
Aria Sanka
Aria Sanka |
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Kanji | 散華 亜里亜 |
Rōmaji | Sanka Aria |
Age: | Unknown |
Birthday: | Unknown |
Height: | 170 cm (5’7″) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Mayumi Asano |
English | Lydia Mackay |
Aria Sanka (散華 亜里亜, Sanka Aria), is a supporting character in the anime and manga series Sankarea: Undying Love. She is the stepmother of Rea Sanka and formerly served as the maid to Dan’ichirō Sanka, Rea’s father. Aria is known for her stern demeanor, cold disposition, and complicated relationship with Rea, shaped by jealousy, social status, and a troubled past.
Though not central to the series’ supernatural themes, Aria’s presence adds depth to the emotional and psychological landscape of the Sanka household, highlighting the emotional neglect and dysfunction that surrounded Rea before her transformation into a zombie.
Background

Appearance in anime
Originally employed as a maid in the Sanka household, Aria caught the attention of Dan’ichirō Sanka, who later married her after the passing of Rea’s biological mother. Despite her change in status, Aria never truly found peace or fulfillment within the elite confines of the family. Her marriage to Dan’ichirō was distant and formal, built more on social expectation than love.
Aria’s resentment and bitterness grew over time, particularly as Dan’ichirō lavished attention on Rea, whom Aria viewed as a symbol of everything she lacked beauty, youth, and affection from her husband. As a result, Aria began to treat Rea with disdain and emotional coldness, acting more like a resentful rival than a parental figure.
Appearance
Aria is a refined and mature woman, typically depicted with wavy dark hair, sharp eyes, and a sophisticated sense of fashion, often wearing elegant dresses or traditional garments reflecting the Sanka family’s wealth. Her expressions often convey disapproval, frustration, or scorn, especially when interacting with Rea or addressing her perceived failings.
Despite her beauty and elegance, there’s an ever-present edge of bitterness in her features, mirroring the dissatisfaction she carries within.
Personality
Aria is portrayed as cold, calculating, and deeply bitter. She maintains a stoic and composed exterior but harbors intense jealousy and insecurity, particularly regarding Rea and her place in the family. Her strained marriage, lack of affection from Dan’ichirō, and the pressures of fitting into the aristocratic Sanka lineage have left her emotionally isolated.
Although she rarely expresses vulnerability, Aria is ultimately a tragic figure, consumed by resentment over a life she never chose but felt forced to uphold. Her treatment of Rea stems more from her own feelings of powerlessness and rejection than from malice, making her a complex and emotionally layered character.
Role in the Story
-
Stepmother and Emotional Conflict
Aria’s main role is as Rea’s emotionally distant stepmother. She often criticizes Rea harshly and accuses her of being a source of dishonor or distraction to the Sanka family. Her treatment exacerbates Rea’s depression and desire to escape her home life, contributing indirectly to Rea’s fatal decision to ingest the resurrection potion. -
Reflection of Dysfunction
Aria’s presence is key to understanding the emotional dysfunction within the Sanka family. Her own unhappiness is juxtaposed with Rea’s suffering, showing how different individuals cope with neglect, control, and status. Though she initially appears as a villainous figure, the story slowly reveals her inner sadness and longing for agency.
Relationships
Rea Sanka
Aria has a tense and antagonistic relationship with Rea. Rather than acting as a mother figure, she views Rea with jealousy and coldness, blaming her for Dan’ichirō’s lack of affection. Over time, it becomes clear that Aria’s hostility stems from emotional wounds and feelings of inferiority.
Dan’ichirō Sanka
Aria’s husband and Rea’s father. Their relationship is emotionally distant and devoid of intimacy. Dan’ichirō never gives Aria the attention or affection she craved, treating her more as a formality than a partner. This neglect feeds Aria’s bitterness and eventual detachment.