Dera Mochimazzi
Dera Mochimazzi |
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| Kanji: | デラ・モチマッヅィ |
| Romaji | Dera Mochimazzi |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Birthday: | October 24th |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Takumi Yamazaki |
| English: | Jay Hickman |
Dera Mochimazzi (デラ・モチマッヅィ), is a supporting character and comic mascot in the anime series Tamako Market. He is a talking bird from a tropical royal court, sent on a mission to find a suitable bride for the prince of his homeland. Despite his original noble intentions, Dera ends up staying in the Usagiyama Shopping District after developing a strong fondness for mochi the traditional Japanese rice cake and becomes a humorous fixture in Tamako Kitashirakawa’s home.
With his pompous personality, elegant speech, and often exaggerated sense of self-importance, Dera adds a layer of eccentricity and lightheartedness to the series, contrasting the more grounded slice-of-life elements of the story.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Dera hails from a tropical kingdom, where he serves as a dignified royal attendant tasked with traveling to foreign lands to find a bride for the kingdom’s prince. During his journey, Dera arrives in Japan and stumbles upon Tamako Kitashirakawa, a kind girl who lives with her family in a mochi shop.
Intending to continue his quest, Dera is derailed when he develops an obsessive love for mochi, causing him to gain significant weight so much so that he loses his ability to fly. As a result, he temporarily abandons his mission and moves into Tamako’s home, where he integrates himself (somewhat forcefully) into daily life, forming bonds with the townspeople and Tamako’s friends.
Appearance
Dera is a plump, exotic-looking bird, about the size of a small parrot, with yellow feathers, round eyes, and a large, expressive beak. As the series progresses and he consumes more mochi, Dera becomes noticeably fatter, which is often used for comedic effect.
He carries himself with the poise of a courtly gentleman, sometimes even projecting holograms from his eyes to communicate messages from his homeland. Despite being a bird, Dera behaves with the affectation of nobility, making him a standout figure among the otherwise ordinary townspeople.
Personality
Dera is bossy, dramatic, and eloquent, often speaking in an exaggeratedly formal tone. He sees himself as refined and noble, frequently boasting about his mission and background, though these claims are often met with indifference or amusement from others.
Despite his proud and somewhat self-absorbed nature, Dera is also good-natured and deeply loyal. He genuinely cares for Tamako and her family and occasionally shows surprising insight or emotional depth, especially when it comes to observing human relationships. His vanity, laziness, and love for mochi provide a constant source of comedy, but his affection for his newfound friends is heartfelt and sincere.
Role in the Story
Arrival in the Shopping District: Dera’s sudden arrival sparks curiosity among the locals, and his talking ability shocks Tamako and her friends. He quickly invites himself into Tamako’s home and begins living with her family, much to the confusion and eventual amusement of those around him.
A Mission Forgotten: Though originally on a diplomatic mission to find a bride for his prince, Dera becomes entirely preoccupied with food and comfort, especially mochi. His growing weight renders him flightless, and he becomes more of a long-term guest than a traveling emissary.
Observer of Romance: Dera plays the role of an outside observer, often commenting on the budding romance (particularly Tamako’s obliviousness to Mochizou’s feelings). His romantic insights while sometimes exaggerated or misplaced add an amusing contrast to the show’s understated emotional beats.
Relationships
Tamako Kitashirakawa: Tamako is the first person Dera meets in Japan, and he quickly becomes attached to her and her family. He often bosses her around but clearly cares about her well-being and sees her as a special person, possibly a bride candidate for the prince though this notion is never seriously pursued.
The Kitashirakawa Family: Though initially baffled by Dera, Tamako’s family grows used to his presence. He often causes trouble with his laziness and love for food, but they tolerate him like a slightly eccentric houseguest.
Mochizou Ooji and Friends: Dera frequently meddles in Mochizou’s attempts to confess his feelings to Tamako, sometimes giving unwelcome advice. He also interacts with Tamako’s friends, adding color to their day-to-day lives.