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Sunako Nakahara

Sunako Nakahara (中原スナコ, Nakahara Sunako) is the central female protagonist of the series. Her character is deeply influenced by a traumatic experience during her middle school years, when a harsh rejection from her crush shattered her self-confidence and reshaped her outlook on life. Following this painful event, Sunako retreated into a life of seclusion, confining herself to her room and distancing herself from social interactions.

Sunako finds comfort in the macabre and unconventional, embracing a world that many would shy away from. Her unique interests include horror films, gruesome murder mysteries, anatomical dolls, and objects she associates with the “ugly” aspects of existence. These peculiar passions not only provide her solace but also reflect her complex personality, as she identifies more with the darker corners of life than with traditional norms of beauty or cheerfulness.

This fascination with the grotesque, coupled with her prolonged isolation, has fostered a distorted perception of reality and left her with extremely low self-esteem. Sunako often sees herself as unworthy and unattractive, sentiments that are starkly at odds with her vibrant and intriguing inner world. Despite her reclusive tendencies, Sunako’s journey throughout the series is one of growth, self-discovery, and the slow unearthing of her ability to connect with others, even as she fiercely clings to her individuality.

Appearance

Sunako Nakahara possesses a striking and unconventional beauty that belies her self-perception. She is a tall, fair-skinned young woman with long, straight black hair that appears dark purple under certain lighting. Her hair cascades down to her waist and features square bangs that often obscure her forehead or her lavender-purple eyes, adding a mysterious allure to her presence. Complementing her delicate features are her full, naturally pink lips, which further highlight her elegance when she fully embraces her beauty.

Despite her physical attractiveness, Sunako’s sense of style is far from conventional. She is often seen in casual, comfortable clothing, such as an oversized gray sweater paired with a floral-print skirt or red jogging sweatpants and gray shoes. On school days, she wears her standard high school uniform, but she rarely invests much effort into presenting herself in a traditionally “beautiful” manner.

A notable feature of Sunako’s portrayal is her frequent appearance in chibi (miniature, caricature-like) form. This exaggerated and cartoonish representation reflects her internalized insecurities and her tendency to shrink—figuratively and literally—from social situations. However, moments of transformation reveal the duality of her character. When circumstances challenge her views on beauty, self-worth, or humanity, Sunako’s “inner beauty” shines through, leading to a sudden and almost magical change. In these moments, her full stature, elegant demeanor, and natural grace take center stage, stunning everyone around her.

When not depicted in her chibi form, Sunako’s striking appearance—enhanced by her long, silky black hair and a model-like figure—solidifies her status as a genuinely beautiful young woman. Nevertheless, her persistent low self-esteem prevents her from recognizing or accepting this. To Sunako, beauty is an elusive quality tied to superficial judgment, a belief rooted in the emotional scars of her past. These contrasting elements of her character—her outward beauty and inner struggle—make her a deeply compelling figure in the series.


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Personality

Sunako Nakahara is a complex and multifaceted character whose personality is shaped by her deeply ingrained insecurities and unique worldview. She is profoundly self-conscious, harboring a poor self-image rooted in her painful past. Sunako frequently labels herself as “ugly” and refuses to acknowledge her inherent beauty, no matter how evident it is to others. This self-perception drives her to retreat into dark, solitary spaces—places she finds comforting, such as shadowy corners or allegedly haunted areas.

Despite her insecurities, Sunako is a character of remarkable strength and conviction. She is unyieldingly true to herself, often standing firm in her decisions and defending those she cares about. Whether refusing to engage in trivial tasks like creating a pineapple collage or boldly protecting her friends, Sunako displays a steadfastness that contrasts with her self-doubt. Her willingness to compromise, however, surfaces when it serves her goals, such as reluctantly dressing up when the situation demands it. This duality—strong-willed yet self-effacing—adds depth to her character.

A recurring theme in Sunako’s personality is her dichotomous view of beauty and ugliness. She perceives herself as a “creature of darkness,” unworthy of the “light” inhabited by those she considers beautiful, such as Kyohei Takano and Noi Kasahara. Sunako’s belief system is stark: she sees beauty as fleeting and superficial, while ugliness is permanent and unchanging. This worldview not only isolates her but also blinds her to the richness of human experience and connection. Ironically, her rigid judgment mirrors the superficiality she despises in others, creating a striking parallel between her and the boy who first rejected her.

Despite her reclusive tendencies and morbid fascinations, Sunako possesses a surprising array of talents. She is an exceptional cook, an accomplished pianist, and an athletic individual with a sharp intellect. These traits hint at a depth and capability that belie her gloomy demeanor. However, her low self-esteem often manifests physically in herchibiform, where she appears with dry, cracked skin, pimples, and exaggerated features, further symbolizing her inner struggle.

Sunako’s interactions with “creatures of light” often result in dramatic nosebleeds, especially in the presence of Kyohei. These moments add comedic flair to her character but also underscore her discomfort with beauty and its implications. Surprisingly, the series hints at her possessing supernatural abilities—plants wither in her presence, lights flicker out, and windows shatter under mysterious circumstances—adding an eerie layer to her personality.

