5 Shocking Reasons Why Akira Tsubasa Acts Like She Hates Marin Kitagawa (The Truth Is More Obsessive)

The question "Why doesn't Akira like Marin?" is one of the biggest misconceptions and most frequently debated topics among fans of the *My Dress-Up Darling* (Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru) manga and anime, especially as of the current date of December 17, 2025. The perceived coldness, rivalry, and outright disdain from the professional model Akira Tsubasa toward the main character, Marin Kitagawa, created a massive wave of curiosity and theories. The truth, however, is far more complex, emotional, and ultimately, deeply flattering to Marin. The shocking reveal that happens later in the manga completely recontextualizes every seemingly hostile glance, every awkward interaction, and every moment of apparent rivalry between the two popular models. Akira Tsubasa doesn't hate Marin Kitagawa; she is, in fact, her most intense, nervous, and *rabid fangirl*.

Akira Tsubasa: A Brief Professional Biography

Akira Tsubasa is a character introduced in the *My Dress-Up Darling* series who plays a pivotal role in the professional modeling and cosplay world that Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo begin to navigate. Her initial interactions with Marin are marked by a palpable tension that led many fans to believe a bitter rivalry was brewing.

• Full Name: Akira Tsubasa (sometimes referred to as Akira Ogata in early discussions).
• Occupation: Professional Model and Cosplayer.
• Key Role: A popular, highly professional model who works in the same industry as Marin. She is known for her striking looks and composed demeanor.
• Manga Debut: She is introduced during the arc where Marin and Gojo begin working on more professional-level cosplay projects.
• Major Reveal: Her secret identity and true feelings toward Marin are revealed in Manga Chapter 85.
• Personality: Initially appears cold, aloof, and extremely professional, but is later shown to be intensely nervous, anxious, and secretly a massive otaku.

The 5 Shocking Reasons Behind Akira's "Dislike"

The complex dynamic between Akira and Marin is a masterclass in character writing, using misdirection to build tension before delivering a deeply satisfying emotional payoff. The reasons for Akira's seemingly hostile behavior are rooted in her own personal history and her overwhelming awe of Marin.

1. She Views Marin as Her "Princess" (Hime) and Idol

This is the central, most critical piece of information that shatters the "rivalry" theory. Akira Tsubasa is a massive fan of Marin Kitagawa. She considers Marin her "Princess" (姫, *Hime*), a term of deep respect and adoration in the otaku world. Akira is shown to have purchased every issue of the magazine Marin models for, not for work purposes, but purely out of fandom. Her coldness is not hate; it is the extreme, paralyzing nervousness that comes from meeting your absolute idol in a professional setting. She is star-struck to the point of being unable to act normally, which manifests as an off-putting, aloof demeanor.

2. The Trauma of a Hidden Passion

A major element of Akira's backstory is the stark contrast between her past and Marin's present. When Akira was Marin's age, she had to hide her passion for anime, manga, and the otaku culture. This forced secrecy likely came from societal pressure, parental expectations, or fear of judgment, leading to a suppressed identity. Marin, on the other hand, is completely unapologetic and open about her love for all things nerdy. She is a popular *gyaru* model who openly talks about her hobbies, cosplays, and works with an otaku like Gojo-kun without shame. This freedom that Marin possesses is something Akira never had, creating a complex cocktail of awe, admiration, and a touch of painful envy.

3. Intense Anxiety and Social Awkwardness

Akira's professional facade is a shield. Beneath the calm, composed exterior of a veteran model is a highly anxious and socially awkward person, especially when dealing with the object of her obsession—Marin. She actively avoids getting close to Marin because she gets incredibly nervous being in her presence. This avoidance and the resulting stiffness in her body language and tone are misinterpreted by Marin, Gojo, and the audience as dislike or professional jealousy. Akira is effectively suffering from a severe case of "fangirl paralysis" whenever her idol is near.

4. The Mirror to Gojo's Own Journey

Some fan analysis suggests that Akira Tsubasa is written as a mirror character to Wakana Gojo. Gojo, too, had to hide his passion for Hina dolls out of fear of being ridiculed, leading him to isolate himself. Akira, similarly, hid her otaku passion. The difference is that Gojo found Marin, who encouraged him to embrace his craft, while Akira is still largely trapped in a professional shell. Her intense reaction to Marin is a reflection of the life she wishes she could have lived—one where she could openly celebrate her hobbies without fear. This parallel makes her character arc deeply resonant and adds a layer of topical authority to the narrative about the shame associated with otaku culture.

5. Professional Envy Masquerading as Disdain

While the primary emotion is adoration, there is a subtle layer of professional complexity. Akira is a model who has likely worked hard to maintain a certain image, possibly one that downplays her "nerdy" side to conform to industry standards. Marin, by simply being herself—a successful model who is openly an otaku and a cosplayer—is effortlessly achieving what Akira had to suppress. This isn't bitter jealousy, but a deep-seated admiration mixed with an almost painful sense of "what if" regarding her own career and life choices. Marin represents the idealized professional and personal freedom that Akira is still striving for.

The Complex Layers of Akira's Character Arc

The reveal of Akira's true feelings is a pivotal moment in the *My Dress-Up Darling* story, moving it away from a simple love triangle or professional rivalry and toward a deeper exploration of passion and identity.

Akira's Role in the Narrative

Akira Tsubasa serves as a crucial entity in the story's overall theme: the importance of openly embracing your passions. Her initial coldness creates a sense of foreboding, making the subsequent revelation that much more impactful. She is a professional cosplayer, which puts her on a different level than Marin and Gojo, who are still amateurs. This professional authority allows her to provide valuable, though sometimes harsh, critiques that ultimately help Marin and Gojo improve their craft, further proving her respect for them.

The Power of the Otaku Community

The relationship between Akira and Marin highlights the supportive nature of the broader otaku and cosplay community. Despite the initial misunderstanding, the foundation of their interaction is a shared, intense love for a niche culture. Akira's nervousness and eventual opening up to Gojo-kun, even correcting herself from "Wakana-chan" to "Wakana-kun" in a moment of genuine connection, shows her slow but steady journey toward accepting her true self. Her admiration for Marin is a catalyst for her own character development, pushing her to be more honest about the things she loves.

The Enduring Popularity of the "Rivalry"

Even after the truth was revealed in the manga, the initial "why doesn't Akira like Marin" theory persists online. This is largely due to the anime's current pacing, which has yet to fully adapt the later manga chapters where the secret is unveiled. This sustained curiosity ensures that the topical authority of Akira's character remains high, driving search traffic and fan discussion. The answer is clear: Akira Tsubasa doesn't dislike Marin Kitagawa; she is an intensely devoted fan who is simply overwhelmed by the presence of her "Princess."