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Miri Unasaka

Miri Unasaka (海坂 ミリ, Unasaka Miri), is the tritagonist and main female protagonist of the anime series Buddy Daddies. A lively, cheerful, and courageous four-year-old, Miri becomes the heart of the series after being unofficially adopted by hitmen Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa, following the assassination of her criminal father and the death of her mother. Despite her young age and the tragedy surrounding her origins, Miri brings light and emotional warmth into the lives of her reluctant foster fathers, initiating a journey of growth, healing, and unlikely parenthood.

Miri serves as the emotional anchor of the story, embodying themes of innocence, resilience, and unconditional love in contrast to the dark and violent world Kazuki and Rei come from. Her presence not only transforms the lives of the two hitmen but also challenges them to confront their pasts and reconsider their futures.

Background

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Appearance in anime

Miri is the biological daughter of a nightclub singer and a powerful crime boss. Her early childhood was spent in unstable and neglectful conditions, often left in the care of others as her mother worked long hours and her father remained absent and dangerous. Despite this, Miri developed into a sunny, affectionate child with an open heart and a deep desire for connection.

On Christmas Day, Miri sets out alone to find her father, unknowingly stepping into the middle of an assassination carried out by Kazuki and Rei. After the death of her father and her mother’s subsequent passing, Kazuki and Rei become her unexpected guardians. Initially resistant to the idea, the two hitmen slowly begin to care for her and raise her as their own daughter.

Photo Section with Captions

Appearance

Miri is a small child with round cheeks, big brown eyes, and short reddish-brown hair that curls slightly at the ends. She typically wears bright, colorful clothes that reflect her playful personality, often including animal motifs, overalls, or simple patterned dresses.

Her expressive face, wide smile, and boundless energy make her instantly endearing to both characters in the show and viewers. Even when faced with sadness, Miri maintains a bright and hopeful demeanor that serves as a contrast to her guardians’ more jaded personalities.

Personality

Miri is cheerful, fearless, and endlessly curious, embodying the boundless optimism typical of young children. She speaks freely, shows affection without hesitation, and often inserts herself into conversations and situations without understanding the full context—often to comedic or heartfelt effect.

Despite the danger and sadness in her background, Miri is remarkably resilient. She adapts quickly to her new life with Kazuki and Rei, seeing them as her “papa” figures and embracing them with love and trust. Her emotional intelligence, though not fully mature, allows her to sense when something is wrong and respond with empathy in her own childlike way.

She is also incredibly determined whether it’s helping around the house, impressing her classmates, or cheering up her papas, Miri gives her all, even when things don’t go as planned.

Role in the Story

  • An Unexpected Encounter
    Miri enters the story by unintentionally becoming involved in a mission carried out by Kazuki and Rei. She approaches Kazuki believing him to be her father, leading to an awkward yet life-changing turn of events. Though initially seen as a burden, Miri slowly becomes a permanent fixture in their lives.

  • A New Family
    Kazuki and Rei gradually accept responsibility for Miri, raising her together and adjusting their dangerous lives around her needs. Miri’s innocence and affection help heal the emotional wounds both men carry, especially Rei, who begins to break out of his emotional isolation because of her. She attends preschool, makes friends, and begins experiencing the joy of a stable home life for the first time, even as her guardians hide the darker parts of their professions from her.

  • Tragedy and Growth
    When her mother dies, Miri becomes an orphan in the legal sense, prompting Kazuki and Rei to consider how deeply they’re willing to commit to her future. Despite moments of danger and sorrow, Miri remains the glue that holds their unlikely family together. Her presence transforms the series from a dark action drama into a moving story about chosen family, parenthood, and personal redemption.

Relationships

Kazuki Kurusu
The more emotionally expressive of her two guardians, Kazuki quickly becomes Miri’s primary caregiver. She often calls him “Papa Kazuki” and is especially attached to him because of his cooking, warmth, and affection. Their relationship is playful, loving, and filled with moments of genuine tenderness.

Rei Suwa
Initially distant and cold toward Miri, Rei slowly opens up, forming a quiet but powerful bond with her. She sees past his silence and treats him with the same love she shows Kazuki, helping Rei realize his capacity to care and protect.

Miri’s Biological Parents
Miri’s biological mother was loving but neglectful due to work pressures, while her father was an absentee and violent crime boss. Their deaths mark the end of her old life and the beginning of her new journey with Kazuki and Rei.

Trivia

    • Miri’s name (ミリ) is written in katakana, possibly to reflect her innocence and individuality.
      • She loves rice omelets and refers to them as her favorite meal made by Kazuki.
      • Her favorite activities include drawing, playing dress-up, and helping around the house.
      • Despite being only four, she shows remarkable adaptability and emotional awareness.
      • Miri often draws pictures of her “two papas,” symbolizing her acceptance of their unconventional family.
      • Her character design emphasizes warm colors and round features, enhancing her symbolic role as a source of light and warmth.

    Legacy

      • Miri Unasaka is the emotional core of Buddy Daddies, transforming a story of crime and violence into one of redemption, family, and hope. Through her innocence and unwavering love, she brings out the humanity in two men who had long lost sight of it. Miri’s presence forces Kazuki and Rei to confront their pasts, make difficult choices, and ultimately choose a life of purpose, care, and connection.
        • As a child protagonist, Miri is never reduced to a mere plot device. She is vibrant, lovable, and impactful proving that even the smallest, most innocent characters can be the catalyst for profound emotional change. Her journey is one of healing not just for herself, but for everyone around her, making her one of the most memorable child characters in recent anime.