Dan Gotanda

Dan sports long red hair and is often seen wearing a bandana, adding to his laid-back vibe.

His family runs a diner called Gotanda Diner, giving him a casual and approachable look.

He is open-minded and friendly, always ready to support his friends.

Dan is often exasperated by Ichika Orimura’s cluelessness about romance, but he remains patient.

Despite his cheerful front, he’s somewhat timid at home, especially regarding his sister Ran and his grandfather.

Dan has been friends with Ichika Orimura and Lingyin Huang since middle school.

He frequently played with them during his school days and was aware of their feelings and relationships.

His family consists of his grandfather, parents, and his younger sister Ran.

Dan stands out as a regular, fortunate character with strong bonds compared to other cast members who have much darker backgrounds.

He is a member of the "Unofficial Club for Those Who Want to Learn Instruments" and plays the bass.

Although not an IS pilot, he provides valuable emotional support to the main cast and keeps the atmosphere light.

Dan is Ichika Orimura’s close male friend, offering advice and support throughout their school life.

He is aware of Lingyin Huang’s feelings towards Ichika and shows empathy for both.

Dan’s relationship with his younger sister Ran is comically one-sided—he’s often on the losing end, both verbally and physically.

After meeting Honne Nohotoke (Virtue) during the school festival, Dan became interested in her and eventually started dating her.

Dan is the only male character to consistently appear in the series besides the protagonist.

He’s also one of the few with a well-developed background and personality in Infinite Stratos.

Other male appearances are brief or limited to non-visual cameos.

Dan's life is refreshingly ordinary and happy, emphasizing contrasts with the more dramatic heroines.

He appears in Season 1 and the first OVA but is absent in later anime seasons.

“I can’t win against my sister. Not even my grandfather.”

“Sometimes being normal is the happiest thing of all.”

School Days and Friendship

Dan’s story begins with his close friendship with Ichika Orimura and Lingyin Huang, playing together since middle school.

He’s a reliable presence who keeps Ichika grounded and helps with social advice.

School Festival Encounter

During the school festival in Volume 5, Dan unexpectedly meets Honne Nohotoke (Virtue).

He takes a liking to her and stays in contact, as shown later when he secures her email address at Ichika’s birthday party through persistent effort.

Beginning of Romance

By Volume 10, Dan is confirmed to be dating Honne Nohotoke, who is older than him.

He even takes up a temporary job as a rickshaw driver in Kyoto to save money for a present, showing his dedication and sincerity.

Dan is not featured in Infinite Stratos anime Season 2 or other expansions, except for brief mentions.

His character brings warmth, humor, and a sense of everyday happiness to the series, making him beloved among fans.