Is “cuteness” a free pass to do whatever you want? In Chiikawa: Cute, Short, and Small, there’s one character who takes advantage of his cute looks to act selfish and annoying—yet still expects forgiveness. What’s worse, his adorable appearance might not even be his own! This controversial character, Momonga (the flying squirrel), has split fans: some absolutely hate him, while others love his unique charm. So, what’s the real story behind his cute face? Let’s take a closer look at the truth hidden beneath Momonga’s exterior.
Who Is Momonga?
In the early chapters, Momonga is chased by a terrifying monster shouting “Give it back!” Although it’s never explicitly stated what Momonga stole, his lines hint that he once looked different. Combined with the monster often weeping at its own reflection, many fans speculate that Momonga may have swapped bodies with it. Now, in his “cute” form, he constantly demands praise and tries to gain advantages with his looks. Despite his pushy and selfish antics—which trouble the other characters—his cuteness has won him plenty of fans, making him one of the most divisive characters in Chiikawa.
Momonga’s Relationships in Chiikawa
So how does a character as bold and troublesome as Momonga interact with others in Chiikawa? Can he get along with the kind-hearted small animals around him? Let’s take a look at his dramatic relationships!
With Chiikawa
When Momonga first appeared, he knocked the snacks out of Chiikawa’s hands without a care. He often bullies the timid Chiikawa with unreasonable demands, leaving the shy little creature no choice but to cry. It’s frustrating, yet also oddly funny to watch.
With the Armored Warrior
Momonga often forces his “cute poses” onto others, and the one most often targeted is the Armored Warrior, who assigns jobs to the group. Unlike Chiikawa, the Armored Warrior isn’t easily swayed. He usually ignores Momonga’s pestering or bluntly shuts him down—much to the relief of frustrated viewers.
With Usagi
When it comes to Usagi, who lives in his own carefree world, Momonga’s pushy tactics don’t work at all. Every time he tries to demand something, Usagi completely ignores him—or turns the tables with unexpected tricks. Usagi might be the only one who can truly stand up to Momonga.
With Furuhon-ya (Secondhand Bookshop)
— ちいかわ💫アニメ火金 (@ngnchiikawa) January 23, 2023
One character who accepts Momonga’s flaws is Furuhon-ya (a fan nickname meaning “Secondhand Bookshop”), introduced later in the story. Originally just a gray background character wearing crab-claw hairpins, Furuhon-ya is always kind and accommodating toward Momonga. This saintly kindness seems to soften him, and eventually he even gifts Furuhon-ya the crab-claw hairpin, giving the character their own distinct look.
Do You Love or Hate Momonga?
Momonga struts around with his cute looks, demanding attention and causing trouble for everyone—leaving both characters and viewers torn between laughter and frustration. While many dislike his selfish behavior, it may be these very flaws that make him feel more complex and relatable. Next time you see this cheeky flying squirrel in Chiikawa, take a closer look—you might notice more than just his cute face.
