Understanding the Depth of Akusara’s Character

In the realm of anime and manga, character popularity often skews towards protagonists and heroes. However, the brilliance of ‘light’ shines brighter when contrasted with the presence of ‘shadow’. This is particularly evident in the recent episode of the anime adaptation of ‘Dandadan’, produced by Science SARU, which has sparked significant discussion.

Akusara’s Backstory Revealed

Episode 7, titled ‘To a Kind World’, showcases the confrontation between the protagonists Ayase Momo and Takakura Ken (Okarun) and the malevolent spirit known as Akusara. This episode not only delivers a thrilling climax but also delves into Akusara’s tragic past, which has resonated deeply with viewers.

The portrayal of Akusara’s life before becoming a spirit is particularly striking. It highlights that ‘Dandadan’ is not merely a comedic series filled with supernatural elements, but also possesses a keen awareness of the harsh realities of society.

The Tragedy of a Single Mother

Akusara, characterized by her long hair and red dress, is fixated on being called ‘mother’ by her former classmate Shiratori Aira. This obsession stems from her intense love for her daughter, which spiraled into madness and ultimately led to her downfall. In her past life, Akusara was a single mother struggling to raise her young daughter. Living in a rundown apartment, she juggled multiple jobs, including cleaning and working at a convenience store, yet still found herself in dire financial straits, resorting to prostitution to make ends meet.

Despite the grueling nature of her life, Akusara found solace in her daughter’s smile. However, her fleeting happiness was shattered when debt collectors kidnapped her child. In a desperate attempt to save her, Akusara lost her way and ultimately took her own life, transforming into a vengeful spirit.

The poverty rate among single mothers in Japan is alarmingly high, with a relative poverty rate of 44.5% as of 2021. This statistic reveals that nearly half of single-parent households are living in economic hardship, with the majority being mother-led families. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reports that while 80% of single-mother households are employed, nearly half of them are in non-regular jobs, leading to extremely low incomes. Among the 36 OECD countries, Japan ranks in the bottom five for poverty rates among single-parent households, making Akusara’s story a reflection of a widespread reality.

Confronting Societal Injustices

The anime effectively captures the realism of Akusara’s backstory, particularly through its use of first-person perspective shots that mimic handheld camera shakes, immersing viewers in her tragic reality. The attention to detail in the animation, including the depiction of a young girl’s facial features, enhances the emotional weight of the narrative. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that even animated stories can reflect real-life struggles.

‘Dandadan’ cleverly intertwines comedic elements with serious themes, shedding light on the societal issues that give rise to urban legends and malevolent spirits. The presence of Turbo Baba in a haunted tunnel, for instance, is rooted in the tragic deaths of many women, illustrating that real-life tragedies often underpin such supernatural tales.

Through Akusara’s character, ‘Dandadan’ encapsulates the harsh realities faced by many in society. Science SARU has masterfully translated this poignant message into visual storytelling, hoping to inspire a world where individuals like Akusara can live in peace.

For more insights into the aesthetics of villainous characters, check out the previous articles in the serieshere.