Key recommendations
- Aira's transformation into a strong character is a key part of the story, influenced by past encounters.
- Her new form gives her agility, strength, and hair manipulation abilities, making her a formidable combatant.
- Aira's interactions with spirits and her deep dive into the occult world shape her character progression.
Dandadanthe popular romantic action anime and manga by Yokinobu Tatsu is one of the best shows of 2024. It has quickly grown in popularity due to its unique blend of supernatural elements, humor, romance, and dynamic art style. Aira Shiratori was introduced subtly in Episode 5 of the anime series, but she is set to have a major role in the upcoming story.
After a really interesting incident, she becomes able to see spirits and eventually awakens powers that allow her to compete with the monsters of the occult. Aira's transformation is a really 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 of Dandadan are bizarre, otherworldly entities. This is why they are so restless.
Aira's new form and powers are a ripple effect of Okarun's challenges
Okarun's adventure into the Occult also affected those around him
Initially introduced as a narcissistic character, Aira Shiratori's journey begins with her mistaken 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 into contact with Okarun's golden balls, which are rich in life force.
His missing golden balls are a crucial plot point upon which much of the story is based, so it's not entirely surprising to see them cause butterfly effects as the story continues. Turbo Granny lost them during the confrontation with the dynamic duo of Okarun and Momo, and Aira found them while walking around. These golden balls gave her the power to see spirits and consequently allowed more spirits to notice her because she reacted to them.
Aira has always had an affinity for the occult arts
Acrobatic Silky has always been a part of her life
Despite being introduced to a whole new world after coming into contact with the golden ball, Aira was no stranger to spirits, though she probably didn't realize it. As a child, she interacted with the spirit Acrobatic Silky, believing her to be her deceased mother. The regret of losing her child prevented Acrobatic Silky's soul from resting in peace, and Aira calling her “mother” compounded the problem, eventually turning her into a yokai.
Since then, Silk has been stalking Aira, waiting for an opportunity to interact with her and recognize Silky as her mother again. Aira acquiring Okarun's golden ball presented itself as the perfect opportunity to do so, breaking out in a huge battle involving Okarun, Momo, and ballerina-themed yokai. Aira lost her life force during this great clash and Acrobat Silky gave up her strength to ensure Aira's survival. Unbeknownst to Aira, she will never live a normal life after her incident.

Related
Dandadan: The one where everyone is empty
What's worse than fighting aliens, the Loch Ness monster and a giant shrimp with boxing gloves? Doing all this while empty.
Aira's transformation and powers are heavily inspired by Acrobat Silky
Aira's spirit form
After receiving Acrobatic Silky's life force (aura), Aira gained access to a new form that can channel Yokai ability. In episode 8 of the anime, her transformation is officially revealed. This transformation is not just a superficial change; fundamentally changes Aira's role in the story and her interactions with the other characters. She becomes a better character overall and grows closer to Momo and Okarun, cementing her place as a main part of the story. Like Okarun's transformation, she also receives 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 grows extremely long like Yokai's, and she gains acrobatic abilities coupled with really sturdy legs. According to Aira, Acrobatic Silky's personality also comes into play, making her slightly more hostile to those who disrespect her (although this is a basic aspect of Aira's personality before she even receives Silky's aura). In her new form, Aira becomes one of the most powerful characters in the series.
She gains exceptional agility, quickness and reflexes to perform gymnastic maneuvers. Her coordination is top notch, as is her balance and flexibility. She also gains incredible lower leg strength, which places her among the best close range fighters in the series. The powerful blows he can unleash are powerful enough to dispatch yokai like Mr. Mantis Shrimp to fly. It also greatly increased his stamina and durability, allowing him to take powerful punches and throw them.
The characteristic properties of Acrobatic Silky's hair have also been carried over to Aira, and she can greatly increase its length and alter its properties to perform a variety of tasks, including increased mobility and complementing her fighting style . Her hair is strong enough to lift cars, restrain enemies, and cover great distances using her hair to grab onto objects and propel herself (like Spider-man). He can also use his hair to grab particularly elusive enemies and bring them closer to deliver the finishing blow.
Defense isn't out of the equation either, as the incorporation of spiral power into her hair ability gives her a protective sheath that wraps around her. He can also use this power offensively, manipulating his hair to take the form of a drill to break through even the toughest defenses. However, her hair is still vulnerable and can be destroyed or burned if exposed to fire or very destructive attacks.
Dandadan is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu and Netflix.

Based on the popular manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, which 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 the existence of their side, they set out to find proof.
- Studio
- Saru science
- Creative
- Yukinobu Tatsu
- Number of episodes
- 9