that as the world's savior, she must defeat her.

To confront Momo, Aira takes her to a secluded place where, with the help of her friends, she manages to hold her back. Shiratori then tries to defeat Momo, believing her to be a demon. Just as Momo and Okarun are about to take control, Acrobatic Silky arrives on the scene and takes possession of Aira. She desperately wants to hear her call her mom again, not realizing that Aira doesn't remember her at all. When Aira calls her a monster instead, Acrobatic Silky eats her alive. Shortly afterwards she also takes in Okarun and Momo, but he is able to free everyone with a cunning move.

While Acrobatic Silky tries to fight back, Momo and Okarun defeat the Yokai. But the brutal fight unfortunately leads to Aira's premature death. While Momo and Okarun are completely shocked, Acrobatic Silky gathers all her strength and approaches them. She offers to revive Aira's aura and even removes her jaw to reassure the two friends that she is no longer dangerous. Acrobatic Silky dramatically sacrifices herself to give Aira a new life. Shiratori realizes that the yokai deeply regrets not being a good mother and tries to make amends in some way. She hugs Acrobatic Silky's remaining aura and assures her that she will remember her forever.

Little did Aira know at the time that she had not only been revived, but had also gained the powers of Acrobatic Silky. In the months following the incident, Aira becomes close friends with Momo and Okarun. She experiences a dramatic change in her personality and becomes remorseful for some of her past decisions. Shiratori even publicly admits that she was the one who spread rumors about Momo. In addition, Aira also becomes an indispensable member of Okarun and Momo's group. She uses her powers to fight evil spirits and aliens together with her new friends. Although Aira was a cruel and narcissistic teenager at one point in her life, she eventually makes amends and transforms into a better person.