Series & First Appearance
Daisuke Niwa is the protagonist of the anime and manga series D.N.Angel, created by Yukiru Sugisaki. The series first premiered in 1997 and was serialized in Asuka magazine. Daisuke makes his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga.
Profile at a Glance
Daisuke is a 14-year-old high school student who leads a double life as a phantom thief due to his family heritage. He is primarily characterized as a kind-hearted person, distinct from his alter ego, Dark. Daisuke is proficient in thievery, particularly lockpicking, and possesses enhanced agility, which he often utilizes when transforming into Dark.
Personality & Motivations
Daisuke is depicted as sweet, earnest, and a bit shy, especially regarding his romantic feelings for Risa Harada, a girl from school. His kind-hearted nature often puts him in direct conflict with Dark, whose personality is the polar opposite—sly and reckless. Daisuke’s primary motivation is to navigate his feelings of love while managing the complications that arise from his transformations and the consequent thieving lifestyle that he reluctantly inherits. A notable quirk is his tendency to blush easily, particularly in the presence of Risa or Riku.
Abilities / Powers
Daisuke’s most significant ability is his unintentional transformation into Dark, the legendary phantom thief, triggered by feelings of love or romantic attraction. While in this form, he gains enhanced physical attributes such as agility, strength, and reflexes. Daisuke’s training in the family tradition of thievery equips him with skills in lockpicking and electronics, allowing him to bypass security systems. However, Daisuke’s primary limitation is his emotional vulnerability, which both triggers and complicates his transformations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout D.N.Angel, Daisuke undergoes significant character development, especially in relation to his feelings for Risa and later, her sister Riku. Early on, his rejected affection for Risa drives him into the arms of Dark, leading to chaotic events involving theft and heroism. As the series progresses, he learns to embrace his duality, gaining confidence while developing feelings for Riku, which brings him both joy and tumult. A turning point is when he realizes the true nature of his feelings, marking a critical evolution in his character arc—moving from infatuation to a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Notable Relationships
Daisuke’s most important relationships include:
- Risa Harada: His initial crush, whose rejection triggers his transformations into Dark.
- Riku Harada: Risa’s older twin sister, with whom Daisuke eventually forms a deeper bond, representing his growth as a character.
- Dark (Takeshi Niwa): Daisuke’s alter ego and a part of his identity, often leading him into moral dilemmas and thrilling adventures.
- Daisuke’s Family: His family plays a crucial role in his upbringing as thieves, and Daisuke’s relationship with them adds layers to his motivations in navigating his legacy.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in Chapter 8 when Daisuke finally stands up to Dark, declaring, "I’m not going to just let you have my life!" This pivotal moment emphasizes his growth and determination to take control over his own destiny, solidifying him as a protagonist capable of challenging even his alter-ego. Another iconic quote is when Daisuke exclaims, “How can I love anyone if I can’t even love myself?”—illustrating his internal struggle with identity and self-acceptance, a common theme throughout the series.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Daisuke Niwa has garnered a significant following, reflected in his member favorites, boasting over 500 supporters. His character has been voiced by notable Japanese actors, including Kappei Yamaguchi, widely recognized for his work in Detective Conan. In the English adaptation, he is voiced by Brad Swaile, adding a distinct flavor to the character’s personality. Daisuke’s struggle with love and identity resonates with many fans, making him a relatable and memorable character in the shōjo genre, often placing high in character popularity polls across various forums and platforms.
