
Kanna Makino
Kanna Makino |
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Kanji: | 牧野 かんな |
Romaji | Makino Kanna |
Statistics | |
Age: | 16 |
Birthday: | June 7th |
Height: | 154 cm (5’1) |
Portrayed by: | |
Japanese: | Juri Nagatsuma |
English: | Caitlynn French |
Kanna Makino (牧野 かんな, Makino Kanna), is one of the deuteragonists of the anime series Tamako Market, produced by Kyoto Animation. A quirky and soft-spoken high school student, Kanna is the daughter of a carpenter who works in the Usagiyama Shopping District, the same vibrant community where the protagonist Tamako Kitashirakawa lives. Kanna attends the same high school as Tamako and Midori Tokiwa, with whom she shares a close friendship, and is a member of the school’s baton club, participating in performances and school events.
Known for her deadpan humor, unusual interests, and tendency to say unexpected things, Kanna provides a unique contrast to the more bubbly personalities of her friends. Despite her subdued presence, she is one of the show’s most memorable and beloved characters, often stealing scenes with her offbeat charm and calm demeanor.
Background

Appearance in Anime
Kanna was born and raised in the Usagiyama Shopping District, where her father runs a carpentry business. Growing up surrounded by woodcraft and tools, she developed an appreciation for structure and design, often showing an unusual fascination with construction and physical measurements. Though not much is revealed about her family life in detail, Kanna often refers to her father’s work and occasionally offers insight from a carpenter’s perspective.
At school, Kanna maintains a steady academic performance and is active in the baton club, practicing regularly alongside her friends Tamako and Midori. Her participation in school activities and her involvement in the community reflect her quiet reliability, despite her eccentric personality.
Appearance
Kanna has a petite build, fair skin, and short, light brown hair with uneven bangs that frame her forehead. Her eyes are a soft brown, usually giving off a blank or sleepy expression that contrasts with her sharp observations. She typically wears the standard school uniform, sometimes paired with a light cardigan.
Her posture is relaxed, and her movements are measured, in line with her laid-back personality. Kanna’s subtle facial expressions often deliver some of the show’s funniest and most unexpected lines, adding to her deadpan appeal.
Personality
Kanna is best described as calm, eccentric, and dry-witted. She has a unique way of looking at the world and often expresses unusual thoughts with complete seriousness, leaving others surprised or bewildered. Despite her blunt delivery, she’s rarely mean-spirited instead, she seems simply fascinated by strange or niche topics, such as nosebleeds, measurements, and carpentry techniques.
Her sense of humor is unintentional but often hilarious, making her a consistent source of comedy. At the same time, she is emotionally perceptive, supporting her friends in quiet, meaningful ways. Though she doesn’t often express her emotions outwardly, her loyalty to Tamako and Midori is unwavering.
Role in the Story
Friend and Baton Club Member: Kanna is introduced as one of Tamako’s closest friends, attending the same school and participating in the baton club. Alongside Tamako and Midori, she helps prepare for school events and shopping district festivals, often providing unexpected insights or solutions with her practical mindset.
Voice of Reason (and Chaos): Throughout the series, Kanna frequently delivers deadpan one-liners that cut through chaos or confusion, often unintentionally shifting the tone of a scene. She plays the role of both comic relief and quiet observer, noticing things that others miss and grounding her friends during their emotional moments.
Supportive Yet Mysterious: Though she rarely discusses her feelings openly, Kanna shows her support through actions. Whether helping with festival preparations or listening without judgment, she brings a grounded balance to the more emotionally expressive characters.
Relationships
Tamako Kitashirakawa: Kanna and Tamako share a strong, casual friendship, rooted in mutual respect and daily interactions. Kanna often supports Tamako in both school and shopping district events, occasionally teasing her with deadpan observations.
Midori Tokiwa: Midori and Kanna have a slightly closer bond, with Midori often reacting more strongly to Kanna’s strange remarks. Despite their differences, they make an effective team, particularly when organizing baton performances or dealing with Tamako’s antics.
Usagiyama Shopping District Residents: Kanna is familiar with many of the shopkeepers and residents, due to her father’s work and her own involvement in community events. She interacts comfortably with adults, showing a level of maturity and responsibility uncommon in someone her age.