Azusa Murasaka
Azusa Murasaka |
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| Japanese | 村坂 |
| Statistics | |
| Age | 16 (Present) 26 (Future) |
| Birthday | October 9, 1996 |
| Gender | Female |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Family | Saku Hagita (boyfriend, main timeline) |
| Status | Alive (Both Timelines) |
Azusa Murasaka (村坂 あずさ, Murasaka Azusa) is a supporting character in the Orange anime and manga series. She is one of Naho Takamiya’s closest friends and plays a key role in supporting her throughout the story. Azusa is known for her cheerful, energetic personality and her straightforward approach to helping those she cares about.
Appearance

Appearance in Anime
In the present timeline, Azusa Murasaka has strawberry blonde hair, which she consistently ties up using various hair ties, the most recognizable being one with two white balls at the center. Her eyes are hazel, and her appearance reflects a casual and lively personality. Though she wears the standard school uniform, Azusa often styles it in her own way leaving her jacket unbuttoned, wearing her skirt shorter than average, or occasionally forgoing her vest or jacket altogether. She also swaps her green school blazer with more relaxed casual jackets, showcasing her flexible fashion sense. Outside of school, Azusa favors casual and cute outfits, such as striped t-shirts with cotton sweaters or pink shorts, often complemented by changing earrings that match her attire.
In the future timeline, Azusa maintains her habit of keeping her hair tied up, though the style varies sometimes worn in a ponytail, other times in a bun, always accessorized with a cute hair tie. Her fashion evolves to reflect a more trendy and mature sense of style, often wearing stylish ensembles like a black-and-white polka-dotted overall, paired with a knitted sweater, brown shoes, and hoop earrings.
Azusa stands at a height of 154 cm and has a blood type O.
Personality
Azusa Murasaka is portrayed as cheerful, playful, and kind-hearted, often bringing energy and lightness to the group. Alongside Takako Chino and Hiroto Suwa, she serves as one of Naho Takamiya’s closest supporters, frequently encouraging her, defending her particularly against Ueda and helping her navigate difficult emotional situations.
Azusa has a mischievous streak, often teasing her friends or getting into playful arguments, especially with Saku Hagita, but she also knows when to be serious and understanding. When the situation demands it, she shows genuine emotional depth and maturity. Her willingness to accept the nicknames she was given in middle school reflects her open-minded and easygoing nature, suggesting she is not easily offended and is comfortable with who she is.
In the future timeline, Azusa’s core personality remains intact, she is still warm, lively, and supportive but like the rest of the group, she has developed a greater sense of maturity and emotional insight. In the alternate timeline, Azusa confesses that one of her greatest regrets was knowing that Kakeru and Naho had feelings for each other, but never speaking up about it, echoing a similar sentiment to Suwa. This moment reveals her deep empathy and self-awareness, as well as her lasting commitment to her friends’ happiness.
Background
Azusa attends Kitao High School alongside Naho, Suwa, Hagita, and Takako. The five friends later include Kakeru Naruse, a transfer student who becomes central to their lives. After Kakeru’s tragic death in one timeline, the group bands together in the alternate timeline, guided by letters from their future selves, to try and change his fate.
Azusa is a key emotional support for Naho, especially when Naho struggles with her feelings for Kakeru. Azusa’s inclusion in the time letter project, along with her willingness to change the past, speaks to her bravery and commitment to her friends’ happiness.
Relationships
Naruse Kakeru
Azusa shows genuine care and concern for Kakeru throughout the series. In the alternate timeline, she is one of the friends who sends a letter to her past self in an attempt to help prevent Kakeru’s tragic fate. She frequently supports and encourages him, doing her part to ensure he feels included and emotionally supported within the friend group.
Takako Chino
Takako is Azusa’s closest friend and confidante. The two are almost always seen together when not with the entire group and share a strong, trusting bond. Their friendship is marked by mutual understanding, loyalty, and emotional support, with Azusa often relying on Takako for advice or simply enjoying her company in quieter moments.
Saku Hagita
Azusa and Hagita have a playful, often comedic dynamic, characterized by frequent bickering over trivial matters. Their friends jokingly compare them to an “old married couple,” noting the closeness beneath their teasing. Despite the constant banter, Azusa clearly cares for Hagita as a friend, and their back-and-forth adds humor and warmth to the group’s dynamic.
Naho Takamiya
As one of Naho’s best friends, Azusa plays a consistent role in supporting and uplifting her, particularly during moments when Naho struggles with her feelings for Kakeru or confrontations with Ueda. Azusa is fiercely protective and offers emotional encouragement, helping Naho build confidence throughout the story.
Hiroto Suwa
Azusa shares a close friendship with Suwa, often teasing him playfully while still showing appreciation for his dependable nature. Their friendship is built on mutual respect and comfort, and Suwa once humorously remarked that he had “never heard Azusa thank him until now,” highlighting her occasionally blunt personality but underlying gratitude.
Rio Ueda
Azusa and Ueda have a strained relationship stemming from a shared conflict. Their mutual dislike is rooted in Ueda’s treatment of Naho, and Azusa doesn’t hesitate to stand up to her when necessary, especially when it comes to defending her friends.
Legacy
Azusa Murasaka’s character shines as a symbol of friendship, warmth, and growth. While not the main heroine, her role is pivotal to the emotional structure of Orange. Through her support of Naho, her emotional development, and her dedication to changing the future, Azusa represents how even small acts of kindness and encouragement can have life-changing effects. Her blend of humor, heart, and strength leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.
