Who is Reiko in Dandadan? Everything to know about the Yokai

Modified Oct 07, 2024 08:00 GMT

Dandadan brings a unique world of supernatural entities into focus and one of the most interesting characters there is a mysterious yokai called Reiko. This story beautifully blends the bizarre and eeriness with a touch of humor and constant strangeness and on top of that, Reiko adds the strange mix of encounters that characters face throughout the series.

Her connection with the spirit world and her particular place in the story have more and more questions associated with her true nature and intentions, and as it carries on into the ending, Reiko develops beyond just another supernatural being that pulls the audience further into the depth of yokai tradition.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the Dandadan manga.

Exploring Reiko's character in Dandadan

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Reiko Kashima, or Slit-Mouthed Woman, is one of the Dandadan's prominent yokai and is connected with the mysterious supernatural events taking place in Kamikoshi City. Her presence endures as one of the main antagonists in the Space Globalists Arc.

Initially, she stayed in one of the most devastated regions of the city. Residing in a destroyed area of the city, the major problem that Reiko faced was after losing a fight with Momo Ayase, one of the protagonists.

This defeat causes her to firmly detest Momo and have a strong desire to take revenge on her when she finally meets her. However, gradually, the first grudge fades away from her mind as she watches Momo develop his paramount relationship with Okarun. Observing their relationship changes the mind of Reiko, making her eventually lose interest in taking revenge.

Reiko's is both striking and terrifying in appearance. She is a tall yokai with a muscular build looming over humans, but her most unique feature is her wide mouth filled with sharp teeth, which has made her a "Slit-Mouthed Woman." Without makeup, her face shows beauty in a more natural manner, remarked upon by other characters, such as Momo.

How powerful is Reiko Kashima in Dandadan, explained

Reiko Kashima from Dandadan possesses the unique power of her mirror. She commands the mirror to extend parts of her body over a distance with glass surfaces nearby her, so that she can surprise people across vast areas.

The remote attack method makes her especially dangerous, as she can attack from any glass or mirror within her reach, even manifesting giant fists to crush large targets such as battleships.

Her mirror also lends her the power to trap enemies in a parallel dimension. Once she has trapped someone in, there is no point of exit from this dimension unless she wants to let him out. Reiko can even trap armies, showing how powerfully extended her pocket dimension is.

Her greatest weakness, though, is also to be seen in her dependence on the mirror. If someone manages to steal or destroy her mirror, she loses access to her abilities.

Final thoughts

Reiko Kashima without makeup (Image via Shueisha)

Reiko Kashima is the most intriguing yokai in Dandadan and has greatly contributed to the supernatural chaos in Kamikoshi City. As a central antagonist, especially in the Space Globalists Arc, she draws the reader's attention to numerous diverse aspects of her character, who transforms from seeking revenge to rethinking her actions.

Reiko's mystique, her eerie look, and her shifting motivation make the audience want more from her, making her a memorable part of the series’ exploration of yokai lore.

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Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay