TV-Series
Description
Chapeau-Jii is a supporting character from the supernatural comedy manga and anime Dororon Enma-kun. His name translates roughly to "Grandpa Hat," which is an accurate description of his appearance, as he is an ancient demon who takes the form of a sentient, living witch's hat. Despite his simple appearance, he serves a crucial function within the main cast, often referred to as the Demon Patrol.
His primary role is that of a guide and information source. Chapeau-Jii possesses encyclopedic knowledge of the underworld, demons, and the various youkai that escape into the human world. He uses this vast expertise to advise the group's young leader, Enma, on the best course of action during their missions, providing tactical guidance and situational analysis. He also frequently warns the team about the presence and specific weaknesses of the demons they encounter. Because his abilities are largely limited to levitation and he is not a combatant, Chapeau-Jii functions strictly as a non-fighting support character, offering strategic advice rather than direct assistance in battle.
His personality and level of activity change noticeably between different adaptations of the story. In the original manga, Chapeau-Jii is depicted as younger, more aggressive, and takes a much more active role in the plot. He also possesses the ability to alter his shape and appearance in this version. However, in the original video animations (OVAs), he is portrayed as being very old. As a result of his advanced age, he is frequently seen sleeping and often rests atop Enma's head, acting more passively as a dormant source of knowledge. A consistent verbal tic across many versions is his habit of ending his sentences with the nonsensical copula "jaja".
While his core mission is to help capture rogue youkai, Chapeau-Jii also participates in the series' frequent comedic and ecchi-themed gags. He has been known to exhibit voyeuristic behavior, such as attempting to spy on female characters in compromising situations. In the 2011 remake Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up, his hat form displays expressive facial changes during these risqué or humorous moments. His demonic perspective also leads to a pragmatic and morally neutral outlook, as he will casually suggest ruthless solutions like extracting a human's soul if it proves practical.
Throughout the various iterations of the story, Chapeau-Jii remains a static character who undergoes no significant development or expansion of his backstory. His role is strictly ancillary, revolving entirely around providing support and comic relief for the main cast. He shares a key relationship with Enma, whom he serves as a constant companion and advisor, often residing on the young demon prince's head in the anime adaptations.
His primary role is that of a guide and information source. Chapeau-Jii possesses encyclopedic knowledge of the underworld, demons, and the various youkai that escape into the human world. He uses this vast expertise to advise the group's young leader, Enma, on the best course of action during their missions, providing tactical guidance and situational analysis. He also frequently warns the team about the presence and specific weaknesses of the demons they encounter. Because his abilities are largely limited to levitation and he is not a combatant, Chapeau-Jii functions strictly as a non-fighting support character, offering strategic advice rather than direct assistance in battle.
His personality and level of activity change noticeably between different adaptations of the story. In the original manga, Chapeau-Jii is depicted as younger, more aggressive, and takes a much more active role in the plot. He also possesses the ability to alter his shape and appearance in this version. However, in the original video animations (OVAs), he is portrayed as being very old. As a result of his advanced age, he is frequently seen sleeping and often rests atop Enma's head, acting more passively as a dormant source of knowledge. A consistent verbal tic across many versions is his habit of ending his sentences with the nonsensical copula "jaja".
While his core mission is to help capture rogue youkai, Chapeau-Jii also participates in the series' frequent comedic and ecchi-themed gags. He has been known to exhibit voyeuristic behavior, such as attempting to spy on female characters in compromising situations. In the 2011 remake Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up, his hat form displays expressive facial changes during these risqué or humorous moments. His demonic perspective also leads to a pragmatic and morally neutral outlook, as he will casually suggest ruthless solutions like extracting a human's soul if it proves practical.
Throughout the various iterations of the story, Chapeau-Jii remains a static character who undergoes no significant development or expansion of his backstory. His role is strictly ancillary, revolving entirely around providing support and comic relief for the main cast. He shares a key relationship with Enma, whom he serves as a constant companion and advisor, often residing on the young demon prince's head in the anime adaptations.