Series & First Appearance
Ayano Tateyama originates from the multimedia project "Kagerou Project" created by Jin (Shizen no Teki-P). She first appeared in the song "Transparent Answer," which serves as her introduction to fans of the franchise. The complex lore surrounding her character unfolds across various songs and narrative formats, including novels and anime adaptations.
Profile at a Glance
Ayano is a 15-year-old girl recognized as the original founder of Mekakushi Dan, designated as member No. 0 within the group. Initially portrayed as cheerful and friendly, Ayano’s character takes a darker turn as she wrestles with her tragic circumstances, ultimately leading to her suicide. Her signature ability, "Favoring Eyes," allows her to project her emotions onto others, serving as both a blessing and a curse.
Personality & Motivations
Ayano is characterized by her warmth and eagerness to connect with others, especially her classmates like Shintarou. She is portrayed as optimistic, albeit with a somber undertone stemming from her experiences. One of her key traits is her desire to protect her friends from the pain associated with their powers and traumas. Despite her cheerful disposition, a deeper motivation drives her actions—her need to prevent the "Snake of Clearing Eyes" from enacting its destructive plan, which ultimately leads to her tragic end.
Abilities / Powers
Ayano’s main ability is her "Favoring Eyes," which can project her emotions onto others and influence their feelings and thoughts. This power is rooted in her being possessed by the Favoring Eyes snake after her death. While this ability grants her significant control over others’ emotions, it also carries the burden of her inner turmoil. As her character evolves, she learns to harness this power within the Heat Haze, ultimately using it to confront threats while wrestling with its consequences.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Ayano’s story is pivotal in the overarching narrative of Kagerou Project. Early in her arc, she befriends Shintarou, and their bond establishes the groundwork for her tragic fate. The catalyst for her suicide stems from her belief that by obtaining red eyes, she could protect her friends from the Snake of Clearing Eyes. Following her death, her character is further explored through "Ayano’s Happiness Theory," where it’s revealed that she took on the responsibility of founding Mekakushi Dan to care for her adopted siblings. The culmination of her character development occurs during the true ending, where she helps Shintarou confront the Snake, fixing the timeline and granting her the opportunity to find peace.
Notable Relationships
- Shintarou Kisaragi: Ayano’s closest friend during her life and a significant figure in her narrative arc. Their bond plays a crucial role in both her motivations and her eventual confrontation with the Snake of Clearing Eyes.
- Mekakushi Dan Members: As the big sister figure, Ayano has a complex relationship with members Kano, Kido, and Seto, who were adopted by her mother. Her protective nature towards them drives her decisions.
- Her Mother: Ayano’s late mother is instrumental to her backstory, providing a sense of familial responsibility and urgency as Ayano navigates her challenges.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
A standout moment occurs when Shintarou witnesses Ayano crying, a scene rich with emotional weight. This moment foreshadows her tragic decision and highlights her struggle, encapsulating her dual reality of happiness and despair. Another significant scene is from "Ayano’s Happiness Theory," where Ayano declares her desire to protect her friends—“I will make a place where we can be happy together, no matter what.” These quotes underscore her warmth and the depth of her intentions, resonating with fans and enhancing her role in the series’ emotional landscape.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Ayano Tateyama is a fan-favorite character, reflected in her member favorites count of 1,249, indicating her impact on the fandom. She is voiced by Hanae Natsuki in the original Japanese version, with different variations in English dubs, highlighting her global appeal. Additionally, her iconic hooded outfit has become a recognizable element among Kagerou Project merchandise and fan art. As a symbol of protection and brotherhood, Ayano’s character embodies larger themes within the series, making her a subject of extensive analysis in fan communities.
Through her compelling journey from life to death and beyond, Ayano Tateyama remains a complex figure whose emotional struggles resonate deeply with audiences, embodying the bittersweet themes prevalent in the Kagerou Project.
