Naki Kito: The Subterranean Antagonist of Dandadan

Naki Kito (鬼頭ナキ) is one of the most mysterious and enduring antagonists in Dandadan, known for her eerie presence, complex motives, and over 200 years of loyalty to the terrifying Tsuchinoko. As a subterranean and key player in the Cursed House Arc, Naki Kito brings a chilling yet tragic depth to the series’ lore.

Naki Kito’s Appearance: A Dual Identity

While in human disguise, Naki Kito appears as a petite, elderly woman with a large perm and an unmissable unibrow. She sports a long-sleeve striped shirt, a large pearl necklace, and harem pants adorned with floral patterns.

Her true form as a subterranean is drastically different. Naki Kito possesses a wide head with armored plating, strange eyes featuring concentric circles and crosses, a long puckered mouth, curved horns, and a spring-like body structure. Her toes eerily resemble fingers, adding to her monstrous appearance.

Personality of Naki Kito: Pride, Devotion, and Vengeance

The personality of Naki Kito is defined by unwavering pride and a fierce commitment to protecting her village—at any cost. For over two centuries, she willingly sacrificed humans to appease the Tsuchinoko, a monstrous worm-like entity believed to grant blessings like hot springs in return.

Even after being swallowed and later vomited out by the Tsuchinoko, Naki’s allegiance to the creature remains stronger than her concern for the villagers. She views outsiders like Momo with disdain, believing only the Kito Family has the right to protect the land. Her pride doesn’t waver even in defeat, and she vows revenge after her centuries-long plan is undone.

Naki Kito’s Background: Feudal Origins and a Sinister Ritual

Naki Kito’s dark past begins in Japan’s feudal era. As the matriarch of the Kito Family, she led a centuries-old ritual of sacrificing village children to the Tsuchinoko. This act was believed to prevent the eruption of a volcano where the creature resided. Over generations, the Kito Family built a sacrificial house to attract victims, setting the stage for the tragic birth of the Evil Eye.

Naki Kito in the Cursed House Arc

The Cursed House Arc marks Naki Kito’s central role in the Dandadan storyline. After noticing Jiji bringing friends Momo and Okarun to the sacrificial house, Naki and her family begin plotting. When they confront the group, Naki doesn’t hesitate to brandish her gun or unleash brutal attacks.

She ultimately reveals the truth about the Kito Family’s gruesome past and the sacrifices meant for the Tsuchinoko. However, the plan goes awry when the Tsuchinoko turns on the Kito Family, swallowing them before being killed by Momo.

Enraged by the creature’s death and the volcano’s reactivation, Naki Kito battles Momo once again—only to be defeated with the help of Manjiro and the Evil Eye. Afterward, while her family is arrested, Naki escapes, removes her human disguise, and swears vengeance.

Naki Kito’s Abilities and Fighting Style

Physical Prowess

Naki Kito’s physical capabilities are superhuman:

• Enhanced Strength: She can smash opponents through walls with ease.
• Speed and Reflexes: Dodges projectiles with near-instant reaction.
• Stamina and Endurance: Continues fighting despite severe injuries like a broken arm.

Skill Set

Naki excels in close combat:

• Hand-to-Hand Combat: Skilled in punches, kicks, and rapid counters.
• Signature Move – Jennifer Lopez Anaconda: A devastating double punch that sends enemies flying. The move amusingly references the actress and the 1997 horror movie Anaconda.

Naki Kito’s Role in Dandadan: A Lasting Impact

Naki Kito’s role as a villain goes beyond physical conflict. Her actions raise deep questions about tradition, sacrifice, and blind faith. Despite her crimes, there’s a certain tragedy in her downfall—driven by misguided devotion and ancestral duty.

Trivia About Naki Kito

• Her signature move is named after actress Jennifer Lopez and the film Anaconda.
• Despite her monstrous nature, Naki Kito displays rare emotional depth—especially her bitter disappointment in Momo’s success.
• She is one of the few characters who seamlessly blends horror, action, and mythology in Dandadan.

Final Thoughts on Naki Kito

As one of the most distinctive characters in Dandadan, Naki Kito stands out not just for her fearsome power but also for her layered backstory. Her presence adds a complex emotional and mythological dimension to the Cursed House Arc, ensuring she remains unforgettable among fans of the series.