Kanzashi Sarashiki is notably reserved and introverted, presenting a stark contrast to her older sister, Tatenashi Sarashiki. While Tatenashi is outgoing, confident, and expressive, Kanzashi is serious, soft-spoken, and often shy. She tends to avoid social interaction and spends much of her free time in solitude, frequently staying under a blanket in her room watching anime. A self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, she greatly admires fictional heroes and draws inspiration from them.

Her withdrawn demeanor stems in part from a deep-seated inferiority complex. Growing up in the shadow of her highly capable and accomplished sister, Kanzashi often felt overshadowed, believing she could never measure up. As a result, she distanced herself emotionally from Tatenashi, fostering a strained relationship between them. This insecurity also contributed to her initial reluctance to work with Ichika Orimura, particularly since she had been reassigned to assist with his IS rather than developing her own. However, after persistent encouragement and support from Ichika, she gradually begins to trust him and opens up.

Kanzashi’s emotional turning point occurs after the confrontation with the Golem III. During this period, she comes to understand that even those who appear flawless like her sister have their own struggles and imperfections. This realization enables her to reconcile with Tatenashi and begin healing their relationship.

Though she differs greatly from Tatenashi in temperament, Kanzashi occasionally demonstrates a shared sense of humor and strategic thinking. This is highlighted during the Live Cosplay Changing Race, where she discreetly included a revealing “Princess Knight” costume among the choices, successfully tricking Laura Bodewig into wearing it to prevent her participation. Kanzashi also infiltrates the second-year bathhouse under the guise of checking on her sister, subtly investigating Tatenashi’s feelings toward Ichika.

Initially, Kanzashi refrains from aggressive behavior, preferring to maintain a calm demeanor. Even when upset, she rarely resorts to physical outbursts. However, as she begins spending more time around the other Representative Candidates, she starts picking up on their tendency to react physically to Ichika’s frequent accidental entanglements with the girls though her own responses are considerably milder in comparison.

Kanzashi Sarashiki bears a strong resemblance to her older sister, Tatenashi, sharing similar features such as blue hair and dark red eyes. However, her appearance is more subdued and modest in comparison. Kanzashi’s hair is styled inward and is slightly longer than Tatenashi’s, contributing to her softer and more reserved look. Her physique is also more petite, reflecting her quieter and less assertive personality.

Her IS Academy uniform follows the standard design of a white and red blouse, but includes several personalized modifications. She wears two distinctive triangular hairpins on either side of her head, as well as larger decorative pins on the sides of her skirt. Her outfit also features yellow leggings and knee-high black boots, setting her appearance apart from other students. In addition, she wears a pair of glasses, which further accentuate her intellectual and introverted image.

Kanzashi Sarashiki hails from the distinguished and secretive Sarashiki family, known for its high expectations and covert operations. As the younger sister of Tatenashi Sarashiki, a prodigy in nearly every field Kanzashi grew up in her sibling’s shadow. Struggling to live up to the family’s demanding standards, she developed an inferiority complex that led her to withdraw socially, particularly from Tatenashi, and adopt a shy, reclusive personality.

Prior to her enrollment at the IS Academy, Kanzashi was selected to become one of Japan’s IS Representative Candidates. A private IS development company had initially promised her a personal IS unit. However, following Ichika Orimura’s unprecedented admission to the academy as the only male IS pilot, the company redirected its resources toward developing his unit, Byakushiki. This left Kanzashi without the personal IS she was promised. As a result, she was forced to modify and customize a training unit, an Uchigane which she eventually upgraded into her own personal unit, the Uchigane Nishiki. This experience led to resentment toward Ichika, whom she blamed for her situation.

Upon her arrival at the academy, Kanzashi’s social struggles continued. Many students regarded her presence as a privilege granted solely because of her sister’s influence as Student Council President, further isolating her. The only exception came from the Nohotoke sisters, her childhood friends, who remained supportive.

Her turning point came during preparations for the academy’s upcoming Tag Team Tournament. At Tatenashi’s request, Ichika offered to partner with Kanzashi, though she initially rejected his proposal. Over time, Ichika’s persistence and genuine kindness began to break through her emotional barriers. Mistaking a daydream for reality, she ultimately accepted his offer, and in the process, began to develop romantic feelings for him.

With assistance from Ichika who unknowingly provided data from Mysterious Lady, Tatenashi’s IS Kanzashi completed her modifications to Uchigane Nishiki. She and Ichika were scheduled to face off against Tatenashi and Houki in the tournament, but the match was interrupted by the sudden appearance of five unmanned Golem III units. Initially overwhelmed by fear, Kanzashi found her resolve after Tatenashi risked herself to protect her. In the battle that followed, Kanzashi overcame her hesitation and helped defeat the enemy IS units.

Following the incident, she reconciled with her sister, marking a significant step forward in their relationship.

By Volume 8 of the light novel and Episode 10 of the second anime season, Kanzashi is seen as having unofficially joined Ichika’s circle of romantic interests. Although initially intimidated by the other girls vying for Ichika’s attention, she gradually finds her footing among them and is recognized as a legitimate romantic rival.

As one of Japan’s official IS Representative Candidates, Kanzashi Sarashiki demonstrates above-average proficiency in piloting an Infinite Stratos unit. Although overshadowed by her prodigious older sister, even Tatenashi acknowledges Kanzashi’s natural talent. Despite her capabilities, Kanzashi was initially denied a personal IS due to her assigned development laboratory redirecting its focus toward completing Byakushiki for Ichika Orimura. As a result, she was forced to create her own personal unit by customizing a standard Uchigane training model provided by the IS Academy. Her modified unit, the Uchigane Nishiki, was completed shortly before the scheduled Tag Team Tournament in Volume 7 of the light novel.

Kanzashi is particularly skilled in long-range combat and support roles. Unlike other Representative Candidates who often specialize in direct engagement, Kanzashi’s strengths lie in battlefield analysis, precision targeting, and tactical support. During missions and emergency simulations, Chifuyu Orimura often assigns her to support and backup positions, where she can maximize her strengths in coordination and situational awareness.

In addition to her combat abilities, Kanzashi excels in computer technology and systems analysis. Her aptitude for strategy and digital operations allows her to interpret complex data and formulate effective countermeasures skills that complement her combat style and make her a valuable team asset.

Kanzashi (簪) is a Japanese word referring to traditional hair ornaments used in hairstyles, often worn by women during formal occasions. The name evokes delicacy and precision, which aligns with Kanzashi Sarashiki’s reserved personality and her combat style that emphasizes support and long-range precision.

Her surname, Sarashiki (更識), is the same as her older sister Tatenashi’s and combines the kanji for “renewal” or “change” (更, sara/kou) and “knowledge” or “awareness” (識, shiki). This may reflect the Sarashiki family’s dual identity as both a respected household and a covert organization, as well as Kanzashi’s journey toward self-awareness and growth.