Like many other well-loved romance anime, Toradora! is a series filled with classic shonen tropes, comical moments and heartwarming holiday-themed episodes. During Episode 18, viewers learn that the tsundere protagonist, Taiga Aisaka, has a special affinity for all things Christmas. Shown as a flashback in the episode, Taiga recalls a fond childhood memory of when she was visited by her favorite mythical holiday figure, Santa Claus.
It’s generally assumed by viewers, her love interest Ryuji Takasu and even Taiga herself that her recollection was a dream. Nevertheless, some speculate that Taiga’s alleged dream was a real-life experience. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, fans theorize that the mysterious Santa was actually her father, Rikurou Aisaka, in disguise.
Taiga’s Relationship With Her Father, Rikurou, Is… Complicated
Throughout the series, Taiga’s relationship with Rikurou is complex and ever-changing. Rikurou is portrayed as a selfish father that began neglecting Taiga early on in her life, shortly after divorcing her mother. Upon remarrying a younger woman named Yuu, he arranged for Taiga to live on her own, as she didn’t get along with his new wife, further damaging his already strained relationship with his daughter. Following a long period of no communication between the two, Rikurou makes a feeble attempt at reconnecting with Taiga but inevitably fails to prove himself capable of supporting her in any way besides ensuring her financial security.
Despite this, Taiga and Rikurou weren’t always at odds. While it isn’t made apparent outside of a few glimpses into Taiga’s childhood, Rikurou was once a loving, caring father and husband. In Episode 18, “Under the Fir Tree,” Taiga reminisces as she describes to Ryuji the time she met Santa as a child. While she and Ryuji conclude that it was most likely a vivid dream, some details in her story indicate that it could have actually happened. Some fans believe that Taiga’s mention of her parents’ marriage status at the time was a hint from the author that she once lived in a happy, healthy, two-parent household that indulged in holiday festivities and traditions.
Rikurou Is the Foil Character to Taiga’s Love Interest, Ryuji
At first glance, dressing up as Santa to surprise Taiga with a present on Christmas Eve seems uncharacteristic of Rikurou, but considering the loving relationship he had with his family during that time, the fan theory doesn’t appear to be as far-fetched as it seems. Fans have also pointed out that Ryuji’s decision to later recreate Taiga’s fond memory was another indication that Rikurou was the Santa from her first encounter. It’s clear that Rikurou and Ryuji are analogous characters in the series, and this is supported by Taiga and Ryuji’s father-daughter relationship dynamic prior to the development of their romantic feelings. The circumstances of her occurrences with Santa seem to directly parallel one another, giving viewers a clue into the identity of the Santa character from Taiga’s past.
Whether true or not, fans can agree that this theory is a wholesome one. With the ties between Rikurou and Taiga, now a young adult, nearly severed due to his egocentric tendencies, it gives viewers hope that Rikurou was once a selfless man who truly cared for his daughter.
Leave a Reply