Series & First Appearance
Nona is a character from the anime series Death Parade, which premiered in 2015. The series was created and produced by Madhouse, based on a short anime film titled Death Billiards by Yuzuru Tachikawa. Nona made her first appearance in Episode 1, titled "Funeral."
Profile at a Glance
Nona appears to be in her twenties, though she has been described as experiencing a far longer lifespan due to her role as an arbiter. She serves primarily as the manager of the Arbiter system and the bartender of Nona Ginta, located on the ninetieth floor of the Quindecim establishment. Nona oversees Decim, Ginti, Clavis, and the other arbiters, wielding significant authority over the ruling processes. Her capabilities include administering judgments and maintaining order within the Arbiter system.
Personality & Motivations
Nona is characterized by her serious and sometimes stern demeanor, reflecting her authoritative position. As a manager for over 82 years, she is disciplined and expects high standards from her subordinates, often correcting their mistakes. Beneath her youthful appearance lies a deeply calculated and experienced mind, adept at making quick decisions. Nona is invested in the fairness of the judgment process and aims to refine the arbiter system. One of her notable quirks is her affinity for cocktails, emphasizing her role as a bartender while also using it for a calming methodology during her stressful duties.
Abilities / Powers
As an arbiter, Nona possesses several unique abilities, including powerful judgment skills that determine the fate of souls. Her experience and knowledge allow her to anticipate outcomes and make calculated decisions, distinguishing her from other arbiters. Additionally, she has authority over the rules and the functioning of the arbiter system, making her a key player in directing the actions of others within her sphere. While she does not engage in direct combat, her powers stem from her judgement responsibilities and her supervisory role over the arbiters. Limitations include her reliance on the established judgement processes, which require her to adhere to the laws of the realm rather than acting on impulse.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Nona’s character is primarily explored throughout the series as she interacts with both arbiters and judged souls. One pivotal arc involves her complex relationship with Decim and the experiments he conducts with living souls, particularly through Episode 3, where she expresses concern over his emotional detachment and moral dilemmas. This marks her commitment to ensuring fairness and empathy in the judgment process, emphasizing her growth in understanding the value of human emotions.
Notable Relationships
Nona’s relationships shape much of her narrative importance. She has a mentor-like relationship with Decim, whose development she supervises closely. Their interactions often highlight her stern yet caring managerial style. In contrast, her relationship with Ginti often serves as a point of contention, given their differing views on judgement and the treatment of souls. Nona also has interpersonal ties to Clavis and the other arbiters, showcasing her leadership quality and commitment to maintaining a well-functioning system.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Nona’s memorable scenes occurs in Episode 3, where she chastises Decim for showing too much emotion during a judgment, emphasizing the eternal struggle between emotion and duty within the arbiter role. Her dialogue in this scene captures her essence: "You must remember that you’re an arbiter, not a human. This is not a game." This line resonates with fans as it encapsulates the fundamental tension between her authority and the arbiters’ human-like experiences.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Nona’s character design is notable for her youthful, almost doll-like appearance, contrasting with her serious personality and authoritative role. In the Japanese voice acting, she is portrayed by the versatile voice actress Miyuki Sawashiro, known for her work in various prominent anime roles. In the English dub, her voice is provided by Crispin Freeman. Nona has garnered popularity, appearing in fan polls and receiving over 1,167 member favorites on various anime platforms, indicating her lasting appeal among fans. Additionally, her setting as a bartender allows for cultural discussions about Japan’s drinking etiquette and the social roles of bartenders, linking her character to broader societal themes.
Nona remains an intriguing figure in the Death Parade series, embodying the complexity of morality and judgement through her authoritative presence and underlying emotional depth.
