
Juri Arisugawa
Juri Arisugawa |
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Kanji | 有栖川樹璃 |
Romaji | Arisugawa Juri |
Gender: | Female |
Age: | 16 (December 1st) |
Height: | Unknown |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese: | Kotono Mitsuishi |
English: | Amanda Goodman |
Juri Arisugawa (有栖川樹璃, Arisugawa Juri), is a pivotal character in Revolutionary Girl Utena. She is the captain of Ohtori Academy’s Fencing Team and one of the Student Council Duelists. Juri is widely admired by both her peers and teachers for her elegance, skill, and unwavering composure. Her aloof and intimidating demeanor often hides her vulnerability and inner struggles, making her one of the most layered and enigmatic characters in the series.
Juri’s nobility and strength of character place her among the most respected Duelists, with some believing she has the greatest potential to embody the ideals of a prince. However, her internal conflict, born from unrequited love and despair, constantly undermines her aspirations and fuels her motivations in the dueling game.
Background

Appearance in Anime
Juri comes from a privileged and influential background, which has shaped her demeanor and role within the academy. From a young age, she exhibited exceptional talent in fencing, quickly rising to prominence as the captain of the Fencing Team. Her prowess in both academics and athletics earned her widespread admiration, making her one of Akio Ohtori’s most respected students.
Beneath her composed exterior lies a deep, personal torment. Juri harbors unrequited love for her best friend, Shiori Takatsuki, a secret that she hides from everyone, including Shiori herself. This unspoken love, combined with Shiori’s manipulative tendencies, leaves Juri grappling with feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and despair. Her belief that miracles do not exist stems from her heartbreak and disillusionment, a belief that influences her actions as a Duelist.
Appearance
Juri is a striking and elegant figure, with long, curly orange hair that cascades down her back and piercing teal eyes. She is often seen in the Student Council uniform, a tailored white jacket with red and gold accents, which symbolizes her status and authority within the academy.
Her fencing attire is equally sophisticated, reflecting her dedication to her craft and her disciplined nature. Juri’s refined appearance mirrors her personality, exuding strength, confidence, and grace, while also concealing her inner turmoil.
Personality
Juri is reserved, composed, and fiercely independent. She maintains an air of aloofness that often intimidates those around her, but this exterior belies a deeply emotional and compassionate individual. Her unflinching dedication to her ideals and her noble demeanor make her one of the most respected and admired members of the Student Council.
However, Juri’s strength is tempered by her internal struggles. She is deeply cynical, particularly about the concept of miracles, which she views as false hopes born of desperation. Her unrequited love for Shiori is a source of constant pain and self-doubt, leading her to question her worth and the validity of her own emotions. Juri’s journey is one of reconciling her inner conflict with her outer strength, as she seeks to find meaning and purpose beyond her despair.
Role in the Story
Student Council Duelist
As a member of the Student Council, Juri is one of the most skilled Duelists in the academy. Her fencing expertise and strategic mind make her a formidable opponent in the dueling game. Despite her cynicism, Juri participates in the duels to test her own strength and confront her feelings of inadequacy.
Relationship with Shiori
Juri’s unrequited love for Shiori is central to her character arc. Shiori’s manipulative behavior and tendency to exploit Juri’s feelings create a complex and often painful dynamic between the two. Juri’s struggle to reconcile her love for Shiori with her own sense of self-worth drives much of her internal conflict and her actions as a Duelist.
Conflict with Utena
Juri’s interactions with Utena Tenjou highlight the contrast between their worldviews. While Utena embodies hope and belief in miracles, Juri’s cynicism and disillusionment create tension between the two. Their duel serves as a pivotal moment in the series, forcing Juri to confront her own beliefs and vulnerabilities.
Relationships
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Shiori Takatsuki
Shiori is the focal point of Juri’s unrequited love and the source of much of her internal conflict. Their relationship is marked by manipulation, pain, and unresolved feelings, making it one of the most emotionally charged dynamics in the series. -
Utena Tenjou
Juri sees Utena as both a rival and a challenge to her worldview. Utena’s idealism and determination force Juri to confront her own cynicism and beliefs about miracles. -
The Student Council
Juri’s relationships with her fellow Student Council members are marked by mutual respect and shared ambition. She often acts as the voice of reason within the group, maintaining a composed and authoritative presence.