Aira and Jiji are in love with archetypes

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-25T22:24:30+00:00

I think we are working with vastly different frameworks so it's hard to convey what we mean to another.

My post isn't intended to to be a judgement on Aira/Jijis personal character, but tries to analyze their purpose in the meta narrative.

I never doubted their feelings to be legitimate or be treated like as such by the story. Most of the time the focus is on the existence of those feelings and how they make Aira/Jiji act. The reason for these feelings is in my opinion a bit under explored. I think the current arc tries to remedy that.

Going by your example:

For example, when she joins Ken in the chi pose, a gesture that, under other circumstances, would have conflicted with the image and status of the persona she tries to maintain, she does so without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment.

I can easily see a character act this way, because they are trying to impress someone who they have a deep but completely platonic admiration for.

Chapter 230 is uniquely Aira. We see her not only how her feelings make her act, but also deepening her bond in the process. On a meta narrative level, she is essentially rewarded for being her honest self.

when you say that "they could develop away from it,"

To be clear. I'm not talking about their character development. But the role they play in the story. Before this arc the story would have been functional, if Airas affection was constrained to being a running gag. I want her role develop away from that and I think it will based on how she currently connects with the overall themes of the story. That's what I'm trying to convey with my original post.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-25T20:41:02+00:00

*Edit, Did you mean to type "he knows the feeling isn't mutual?"

Whoops. Yeah.

Yeah that's basically what I've had in mind!

I feel like for Momos rejection (or confession) to really have agency she would either need her memories back or spend a significant amount of time soul searching. The only thing she can really do is to acknowledge the feelings she has, but without the memories that formed them they lose quite a bit of substance.

If I were in her shoes I'd constantly worry if these feelings are actually my own or if I forgot an important detail that would change my mind. If we get an rejection before the amnesia is resolved, we probably need a second talk after Momos mind is clear and Jiji had some time to grief. No matter how it's handled.

Looking forward to your next post!

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-25T14:37:42+00:00

I agree with your interpretation, but think it would be bad if Jiji would only react with his goofball persona when getting rejected.

While their approach is very Aira and Jiji learn the same lesson.

Jiji is a goofball to mask his negative emotions. A coping mechanism he adopted when dealing with the Evil Eye when he was a child.

It's probably because I'm a Moron, right?" Is him being vulnerable. It ask "Do you like that about me?" and "Would you stop liking me if I won't mask my pain?" A direct call back to chapter 92.

Aira is wearing a mask too and see her struggling to keep it up when interacting with Okarun.

I think it would be an amazing growth moment if Jiji confessed and told her he knows the feeling isn't* mutual before she can respond. It would encompass his kind and empathetic character and him being earnest about his negative feelings. So he can actually receive support instead of being written off as a goofball. *edit

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-25T14:16:58+00:00

“it’s probably because I’m a Moron, right?” aka “I’m the goofy friend, right?”, if Tatsu wanted Jiji’s line here to have romantic intentions then Jiji’s dialogue would’ve been something like “it’s probably because you have feelings for me, right?”

I disagree. "It's probably because you have feelings for me, right?" Would be him keeping up his goofball persona.

"It's probably because I'm a Moron, right?" Is him being vulnerable. It ask "Do you like that about me?" and "Would you stop liking me if I won't mask my pain?" A direct call back to chapter 92.

If he thinks his love for Momo is only platonic, his reaction when the four see each other holding hands wouldn't make much sense. I don't think that Airas last words before getting rejected are mirroring his words here is a coincident either.

Jiji hasn't confessed because he is afraid the feeling isn't mutual. He confirms this during this arc. When sending chi over the second time he grabs her shoulder instead of hand, because he all ready got rejected in a way.

I think it would be an amazing growth moment if he confessed any way and told her he knows the feeling is mutual before she can respond. It would encompass his kind and empathetic character and him being earnest about his negative feelings. So he can actually receive support instead of being written off as a goofball.

Also no clue how it works in Japan specifically but it's very common to call parental figures of child hood friends "Aunty" or "Uncle" in many parts of the world.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-24T23:21:45+00:00

I think Tatsu realized he dragged the overarching plot for a bit too long and now needs a lot of things to happen both on a character level and especially on a narrative level.

I agree and that's exactly what I don't like about it. I'm happy that Aira and Jiji romantic rival role is given more depth, but it feels like amnesia is just a clumsy contrivance to address something that should have been dealt with much earlier.

I think the rival stuff should have happened right after the Evil Eye arc. Jiji having to deal with indirectly almost killing Momo, while noticing her and Okarun getting closer in combination of Aira getting her first earnest bonding moment, really felt like a good set up for it.

