Airi is a cheerful and energetic high school girl with a youthful and approachable appearance. She has long, light brown hair often tied in a ponytail and expressive hazel eyes that reflect her optimism and determination.

Her attire typically includes her Oasi Pizza delivery uniform, consisting of a red polo shirt and cap, along with casual outfits when off duty. Her bright smile and lively demeanor make her stand out, emphasizing her role as a beacon of support in Satoru’s life.

Airi is warm, optimistic, and fiercely loyal, with a strong sense of justice. Her outgoing personality and genuine concern for others make her a dependable friend and a source of encouragement for Satoru during his darkest moments. She has a natural curiosity that leads her to question the oddities surrounding Satoru’s actions, but instead of doubting him, she chooses to trust and support him.

Despite her youthful naivety, Airi demonstrates remarkable bravery and maturity, particularly when she defends Satoru’s innocence. Her belief in doing what is right, even when it puts her at risk, highlights her strong moral compass and determination.

Observing Satoru’s Actions: Airi first becomes intrigued by Satoru’s ability to seemingly predict and prevent life-threatening incidents. While others might dismiss these events as coincidences, Airi’s intuition leads her to realize that there is more to Satoru than meets the eye. Her curiosity lays the foundation for her trust in him.

Supporting Satoru After His Mother’s Murder: When Satoru is framed for Sachiko Fujinuma’s murder, Airi stands by him despite the overwhelming evidence against him. She provides him with emotional support and helps him evade the authorities, demonstrating her unwavering belief in his innocence.

Symbol of Trust and Hope: Airi’s trust in Satoru serves as a source of hope and motivation for him to continue his fight for justice. Her support reminds Satoru of the importance of forming meaningful connections and reinforces his determination to protect those he cares about.

• Satoru Fujinuma: Airi shares a close bond with Satoru, built on trust and mutual respect. She admires his selflessness and bravery, and her unwavering belief in his innocence becomes a turning point in Satoru’s journey. Satoru, in turn, values Airi’s optimism and support, drawing strength from her encouragement.

• Sachiko Fujinuma: Although Airi does not interact with Sachiko directly, her determination to prove Satoru’s innocence reflects her deep respect for his bond with his mother.

• Gaku Yashiro: While Airi does not directly interact with Yashiro, her role in helping Satoru evade capture places her in opposition to the true culprit of the story. Her involvement highlights her bravery and commitment to uncovering the truth.

Airi Katagiri represents trust, hope, and the power of human connection in Erased. Her unwavering belief in Satoru, even in the face of overwhelming doubt, serves as a reminder of the importance of standing by one’s convictions and supporting others. Airi’s role in helping Satoru navigate his struggles in 2006 underscores her bravery, maturity, and moral strength.

As a character, Airi leaves a lasting impression as someone who sees the good in others and fights for what is right, solidifying her as a key figure in Satoru’s journey and the series as a whole.