Jiji: The Cursed Friend of Dandadan
Jiji is a major supporting character in Dandadan, introduced as Momo Ayase’s childhood friend who re-enters her life during the supernatural chaos. Initially presented as a normal classmate, Jiji’s story quickly takes a dark turn when he becomes entangled in a horrifying curse that transforms him into a host for the monstrous spirit Evil Eye.
Jiji’s arc explores themes of possession, friendship, and the vulnerability of ordinary people caught between yokai and alien forces. His bond with Momo and rivalry with Okarun bring emotional depth and comedic tension to the series.
Character Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jiji (surname unrevealed) |
| Affiliation | High School Student, Paranormal Victim/Fighter |
| Age | Teenager (approx. 16–17) |
| Gender | Male |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Abilities | Host of Evil Eye’s curse (possession), partial yokai transformation |
| First Appearance | Dandadan (post–Turbo Granny arc, before Evil Eye arc) |
| Created by | Yukinobu Tatsu |
| Personality Traits | Friendly, naive, jealous, insecure, loyal |
| Known For | Being possessed by Evil Eye, childhood bond with Momo, rivalry with Okarun |
| Status | Active (freed from curse, but scarred) |
Who Is Jiji?
Jiji is Momo Ayase’s childhood friend, reintroduced when she visits his home during the early supernatural incidents. At first, he comes across as an ordinary boy with a goofy and affable personality. However, beneath his friendly exterior lies insecurity—particularly about his relationship with Momo and his rivalry with Okarun.
Tragedy strikes when Jiji becomes the host for the Evil Eye curse, forcing him into a terrifying transformation. Unlike Okarun, whose possession grants him heroic abilities, Jiji’s possession drags him into darkness, testing his willpower and his friends’ determination to save him.
Personality: A Friend Torn by Insecurity
Jiji is lighthearted and friendly, often joking around with Momo. But he’s also naive, vulnerable, and plagued by jealousy—especially toward Okarun, whose closeness with Momo stirs feelings of rivalry.
His possession by Evil Eye reflects these insecurities, turning his inner doubts into monstrous rage. Despite this, Jiji is not malicious—his core loyalty to Momo and his bond with his friends remain strong even when cursed.
After his exorcism, Jiji becomes more subdued, carrying the emotional scars of his ordeal while still striving to be part of the group.
Abilities and Powers
- Evil Eye Possession
Jiji becomes the unwilling vessel for the yokai Evil Eye, granting him overwhelming cursed energy but at the cost of his humanity. - Partial Transformation
Under the curse, Jiji’s body mutates into grotesque forms: his face distorts, his eye becomes enormous, and cursed energy erupts uncontrollably. - Supernatural Strength
While possessed, Jiji exhibits monstrous strength and resilience, rivaling Okarun in combat. - Weakness: Loss of Control
Unlike Okarun, who learns to channel Turbo Granny’s powers, Jiji cannot control Evil Eye. The curse overtakes his body, forcing his friends to intervene to save him.
Key Relationships
- Momo Ayase
Jiji is Momo’s childhood friend, harboring protective feelings toward her that border on romantic. His insecurities often flare when Okarun enters the picture, but at his core, he cares deeply for Momo’s safety. - Ken Takakura (Okarun)
Okarun and Jiji develop a comedic rivalry fueled by jealousy, especially regarding Momo. Despite their bickering, their shared experiences against yokai gradually form mutual respect. - Evil Eye
Jiji’s possession by Evil Eye represents his greatest struggle. While Evil Eye’s power grants him strength, it nearly destroys his identity and life.
Notable Appearances and Events
- Childhood Bond
Jiji is revealed as Momo’s childhood friend, reestablishing himself in her life after years apart. - Evil Eye Possession Arc
Jiji becomes the host for Evil Eye, transforming into a monstrous enemy the protagonists must fight. His possession creates some of the most intense and tragic battles in the series. - Rescue and Recovery
After Momo and Okarun exorcise the curse, Jiji returns to normal but is left shaken. He struggles with lingering feelings of inadequacy compared to his empowered friends. - Integration into the Group
Despite his trauma, Jiji joins Momo, Okarun, and Aira in their adventures, serving as both comic relief and a reminder of the dangers of unchecked supernatural forces.
Quotes from Jiji
- “Momo, I’ll protect you… no matter what.”
- “Why is it always you, Okarun?!”
- “I… I can’t control it! Get away from me!”
- “I don’t want to be a monster… I just want to be me again.”
- “Even if I’m weak, I’ll stand with you guys.”
Legacy of Jiji
Jiji embodies the tragic side of Dandadan: an ordinary boy swept into extraordinary horrors. His possession by Evil Eye shows how fragile humans are in the face of yokai curses, but his survival and return highlight the strength of friendship and loyalty.
He isn’t as powerful as Momo or Okarun, but his heart, vulnerability, and comedic humanity make him a vital part of the story. Jiji represents the cost of the supernatural on everyday people, and the resilience it takes to continue forward despite trauma.