Loyalty is one of Sunako’s most redeeming qualities. She deeply values her friendships, particularly with Noi and Tamao Kikunoi, and prioritizes their well-being over others. Her protective nature is evident in moments of crisis. For instance, in Chapter 102, she shows concern for Noi’s actions despite her usual indifference toward the boys in the group. In Chapter 111, her loyalty shines through when she prioritizes Tamao’s safety during a life-threatening ransom situation, even urging her to flee despite the danger to herself. This fierce loyalty extends to her housemates, whom she defends vehemently, despite her frequent quarrels with Kyohei and the others.

Beneath her dark humor and macabre tendencies, Sunako exhibits a capacity for growth and transformation. Her actions and choices reveal a deep, hidden compassion and an ability to confront her insecurities when driven by her love for those around her. These qualities make her a compelling character, balancing the light and dark within her personality in a way that resonates with audiences.

Background

Sunako Nakahara is the only child of her loving but often distant parents. Her personality and interests took a dramatic turn after a traumatic experience in middle school when her first love cruelly rejected her, calling her “ugly.” This moment not only shattered her self-esteem but also fundamentally reshaped her identity. Seeking solace in solitude, Sunako developed a fascination with the macabre, immersing herself in darkness and surrounding herself with symbols of mortality and horror. Her newfound interests include a love for blood, gore, horror movies, and other grim or supernatural elements, reflecting her rejection of societal norms about beauty and happiness.

Born and raised in northern Japan, Sunako is unaccustomed to warm climates, struggling in hot weather due to her upbringing in cooler regions. Her dislike of excessive light is both physical and symbolic, as it mirrors her preference for darkness and her aversion to the “light” she associates with beauty and societal expectations.

One of Sunako’s most endearing quirks is her relationship with her unusual “friends”: a skeleton named Josephine, Josephine’s imaginary “husband” Sergeant George, and two anatomical figures named Hiroshi and Akira. These companions provide her with comfort and companionship, emphasizing her preference for the unconventional and her ability to find connection in unexpected places.

Despite her low self-esteem, Sunako possesses qualities that sharply contrast her self-perception. She is strikingly beautiful, with an appearance that could rival professional models. However, she remains oblivious to her beauty, viewing herself as unworthy and unattractive due to her lingering emotional wounds. Her physical abilities are equally surprising—Sunako is exceptionally strong, capable of feats like lifting someone twice her size with one hand. This physical prowess underscores her resilience, even if she rarely recognizes her own strength.

Throughout the series, Sunako is often depicted in herchibiform, a symbolic representation of her insecurities and distorted self-image. However, moments of personal growth or emotional intensity reveal her true form: a tall, graceful, and undeniably beautiful young woman.

Currently a first-year high school student, Sunako’s journey is one of self-discovery and gradual transformation. Her life is a balance of embracing her individuality while slowly opening herself to the possibility of human connection, all while staying true to the unique identity she has built for herself.

Plot

Sunako Nakahara is the only child of her loving but often distant parents. Her personality and interests took a dramatic turn after a traumatic experience in middle school when her first love cruelly rejected her, calling her “ugly.” This moment not only shattered her self-esteem but also fundamentally reshaped her identity. Seeking solace in solitude, Sunako developed a fascination with the macabre, immersing herself in darkness and surrounding herself with symbols of mortality and horror. Her newfound interests include a love for blood, gore, horror movies, and other grim or supernatural elements, reflecting her rejection of societal norms about beauty and happiness.

Born and raised in northern Japan, Sunako is unaccustomed to warm climates, struggling in hot weather due to her upbringing in cooler regions. Her dislike of excessive light is both physical and symbolic, as it mirrors her preference for darkness and her aversion to the “light” she associates with beauty and societal expectations.

One of Sunako’s most endearing quirks is her relationship with her unusual “friends”: a skeleton named Josephine, Josephine’s imaginary “husband” Sergeant George, and two anatomical figures named Hiroshi and Akira. These companions provide her with comfort and companionship, emphasizing her preference for the unconventional and her ability to find connection in unexpected places.

Despite her low self-esteem, Sunako possesses qualities that sharply contrast her self-perception. She is strikingly beautiful, with an appearance that could rival professional models. However, she remains oblivious to her beauty, viewing herself as unworthy and unattractive due to her lingering emotional wounds. Her physical abilities are equally surprising—Sunako is exceptionally strong, capable of feats like lifting someone twice her size with one hand. This physical prowess underscores her resilience, even if she rarely recognizes her own strength.

Throughout the series, Sunako is often depicted in herchibiform, a symbolic representation of her insecurities and distorted self-image. However, moments of personal growth or emotional intensity reveal her true form: a tall, graceful, and undeniably beautiful young woman.

Currently a first-year high school student, Sunako’s journey is one of self-discovery and gradual transformation. Her life is a balance of embracing her individuality while slowly opening herself to the possibility of human connection, all while staying true to the unique identity she has built for herself.

