Manjiro is a quirky shrine priest from the manga "Dandadan," known for his thick, connected eyebrows and short stature. He serves as the head priest at the Tsuchinoko Shrine in the hot spring town where Jin Enjoji lives. Despite his serious responsibilities, Manjiro dreams of becoming a "BuTuber" (a parody of "VTuber"), reflecting both his ambition and his dissatisfaction with the shrine's lack of profitability. His shrine, while branded for the legendary creature Tsuchinoko, actually honors a snake skin from the region’s ancient serpent worship. Manjiro possesses genuine spiritual abilities and is a student of Seiko Ayase. He's an eccentric but highly capable guardian of tradition, able to perform exorcisms and skilled in hand-to-hand combat. After local supernatural events draw attention, the shrine becomes increasingly popular, granting Manjiro the recognition and financial success he craves.
Manjiro is a small man with thick, connected eyebrows, which make him instantly recognizable. In his debut, he had noticeable laugh lines on his face, but these disappeared during later appearances. He typically dresses in a traditional hakama while at the shrine.
Manjiro’s personality is a curious blend of earnestness and eccentricity. He often mutters about his desire to become a "BuTuber," wishing for a modern and more profitable life. Although he can seem odd—practicing headstands in the shrine’s courtyard—he is deeply committed to his priestly duties and the spiritual well-being of his community. Manjiro is quick-witted, friendly, and unafraid to speak his mind.
Manjiro serves as the head priest at Tsuchinoko Shrine, located in Serpent Village, a hot spring town modeled after real-life Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The shrine’s foundation is rooted in local serpent worship traditions; rather than guarding an actual Tsuchinoko, it enshrines the shed skin of a serpent associated with those legends. Manjiro's father decided to promote the shrine as "Tsuchinoko Shrine" for tourism rather than using the more daunting “serpent shrine.” The family business has long struggled financially, contributing to Manjiro’s aspirations to become a BuTuber for fame and extra income.
Manjiro is a legitimate spiritual practitioner with powerful abilities.
He is a disciple of Seiko Ayase and has built even more connections with other spiritualists than his teacher.
He can perform traditional rituals and exorcisms, skillfully sealing away supernatural threats by reciting authentic prayers used in real shrine ceremonies.
Manjiro is also adept at physical combat, favoring leg techniques and open-hand fighting styles, such as the “Great Snow Mountain Drop,” which unbalances enemies in a single sweep.
Introduction to the Shrine
Manjiro is introduced performing a headstand in the shrine’s courtyard while musing about his dreams of becoming a BuTuber. When Momo Ayase visits, he enthusiastically educates her about the village's unique "serpent faith," showing her the shrine's prized serpent skin relic.
Serpent Worship and Village Legends
Manjiro explains the historical roots of their faith: ancient villagers averted volcanic eruptions by offering children as sacrifices to the serpent, a practice that allegedly kept the hot spring flowing and the land safe for 200 years. However, Manjiro considers this to be "a mistake of the past" and is determined to pass down the story as a warning, not to inspire repetition.
Momo jokingly suggests that such stories would be perfect content if Manjiro ever becomes a BuTuber.
Post-Supernatural Incident
After the Evil Eye incident in Serpent Village, Manjiro is entrusted with the powerful, cursed objects once worn by Evil Eye. These relics attract a surge of tourists and paranormal enthusiasts, causing the shrine to flourish financially—fulfilling Manjiro’s long-held wish for a more successful shrine business.
Manjiro is a dedicated disciple of Seiko Ayase.
He assists Momo Ayase and her companions when they become involved in the village's supernatural events, lending both spiritual and physical support.
- The town where Tsuchinoko Shrine resides is based on Ikaho Onsen’s iconic stone stairway district in Gunma Prefecture.
- The manga's author, Yukinobu Tatsu, visited both Ikaho Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen to research for these settings.
"Sorry for the unsightly scene... I just want to be a BuTuber so badly."
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