The Shocking Truth: 5 Deep-Seated Reasons Why Akira Ogata 'Hates' Marin Kitagawa In My Dress-Up Darling

The intense, almost palpable animosity that Akira Ogata directs toward Marin Kitagawa is one of the most perplexing and discussed character dynamics in the *My Dress-Up Darling* (*Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi o Suru*) series. For fans who have only seen the anime or are catching up with the latest manga chapters as of December 12, 2025, the question remains: why does the reclusive, highly skilled prop designer seem to harbor such deep-seated resentment for the bright, outgoing cosplay star?

The simple answer—that Akira hates Marin—is a dramatic misreading of a much deeper, more complex psychological conflict. The truth, revealed in later manga arcs, is a powerful exploration of insecurity, self-acceptance, and the toxic nature of comparison. Akira's apparent 'hatred' is not truly for Marin, but a projection of her own regrets and a painful reminder of the passion she once felt forced to hide from the world.

Akira Ogata: Biography and Profile

Akira Ogata is a pivotal character introduced in the *My Dress-Up Darling* series, primarily known for her exceptional talent in the world of cosplay prop design. Her appearance and demeanor starkly contrast with the vibrant Marin Kitagawa, setting the stage for their complicated relationship.

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• Full Name: Akira Ogata (尾形 晃, Ogata Akira)
• Affiliation: Professional Cosplay Prop Designer
• Known For: Her meticulous, high-quality prop work and reclusive personality. She is a friend and colleague of the professional photographer Suzuka.
• Role in the Story: Initially introduced as a potential rival or obstacle to Marin and Wakana Gojo's growing partnership. She later becomes a mentor figure to Wakana for sculpture techniques.
• Age: Believed to be in her early to mid-20s. Her social media profile once listed her as "over 20 years old," suggesting she is older than the high school-aged main cast.
• Personality: Highly introverted, easily flustered, and reserved. She is often seen as anti-extrovert, which fuels the initial perception of her disliking the outgoing Marin.
• Voice Actor (Anime): Maki Kawase (for Season 2).

The Five Psychological Pillars of Akira’s 'Hate'

Akira’s feelings toward Marin are not a simple case of jealousy or rivalry. Instead, they are rooted in five key psychological and biographical pillars that reveal a character struggling with her own past choices and self-image. This tension is what drives the drama and the eventual resolution of their dynamic.

1. The Pain of Lost Passion and Hiding Identity

The primary source of Akira’s resentment is the stark contrast between her past and Marin’s present. When Akira was Marin’s age, she felt compelled to hide her love for anime, manga, and the cosplay subculture. In a flashback, it is implied that she had to keep her passion a secret, likely due to social pressure, fear of judgment, or a lack of self-confidence to embrace her hobbies openly.

Marin, by comparison, is unapologetic, loud, and completely open about her interests. She is a "gyaru" (a fashion subculture in Japan) who also loves otaku culture, defying stereotypes and proudly displaying her passion. Marin's freedom is a constant, painful reminder to Akira of the years she spent suppressing her true self. This isn't hatred for Marin, but hatred for the version of herself that couldn't be as brave.

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2. The Insecurity of Self-Comparison and Shortcomings

Marin's success and confidence act as a mirror reflecting Akira’s own perceived "shortcomings, weaknesses, and insecurities." Akira views Marin as a perfect embodiment of the cosplay spirit—someone who is beautiful, popular, and completely authentic in her pursuit of the hobby. This comparison is a form of self-sabotage for Akira.

As a highly skilled prop designer, Akira is deeply involved in the cosplay world, yet she remains reclusive and on the periphery, unwilling to step into the spotlight. Marin represents the spotlight and acceptance that Akira secretly craves but is too timid to reach for. The "hate" is a defense mechanism to push away the person who highlights her own perceived failures.

3. The Shocking Reveal: Akira is a Secret Super-Fan

The most crucial piece of information that completely recontextualizes their relationship is the manga's revelation: Akira Ogata is actually a secret super-fan of Marin Kitagawa. This twist transforms the "hatred" into a bizarre form of idol worship mixed with self-loathing.

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Akira is so impressed and moved by Marin's passion and skill that she follows her work closely. One subtle detail that confirms this is that Akira uses a picture of Marin in her Shizuku-tan cosplay as her social media profile picture. Her "hate" is merely a clumsy, introverted reaction to being overwhelmed by a person she secretly admires intensely. Her declaration of animosity, as seen in Chapter 73 of the manga, was a desperate attempt to create distance and manage her intense, confusing emotions.

4. Misunderstanding and the 'Gyaru Trauma' Theory

While the internal conflict is the main reason, early fan theories also circulated around a simple misunderstanding of Marin's appearance. One theory suggested that Akira avoids Marin, who is a "gyaru," because she has some kind of past trauma related to the gyaru subculture. This idea, while not officially confirmed as the sole reason, plays into the theme of prejudice and judging a book by its cover, which is a common narrative device in *My Dress-Up Darling*.

Akira’s initial reaction to Marin could be a knee-jerk, trauma-based response to her fashion and outgoing personality, which she then struggles to reconcile with Marin’s genuine, kind nature. This confusion further complicates her feelings, leading to the erratic behavior that is often interpreted as pure hatred.

5. The Rivalry with Juju and the Professional Cosplay World

Akira’s introduction to the story is heavily tied to the professional side of cosplay, specifically through the photographer Suzuka. The world of high-level cosplay, as explored through characters like Juju (Shinju Inui), is often portrayed as highly competitive and demanding. Akira, as a prop designer, is a professional in this space.

Marin, who is still essentially an amateur, represents a raw, unrefined passion that threatens the controlled, professional environment Akira is used to. Her "hate" could be a defensive reaction to the chaos and unpredictability that Marin brings, which she perceives as a threat to the serious, professional nature of their work. This professional tension further layers the complexity of their relationship, making it a rivalry of ideologies rather than just personalities.

The Evolution of Akira and Marin’s Relationship

The dynamic between Akira and Marin is not static; it evolves significantly as the series progresses, moving from open hostility to grudging respect and, finally, a form of secret admiration. This journey is central to Akira's character development.

In the pivotal Chapter 73, Akira confronts Wakana Gojo, declaring her dislike for Marin. This moment is the peak of the outward animosity. However, the true turning point comes later, around Chapter 85, where the full extent of Akira's secret admiration is revealed, shocking many readers.

By the time of the latest manga developments, the relationship has settled into a more distant, yet respectful, professional dynamic. Akira still maintains her reclusive facade, but her actions—like helping Wakana with his sculpture skills—show that she is slowly starting to open up her world to others who share her passion, a change indirectly inspired by Marin's unapologetic enthusiasm and acceptance.

Ultimately, the question of "why does Akira hate Marin" is less about malice and more about a character’s internal battle. Akira Ogata doesn't hate Marin Kitagawa; she is in awe of her. Marin is the living embodiment of the freedom and self-acceptance that Akira never allowed herself to have, and that is a painful, yet inspiring, thing to witness.