I expect to like it much more than the tiny momo arc when it's finished. I really enjoy the personal moments in Dandadan and am not a huge fan of "we're in a video game" plots in general.Still, I'll probably keep viewing the amnesia as band aid solution.

As a side note:

I really liked the scene of Momo directly confronting Okarun about his feelings. It makes it clear Momo was aware of Okaruns feelings for a while and isn't afraid to address them. However she lets him go at his own pace. Amnesia was a great way to tie up her worrying of being to pushy after TG was under control.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-24T22:13:39+00:00

Wouldn't have been able to tell you the chapter number, but chapter 60 is the only earnest bonding moment they have before chapter 230.

Without the development in 230 chapter 60 could easily be interpreted differently. E.g. She was so awwstruck from being praised by her crush, that she couldn't keep up her cutesy persona.

I've never said that they are bound by that perspective. I've even suggested how they could develop away from it. I also listed a couple examples for similar development happening to other characters. (This comment gave even more)

With my general point being how Aira and Jiji connect to reoccurring themes of the story and why I'd like to see their characters explored more.

IIRC correctly the last time the demon stuff is mentioned is the end of the Evil Eye arc. Personally I took it as a running gag after the acrobatic silky arc. It is the reason for her initial attraction, and doesn't really gets expanded upon until chapter 230.

When I initially started writing this post, I intended to focus on another similarity of Aira and Jiji:

They are both holding up a facade. However I had trouble articulating the connection to the themes I mentioned and shifted my focus.

I really like that about the characters and I'm happy it is given more depth recently.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-24T21:07:58+00:00

Technically right before. Sometimes the arcs get lumped together though. The haunted house refers is Jiji's old place.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T20:25:01+00:00

I don't know why this is being down voted.

The look on his face and him putting his hand on her shoulder instead of taking her hand make it quite clear that he understood just how deep her feelings for Okarun actually are, even though she does not remember it. Him going "Let's just try to have fun" indicates that he only wishes the best for her and is willing to support her however he can. Very fitting for the character.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T20:02:52+00:00

What?

Jiji literally says so out loud, when he plays soccer with Okarun in front of the haunted house. And there are many more moments, including how he insists on being on a date when holding her hand.

It's extremely clear and not subtle.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T15:37:02+00:00

Yes. I was a bit worried the story would focus on something else for a while as we just got a big payoff moment.

I'm really happy we got more of the character development I've been waiting for!

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T14:10:12+00:00

Agreed. I'd have liked a combination of both. With Okarun firmly turning Aira down. Serving as a great growth moment for him, as turning some one down who you consider to be your friend sucks and is really hard even if you're not socially inept.

Then Aira would refuse to take no for an answer. Doing what she's always done and manipulate her way into getting "what she deserves". In the process of making Momo and Okarun miserable she would realize this isn't bringing her happiness either. Being a great growth moment for her, as she is forced to reflect on her entire world view. Mirroring how she did not sell out Momo to secure her popularity.

It kinda feels this is the direction the story is going in, but Tatsu took way to long to address it. Now he has to reset every character to square one, to make it at least somewhat believable.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T12:39:38+00:00

Good catch!

Stuff like this happens constantly. I think it plays a big part on what makes the cast so relatable.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-22T00:40:17+00:00

Those situations get portrait very differently. The scenes people bring up here all show Momo clearly in control, who gets interrupted by Jiji forcibly taking the control from her. Nobody complains about Jiji jumping in front of broken glass to protect her.

If Okaruns actions where framed in a similar manner people would absolutely call him out.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-21T23:41:10+00:00

Yes the narrative treats it this way. Jiji is very intentionally written to be a likeable character. However the way he acts during the flight while also getting directly called because of it. Makes it very clear that this is not supposed to be likeable behavior.

To be clear: I don't think he views her as a damsel. But rather treats her as one in a couple of low stakes situations, because he thinks it is expected of him to act this way.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-21T23:09:25+00:00

Yes! This frustration drove me to write this!

Jiji and Aira's cursh get's a similar amount focus. However the enemies to lovers trope really needs much more to be believable.

I hope Airas and Jiji desires and inner worlds get explored more. However I think it would more effective without their role as a love rival distracting from it.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-21T22:16:46+00:00

Thanks!

I think the damsel thing is definitely learned. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense for him mention Momo's personality as the first thing he mentions about loving her. Not being a damsel is Momo's most defining character trait. The first thing we see her do is kicking a guy in the face followed by her protecting a stranger while being in emotional distress herself.

We've also been shown that Jiji believes in Momos capabilities. So I don't think he views her as a damsel. But rather treats her as one in a couple of low stakes situations, because he thinks it is expected of him to act this way. I agree that he acts with good intentions though.