Relationships

Kyohei Takano
Kyohei Takano is the first to challenge Sunako’s dark and gloomy persona when they meet, becoming the only one of the four young men brave enough to confront her unconventional nature. Initially, Kyohei’s sole goal, shared with the other boys, is to transform Sunako into a proper lady to earn a reduction in their rent, which is controlled by their landlady—Sunako’s aunt. Despite their rocky beginnings, where Sunako is driven by the urge to “kill” Kyohei upon setting eyes on him, she never acts on these thoughts. Over time, however, Sunako’s feelings shift, and she begins to open up to Kyohei, especially after several pivotal moments, including an accidental kiss that sparks unexpected emotions between them.

As their relationship develops, there is an underlying tension of unspoken attraction, despite both being inexperienced with romantic feelings. In the manga, their bond takes a more romantic turn, though neither is fully able to acknowledge or act on their feelings. Kyohei kisses Sunako three times throughout the series—twice accidentally and once, much to his own confusion, by choice. Though Kyohei later doubts his own feelings, it’s clear to readers that both he and Sunako have developed deep romantic affection for each other, though they are hesitant to admit it. Despite their mutual uncertainty, it’s evident that they care for one another deeply, and their relationship is built on a foundation of growing trust and emotional connection.

Noi Kasahara
Noi Kasahara is Sunako’s first true female friend, forming a close bond with her despite the social divide that others create between them. As Sunako is often seen as a “creature of darkness” and misunderstood by most of her peers, Noi’s friendship becomes an important part of her life. At first, Noi’s interest in Sunako is partly driven by her connection to Takenaga, as she hopes to learn more about him. However, as the series progresses, Noi genuinely grows fond of Sunako and becomes fiercely protective of her. She admires Sunako for her toughness and inner strength, and she makes it clear that she doesn’t care about the superficial differences between them or what others think. When Sunako is bullied, Noi is quick to stand up for her, even when others believe that they come from entirely different worlds.

Noi also plays a pivotal role in encouraging Kyohei to recognize Sunako’s worth as a person and a woman, reminding him that despite Sunako’s unconventional, tough exterior, she is still a girl who deserves protection and understanding. Noi’s loyalty to Sunako is unwavering, and their bond evolves into a deep friendship rooted in mutual respect and care.

Mine Nakahara
Mine Nakahara, Sunako’s aunt on her father’s side, is a key figure in Sunako’s life, acting as both a caretaker and guide. She loves Sunako deeply, seeing her more as a daughter than a niece. Concerned about Sunako’s emotional well-being and her rejection of feminine ideals, Mine orchestrates the plan to have Kyohei, Ranmaru, Takenaga, and Yuki transform Sunako into a more socially accepted version of herself. Though her intentions may be somewhat misguided, Mine genuinely believes that a change in Sunako’s outward appearance and behavior will help her find happiness and self-acceptance.

Despite her attempts to “improve” Sunako, Mine is also extremely fond of her niece and cares for her well-being. Sunako reciprocates these feelings, as demonstrated when she steps outside her comfort zone to act like a “proper lady” at a party that Mine hosts. At the party, Mine introduces Sunako as her niece, and Sunako’s unexpected grace and poise impress the guests, leading to a compliment that deeply pleases both Mine and Sunako. Mine’s nurturing yet tough love is central to Sunako’s development, even if Sunako remains resistant to completely embracing societal norms.

Etymology

The name Sunako (スナコ) is composed of three kanji characters:

  • Su (須), meaning “ought,” “by all means,” or “necessary”
  • Na (奈), meaning “apple tree”
  • Ko (子), meaning “child”

Together, the name can be interpreted as “a child who ought to be” or “a child destined for something,” though the exact meaning can vary depending on context. Despite this, Sunako’s name is written in katakana (スナコ) in the series, reflecting a more modern or informal usage rather than the traditional kanji writing.

Her family name, Nakahara (中原), is composed of two kanji characters:

  • Naka (中), meaning “middle” or “center”
  • Hara (原), meaning “field” or “plain”

Thus, Nakahara can be interpreted as “middle field” or “central plain,” a surname that evokes images of vast, open spaces or something situated in between two places.

Trivia

    • Sunako is a skilled cook and loves chocolate.
    • Sunako was born in Hokkaido and is more accustomed to cold weather than the hot climate in Tokyo.
    • Throughout the anime, Sunako is mostly seen in her “chibi” (miniature) form.
    • According to Chapter 2, Sunako’s skin is very sensitive to certain products.
    • Sunako gets nosebleeds whenever she sees “beautiful people.”
    • Sunako is not skilled in math but is an excellent fighter.
    • In Episode 21, Mr. Nakahara has a large scar on his back from protecting Sunako from a bear when she was little.
    • After being rejected by a boy who called her ugly, Sunako secluded herself for two years.
    • In Episode 2, Sunako accidentally sees Kyohei Takano naked after walking in on him in the bathroom.
    • In Episode 9, Sunako and Kyohei accidentally kiss while playing ping pong.