5 Shocking Reasons Why Fans Thought Akira Ogata ‘Hated’ Marin Kitagawa (The Truth Revealed)

For months, the question of "Why doesn't Akira like Marin?" has dominated forums and social media, becoming one of the most persistent fan theories in the *My Dress-Up Darling* (Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru) community. This widely-discussed premise—that the seasoned prop designer Akira Ogata harbors a deep dislike or resentment for the popular cosplayer Marin Kitagawa—is based almost entirely on Akira’s initially cold, ambiguous, and often stern expressions when Marin is present. As of today, December 10, 2025, the truth, already revealed in the manga, is far more surprising and heartwarming than any fan conflict could be. The reality is that the perception of hatred is a massive misunderstanding; Akira Ogata is, in fact, one of Marin's most dedicated and passionate admirers, viewing her not as a rival, but as a "Hime"—a true Princess of the cosplay world. The deep dive into the *My Dress-Up Darling* storyline confirms that Akira's seemingly negative reactions are actually a mask for intense, starstruck admiration and a profound sense of personal reflection. Her complex emotions stem from her own past experiences in the cosplay community, making her relationship with Marin Kitagawa one of the most nuanced and compelling character dynamics outside of the main romance between Wakana Gojo and Marin. This article breaks down the five key reasons why the "Akira dislikes Marin" theory became so popular, and reveals the definitive, canon truth that shattered the fan speculation.

Akira Ogata: Biography and Character Profile

Akira Ogata is a pivotal character introduced later in the *My Dress-Up Darling* series, playing a crucial role in the development of the main protagonist, Wakana Gojo. Unlike the high schoolers Marin, Sajuna Inui (Juju), and Shinju Inui, Akira represents the professional, adult side of the cosplay and creative world.

• Full Name: Akira Ogata (緒方 亜希羅)
• Occupation: Professional Cosplay Prop Designer and Sculptor. She is known for her high-quality, intricate, and realistic prop work.
• Affiliation: Works closely with the professional photographer, Suzuka.
• Role in Story: She initially meets Wakana Gojo after he seeks out a professional sculptor for advice and teaching on advanced techniques. She becomes an unexpected mentor to Gojo.
• Personality Type: Often analyzed by fans as an INFJ (The Advocate). She is mature, reserved, blunt, and can appear distant, but possesses a strong inner passion and deep commitment to her craft.
• Key Relationship: Mentor to Wakana Gojo; Professional colleague of Suzuka; Secret admirer of Marin Kitagawa.

Akira's professional background and reserved demeanor are essential to understanding the initial confusion surrounding her interactions with Marin. She is a serious artist, which contrasts sharply with Marin's bubbly, expressive, and somewhat chaotic energy.

The 5 Core Reasons Why the ‘Akira Hates Marin’ Theory Went Viral

The misinterpretation of Akira's feelings for Marin Kitagawa was not accidental. It was fueled by a series of subtle visual cues and narrative ambiguities that made the "rivalry" theory highly plausible to early readers and viewers.

1. The Stern, Unwavering Gaze

This is the single biggest contributor to the fan theory. Whenever Akira first encounters Marin in the manga, particularly during group meetings with Suzuka and Gojo, her expression is often one of intense, unreadable scrutiny. She looks at Marin with a fixed, almost severe gaze that lacks Marin’s typical friendliness or Gojo’s usual nervousness. Fans interpreted this as judgment, professional jealousy, or outright contempt for Marin’s "gyaru" appearance or her more amateur approach to cosplay. In reality, this intense gaze was a sign of being utterly starstruck—the look of a devoted fan trying desperately to maintain composure around her idol.

2. The Professional vs. Amateur Contrast

Akira is a meticulous, professional prop designer who takes her work extremely seriously. Marin, while passionate, is still a high school student whose approach to cosplay is often driven by pure, unbridled fandom and impulse. The contrast between Akira's mature, reserved personality and Marin's loud, expressive, and sometimes slightly clumsy enthusiasm led fans to believe Akira looked down on Marin’s less disciplined style. This perceived clash between the "veteran professional" and the "passionate newcomer" seemed like a perfect setup for a narrative conflict.

3. Akira’s Own Hidden Passion

A critical element of Akira’s character is that she had to hide her passion for anime, manga, and cosplay when she was Marin’s age. She was not as free or unapologetic about her hobbies as Marin is. This backstory created the perfect foundation for a "resentment" theory: Akira was jealous of Marin's freedom and confidence. The theory suggested that Akira resented Marin for being able to openly talk about, cosplay, and live out the passions that Akira herself had to suppress during her youth.

4. The Lack of Direct Interaction

In their initial appearances, Akira and Marin have very few direct, friendly, one-on-one conversations. Most of their interactions are brief, professional, or observational. This lack of clear, positive dialogue allowed the ambiguity of Akira’s facial expressions to fill the narrative void. Without a definitive scene of them getting along, the theory of a silent, underlying tension gained traction among the fanbase.

5. Misinterpretation of the "Mirror" Dynamic

Some fan theories suggested that Akira was a "mirror" to Wakana Gojo, who initially struggled with his own passion for Hina dolls and the fear of judgment. If Gojo saw Marin as a shining light, some speculated that Akira saw Marin as a symbol of everything she couldn’t be, leading to a form of internal, non-verbal rivalry. This complex psychological reading further cemented the idea of a negative relationship.

The Definitive Truth: Akira is Marin’s Biggest Fan (The Hime Reveal)

The fan theories about a silent rivalry or dislike were finally and definitively debunked in the *My Dress-Up Darling* manga, particularly around Chapter 73 and subsequent chapters. The big reveal is a classic example of misdirection in storytelling. The truth is that Akira Ogata is not a hater, but a rabid fangirl of Marin Kitagawa.

The Meaning of "Hime" (Princess)

The most significant piece of evidence is Akira’s internal monologue and her private description of Marin. Akira views Marin not just as a cosplayer, but as a "Hime" (姫), which translates to "Princess." This term is used in Japanese to denote someone who is revered, admired, and held in the highest regard. To Akira, Marin represents the ideal of the modern cosplayer: someone who is beautiful, confident, and completely unashamed of her passionate love for the source material, whether it's a popular shōjo manga or a niche adult video game. Marin embodies the freedom and acceptance that Akira never had, and instead of resenting her for it, Akira idolizes her.

Why the Stern Face? The Fangirl Panic

Akira’s stern, distant, and often awkward expressions are not signs of hatred but of profound social anxiety and starstruck panic. When she is near Marin, her professional, mature exterior cracks, and she reverts to the nervous, overwhelmed demeanor of an intense fan meeting their idol. She is trying to maintain her cool, professional composure in front of the person she secretly admires most in the community. This emotional turmoil is what makes her appear cold or judgmental.

The True Connection: Respect and Inspiration

Akira’s actual feelings are rooted in deep respect. She is impressed by Marin's dedication and her ability to bring a character to life, a trait that she, as a prop designer, deeply values. The entire arc involving Akira serves to highlight the diverse ways people express their love for the creative world—Marin through performance, Gojo through craftsmanship, and Akira through her intricate prop design and her silent, intense admiration for those who can wear the finished product with such confidence. In conclusion, the viral theory of an underlying conflict between Akira Ogata and Marin Kitagawa is a testament to how easily non-verbal cues can be misinterpreted. The reality is a much more wholesome and powerful message about fandom, respect, and the diverse ways people connect over a shared passion. Akira’s silent, intense gaze is the look of a devoted admirer, not a rival.