Series & First Appearance
Hotaru Shidare is a central character in the anime and manga series "Dagashi Kashi," created by Kotoyama. She first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" starting in 2014, and her anime debut occurred in Episode 1 of the adaptation by the studio Feel, which premiered in January 2016.
Profile at a Glance
Hotaru is a young girl, appearing to be in her late teens, and she serves as one of the main protagonists of "Dagashi Kashi." She is the daughter of the owner of a renowned sweets company, and her ambition is to inherit and elevate the family business to unprecedented heights. Hotaru has a keen interest in traditional Japanese snacks and often expresses this through her enthusiastic discussions about sweets, showcasing her impressive knowledge about them.
Personality & Motivations
Hotaru is characterized by her vibrant, energetic personality and her deep passion for candy, particularly dagashi (Japanese sweets). She has a playful yet assertive demeanor, displaying a mix of confidence and charm that draws others to her. Her primary motivation is to persuade Kokonotsu Shikada, a boy with exceptional confectionery skills, to take over his family’s shop so she can enlist his father’s help in her quest to elevate her family’s candy empire. Hotaru has a penchant for unique and quirky behavior, often expressing exaggerated excitement towards sweets. Her catchphrase, “Shiru shiru!” (meaning “Yummy, yummy!”), encapsulates her delight in tasting sweets.
Abilities / Powers
The abilities of Hotaru are primarily tied to her vast knowledge of sweets and her business acumen. She possesses a knack for marketing and the art of persuasion, allowing her to influence others effectively, especially when it comes to sweets. While she does not have combat abilities in the traditional sense, her attention to detail and creativity shine during tastings, leading her to create imaginative concoctions and pairings that enhance her sweets business goals. A limitation is her lack of hands-on experience in making sweets herself, relying heavily on those who possess culinary skills, like Kokonotsu.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Hotaru’s journey is largely defined by her attempts to persuade Kokonotsu to embrace his role as the successor to the Shikada sweet shop. Throughout the series, she faces various challenges, often engaging in sweet-themed contests and dilemmas that reveal her character depth and determination. A pivotal arc occurs when she begins to understand the importance of Kokonotsu’s connection to his shop and his feelings towards sweets, ultimately leading to introspection and growth in her character. Hotaru also deals with her family reputation’s legacy, contrasting her go-getter attitude against the traditional values upheld by her father.
Notable Relationships
Hotaru has a complex relationship with Kokonotsu Shikada, characterized by friendly rivalry, admiration, and romantic undertones. Their interactions center around sweets and business, serving as catalysts for character growth. Another significant relationship is with her father, a symbol of the standards she aims to uphold, which adds pressure and depth to her ambitions. She also interacts with several supporting characters who share her passion for sweets, enhancing her role as a bridge between different personalities within the story.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Hotaru’s most memorable moments occurs during a sweets tasting event when she exuberantly declares, “This is the true taste of nostalgia!” (Chapter 5). Her ecstatic response to tasting various dagashi encapsulates her enthusiasm and knowledge, making it a standout moment that resonates with fans of traditional Japanese culture and sweets. Another impactful quote comes from her interaction with Kokonotsu, where she states, “If you don’t have fun, then you’re never going to find the best sweets!” (Episode 3), emphasizing her belief that passion should drive one’s pursuits.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Hotaru Shidare has gained substantial popularity within the anime community, ranking as a favored character among viewers. She was voiced by Saori Ōnishi in Japanese and Sarah Wiedenheft in English, both of whom brought distinctive energy to her character in their respective versions. Hotaru’s character design, with her striking eye color and distinctive clothing, was well-received, leading to various fanworks and merchandise celebrating her likeness. She symbolizes the cultural appreciation of traditional Japanese snacks, reflecting both nostalgia and a modern entrepreneurial spirit, making her a significant character not just within the narrative but also within broader discussions of Japanese pop culture.
Overall, Hotaru Shidare embodies enthusiasm, ambition, and a love for sweets that make her a memorable figure in "Dagashi Kashi," resonating with fans of all ages.
