Kudryavka Noumi, commonly referred to as “Kud,” is one-quarter Japanese and three-quarters Russian. Her grandmother is Japanese, while her grandfather, Ivan Strugatskaya, was deeply passionate about Japanese culture. Through his influence, Kudryavka developed a strong interest in Japanese traditions and language. Despite her struggles with English, she was able to skip a school year thanks to academic credits earned through studying abroad.

Kud is a classmate of Riki Naoe and resides in a dormitory with several other characters. Upon the recommendation of the dormitory head, she joins the newly established home economics club. However, with the head often preoccupied, Kud ends up as the club’s only active participant, placing it on the verge of disbandment. Prior to this, she had been a member of the now-defunct furniture club.

She owns two pet dogs: Strelka, a large female Siberian Husky, and Belka, a small Schipperke. Kud wears a handmade hat and cloak, which reflect her upbringing in a fictional southern island nation called Tebwa, a former Soviet republic located near the equator. Accustomed to warmer climates, she often finds Japan too cold hence her distinctive clothing. Her trademark phrase is “Wafu!”

Kud’s mother is a leading figure in Tebwa’s ambitious space program and serves as an aspirational figure for Kudryavka, known for her intelligence and fluency in multiple languages, including English. In contrast, Kud finds it difficult to keep up with the Japanese school system and often feels pressure from comparisons. Additionally, she faces isolation and teasing due to her foreign background, limited English skills, and admiration for Japanese culture. Nevertheless, Riki remains supportive of her throughout these challenges.

Among all the girls in the Little Busters group, Kudryavka stands out with her distinct appearance. She has long, flax-colored hair adorned with a small bat-shaped hair clip and striking blue eyes. Physically, she is the smallest member of the group, further emphasizing her unique presence.

Kud’s uniform also sets her apart from the others. While most girls at the academy follow the standard attire, Kud wears a white beret and a matching white cape tied with a bow when not attending classes. She also wears white stockings, contributing to her soft and whimsical style.

Kudryavka Noumi spent much of her childhood traveling internationally due to her mother’s involvement in the space program of Tebwa, a fictional former Soviet republic near the equator. As a result of her upbringing, Kud developed a global perspective and gained educational credits that allowed her to skip a grade. Eventually, she transferred to Japan and enrolled at the same school as the Little Busters.

Upon arriving, Kud initially joined the now-disbanded furniture club before becoming the sole active member of the home economics club, which she entered through an invitation from the dormitory supervisor. Despite facing challenges adapting to the Japanese school system and dealing with teasing from classmates due to her mixed heritage and language skills, Kud remained cheerful and determined.

Her past is closely tied to the aspirations of her homeland, which aims to advance its space program. Kud’s mother plays a significant role in this effort, and Kud herself is later faced with a difficult decision involving her connection to the program. This moment becomes a turning point in her personal development, as she strives to live up to the image of her mother while also embracing her own identity.

• Riki Naoe: Kud shares a close bond with Riki, one of the central members of the Little Busters. He is one of the first to truly accept and support her despite the teasing she receives due to her background. Depending on the progression of the story, Kud can develop a romantic relationship with Riki, particularly in her route, where he plays a significant role in helping her confront her fears and insecurities.

• Kud’s Mother: Although she is often absent, Kud holds her mother in extremely high regard. A renowned scientist involved in Tebwa’s space program, her mother represents an ideal of intelligence, strength, and composure that Kud aspires to reach. This admiration also creates internal pressure for Kud, as she constantly compares herself to her mother’s high standards.

• The Little Busters: Kud is warmly accepted into the Little Busters group after joining. While she is initially seen as quirky and different, the group grows to care for her deeply. Her presence adds a lighthearted and affectionate energy to their dynamic, and they, in turn, provide her with a strong sense of belonging and friendship.

The name Kudryavka (Кудрявка) translates to “Little Curly” in Russian. It is notably associated with the Soviet space dog Laika, who was also known by the same name and became the first animal to orbit the Earth.

Her middle name, Anatolyevna, is derived from Zoya Anatolyevna Kosmodemyanskaya, a Soviet partisan and war heroine. Kudryavka’s surname, Noumi (能美), is composed of the kanji for “ability” or “talent” (能, nō) and “beautiful” (美, mi), reflecting both skill and grace. Her alternate surname, Strugatskaya, is a reference to Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, celebrated Soviet science fiction authors.

Interestingly, both Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya and the Strugatsky brothers have asteroids named in their honor, adding a subtle cosmic connection to Kudryavka’s background and her narrative ties to space exploration.