Momiji Binboda
Momiji Binboda |
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| Kanji: | 紅葉 |
| Romaji | Momiji |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 100+ |
| Birthday: | March 29 |
| Height: | 157 cm (5’2″) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Yumi Uchiyama |
| English: | Colleen Clinkenbeard |
Momiji (紅葉), is the deuteragonist of the anime and manga series Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!). She is a God of Misfortune (referred to as a Poverty God in the English dub), tasked with correcting the imbalance of Fortune Energy on Earth. Her primary mission is to reduce the overwhelming luck and happiness possessed by the series’ main character, Ichiko Sakura, a girl blessed with unnatural good fortune.
Initially introduced as a chaotic and antagonistic presence, Momiji frequently clashes with Ichiko in over-the-top comedic battles. However, as the story progresses, she reveals deeper emotional layers and ultimately becomes a guiding force in helping Ichiko grow as a person, evolving into a reluctant but loyal friend.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Momiji hails from the World of the Gods, where she serves as a representative of poverty, misfortune, and balance. She is assigned to Earth specifically to deal with Ichiko Sakura, whose abundance of Fortune Energy distorts the natural flow of luck, causing suffering to those around her.
In her role as a God of Misfortune, Momiji uses a wide range of tools and strategies often absurd or slapstick in nature to try and drain Ichiko’s excess luck. While her methods are chaotic and often backfire, her mission reflects a cosmic duty to maintain equilibrium between Fortune and Misfortune in the world.
Despite her antagonistic introduction, Momiji’s prolonged time with Ichiko gradually leads to mutual understanding and friendship, challenging her own beliefs about her role and purpose.
Appearance
Momiji has a distinctive and often disheveled appearance that reflects her status as a Poverty God. She has blue hair styled in messy pigtails, a pair of tired-looking red eyes, and wears a tattered kimono with long, detached sleeves. Her overall design is quirky and comedic, contrasting sharply with Ichiko’s beauty and refinement.
In her “reformed” moments or under disguises, Momiji sometimes adopts a cleaner, more elegant look though she usually reverts to her ragged self, either by choice or comic mishap.
Personality
Momiji is loud, sarcastic, and endlessly persistent, with a knack for comedy and mischief. She enjoys teasing Ichiko, often engaging in elaborate and ridiculous plans to drain her Fortune Energy. While she seems irresponsible and wild, Momiji is also intelligent and determined, never giving up on her divine mission no matter how often she fails.
Over time, it becomes clear that Momiji harbors a more compassionate and insightful side, especially as she watches Ichiko struggle with emotional isolation despite her luck. Though she often acts like a nuisance, her underlying goal is to help Ichiko become more balanced and empathetic, which sometimes requires tough love and hard lessons.
Momiji also shows moments of vulnerability and loneliness, particularly when reflecting on her own role as a bringer of misfortune, which often isolates her from others.
Role in the Story
Antagonist Turned Ally: Momiji’s initial role is that of an antagonist, appearing suddenly to confront Ichiko and drain her Fortune Energy. Her attempts usually end in failure due to Ichiko’s physical prowess and overwhelming luck. Their rivalry forms the comedic and emotional core of the series’ early chapters.
Emotional Evolution: As Momiji spends more time on Earth and begins to understand Ichiko’s emotional struggles, her tactics shift. She starts using her presence to challenge Ichiko’s selfishness and help her develop genuine friendships. Through a mix of heartfelt advice, ridiculous brawls, and comedic persistence, Momiji becomes a mentor in disguise.
Symbol of Balance: Momiji’s deeper role is to represent the necessity of misfortune in creating empathy, resilience, and human connection. Her dynamic with Ichiko evolves into a sisterly bond, one marked by mutual annoyance, support, and deep respect. By the end of the series, Momiji becomes Ichiko’s closest friend, helping her become a better person.
Relationships
Ichiko Sakura: Momiji’s main target and eventual closest friend. Their relationship starts as a chaotic rivalry, but slowly blossoms into an emotional partnership. Momiji is the first to truly challenge Ichiko’s worldview, forcing her to recognize how her good fortune isolates her from others.
Bobby, Keita, and Other Supporting Characters: Momiji often interacts with Ichiko’s circle of friends, sometimes helping behind the scenes or adding comic relief. She plays the role of the troublemaker but is respected (or feared) for her unpredictable nature.
Other Gods: Momiji has connections in the divine realm, including fellow misfortune spirits and deities. Her status is often viewed as low-ranking, and she’s frequently treated with disdain by higher beings, a fact that adds to her comedic frustration.