Naruko Anjo
Naruko Anjo |
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| Kanji | 安城 鳴子 (あなる) |
| Age: | 15-16 |
| Status: | Alive |
| Height: | 164 cm (5’4″) |
| Weight: | 53 kg (116 lbs) |
| Gender | Female |
| Hair | Orange (Teen) |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Eyes | Dark Brown |
| Voice Actors | |
| Japanese: | Haruka Tomatsu |
| English: | Erica Lindbeck |
Naruko “Anaru” Anjou (安城 鳴子 Anjō Naruko) is the main character of by her friends, is one of the main characters in Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai). She is a member of the Super Peace Busters, a close-knit group of childhood friends that includes Jinta “Jintan” Yadomi, Atsumu “Yukiatsu” Matsuyuki, Tetsudō “Poppo” Hisakawa, Chiriko “Tsuruko” Tsurumi, and Meiko “Menma” Honma. After the tragic death of Menma, the group drifts apart, but Naruko plays a pivotal role in the story as the friends reunite to fulfill Menma’s final wish.
Appearance
Naruko Anjo as a Kid
As a teenager, Naruko is a petite girl with wavy, shoulder-length auburn hair, usually styled with hairpins or clips. She has brown eyes and often wears light makeup, reflecting her desire to fit in with her high school peers. Her casual outfits are trendy and feminine, emphasizing her efforts to blend in socially and distance herself from her childhood persona.
As a child, Naruko had shorter, less styled hair and a more tomboyish appearance. She often wore casual, colorful outfits that reflected her playful and spirited personality as part of the Super Peace Busters.
Full appearance in Anime.
Appearance in Anime.
Personality
Naruko is a complex character whose outward appearance contrasts with her internal struggles. She tries to fit in with her high school peers by adopting a fashionable and confident persona, but underneath, she is insecure and burdened by guilt over her role in Menma’s death. Naruko often feels conflicted about her past and her lingering affection for Jinta, which she hides behind a sometimes brusque and defensive attitude.
Despite her insecurities, Naruko is kind-hearted and loyal to her friends. Her journey in the series involves confronting her guilt and insecurities, allowing her to reconnect with the Super Peace Busters and help fulfill Menma’s wish.
Role in the Story
Naruko’s character arc revolves around her struggle to reconcile her present self with her childhood memories and the guilt she feels over Menma’s death. Initially reluctant to revisit the past, she eventually joins Jinta and the others in their efforts to help Menma move on.
Connection with Jinta :
Naruko has unspoken feelings for Jinta, which complicate her interactions with him. Her concern for his well-being drives her to support him in reuniting the group, even when it means confronting her own vulnerabilities.
Friendship with Tsuruko :
Naruko’s relationship with Tsuruko is marked by tension and subtle rivalry, as both girls harbor feelings for Yukiatsu. However, their shared history and mutual understanding of the group’s dynamics allow them to reconcile and work together.
Relationships
Jinta “Jintan” Yadomi:Naruko harbors lingering feelings for Jinta, stemming from their childhood. While she often scolds or teases him, her actions reflect her deep concern and loyalty to him.
Atsumu “Yukiatsu” Matsuyuki:Yukiatsu and Naruko share a complicated dynamic, as he often manipulates her insecurities. Despite this, Naruko learns to stand up for herself and reject his attempts to control her.
Chiriko “Tsuruko” Tsurumi:Though Naruko and Tsuruko have a strained relationship due to their contrasting personalities and shared feelings for Yukiatsu, they find common ground in their shared guilt and dedication to Menma’s wish.
Meiko “Menma” Honma:Naruko’s guilt over Menma’s death is a driving force in her story. Reuniting with the group and helping fulfill Menma’s wish allows Naruko to confront and process her feelings of remorse.