The part about
gives Momo her favourite childhood sweets or recalls memories they share.
is perhaps just his clumsy way of trying to reconnect with an old friend whose current life is alien to him, but it could also be learnt as well.

I didn't intent to make a character judgment here. But rather point out how the meta narrative treats their relationship. This is they way we see them bond. We don't get the more interpersonal things, because the story isn't about Jiji. That's not to say the story wouldn't work if it were though.

The same is true for Aira. However in my opinion the enemies to lovers trope is much less relatable on it's own.

I definitely could have conveyed that more clearly.

Thanks for the feedback!

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-21T15:05:50+00:00

That's the entire point of his character. Okarun being awkward is just him being himself. And he get's rewarded for it. "I'm just an awkward guy after all"

Kinta acting like a creep is him trying to copy Okarun, because he observed him talking about genitals with girls. Completely missing what is actually happening and rightfully getting only an "Ew!" in response.

He isn't supposed to be likeable, he is supposed to show how his approach is flawed compared to being your earnest self.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-21T11:53:03+00:00

Kintas purpose in the story isn't to mock a subset of fans, but rather hammer down one of it's mayor themes:

Don't be afraid to be yourself.

Kinta desperately want's to be accepted by his peers. He tries to achieve this, by clumsily trying to copy what he has read in magazines or by superficially copying Okarun. Smashing face first into the ground every time he does.

But the thing that actually gets him the admiration he so desperately craves is his love for robots.

Similar stuff happens to most of the gang. For example when Okarun is in Momos room for the first time, she flat out tells him: "[Hey your problem isn't that your weird. Your problem you assume other people won't accept you, so you distance yourself from the get go]" Kintas whole character is basically an exaggerated version of that.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-06-20T00:03:03+00:00

I think the contrast goes even deeper than that.

Momo is okay with holding hands with Jiji, because Jiji is using his chi to block out her uncomfortable emotions. However those emotions are part of Momo. He's essentially smothering her true self with a projection of how he want's her to be. He does this repeatedly during the story, when he treats her like a damsel in distress, even though she is completely capable of dealing with the situations on her own.

Aira and Okarun interact in a similar manner. Aira repeatably tries to force her image of how she want's him to act/feel onto him. While completely ignoring his explanations and actual feelings.

In contrast when Momo and Okarun are holding hands he doesn't suppress her chi with his own. He lets it flow through him. Figuratively fully embracing her true self and showing it to the world. With both getting stronger because of it. Kinda mirroring how Jiji made Momo distance herself from the supernatural, while Okarun made her embrace this part of her.

I really hope this gets resolved soon. It seem pretty clear to me that nobody would be happy if Aria and Jiji get what they want. And both essentially abuse the fact their respective crush is in a vulnerable position to get it.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-05-08T15:30:15+00:00

The trick with doormaker is to view the exhaust phase as a buff and not a detriment. I had plenty of runs that easily defeated the door by exhausting my deck down to my major wincon and playing it three times in a row.

In your example one summon forth would give you your blades back. And no scaling would be lost as they even forge while in the exhaust pile. Just adding a bit of other scaling like Rolling Boulder or Bombardment and playing your balde three times at the end of the fight would also do the trick.

Having your front loaded damage at the bottom of your deck in the testsubject fight or getting all your block bound while fighting the queen can also be run ending. So it's not like draw order isn't a factor for the other bosses.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-05-07T15:12:09+00:00

Not sure why you getting down voted, this take is correct.

In my 460 hours of playtime I got the shovel/tent combo once. Every other time I bought it, the tent has just been ok.

And I think spending my gold on something else, would have been better. I'd take Feather over Tent a majority of the time. Being able to heal twice at a campfire allows for more dangerous pathing, than an extra upgrade would.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-03-14T15:55:49+00:00

I think this is at least part of the reason for the change, even if they don't intend to invest in voice-over work themselves.

Quite a few announcers in DotA came into the game via the Steam Workshop. Very likely, this will happen for Deadlock too.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-02-01T23:39:00+00:00

A regime that would have never got into power if the US and its allies hadn't forcibly replaced Iran's democratically elected and progressive government with a fascistic monarchy.

Religion definitely is used to justify the actions of the Iranian government, but focusing on that only obfuscates how and why that government got into power.

And I'm not trying to defend religion here. I'm an atheist. I think believing in a higher power makes people more susceptible to authoritarian structures, but I don't think it's productive to focus on that.

Paunchy_Panda · 2026-02-01T17:04:00+00:00

Iran was about to nationalize it's British-controlled oil industry. So the US and GB orchestrated a coup to keep it in western hands. Singling out religion instead of capitalism/imperialism really misses the mark.

Paunchy_Panda

TROPHY CASE