Misaki Kamiigusa
Misaki Kamiigusa |
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| Kanji | 上井草 美咲 |
| Romaji | Kamiigusa Misaki |
| Statistics | |
| Gender | Female |
| Affiliation | Suimei University of the Arts Sakura Dormitory |
| Occupation | High-Schooler Animation Designer |
| Debut | |
| Anime | Episode 1 |
| Actors | |
| Japanese | Takamori Natsumi |
| English | Luci Christian |
Misaki Kamiigusa (上井草 美咲, Kamiigusa Misaki) is one of the main characters in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou and the former resident of Room 201 in the Sakura Dormitory. She is a highly talented third-year student at Suiko University of Arts who later advances to Suimei University of the Arts. Due to her intense focus on creating anime and manga-style works, the school placed her in Sakura Dormitory, a residence known for students with eccentric talents.
An accomplished animator, Misaki is capable of producing high-quality animations almost entirely on her own. Despite her energetic and cheerful personality, she harbors deep feelings for her childhood friend Jin Mitaka. Although Jin initially distances himself romantically, Misaki remains open and expressive about her love for him. Eventually, the two reconcile and marry, with Misaki adopting the name Misaki Mitaka. After graduation, she fulfills her dream of becoming a housewife and moves into a home next to the Sakura Dormitory.
Personality
Appearance in Anime
Misaki is known for her energetic, bubbly, and eccentric personality. She is highly imaginative, often behaving in a playful and unpredictable manner that allows her to easily connect with others. Her sense of humor tends to lean toward the outrageous or borderline inappropriate, which contributes to her reputation as a free spirit.
Despite her playful attitude, Misaki has a serious and passionate side, particularly when it comes to her animation work and her feelings for Jin Mitaka. She is deeply dedicated to her craft and capable of intense focus when working on her projects. Misaki frequently refers to herself as an “alien,” a self-description that humorously reflects her unconventional behavior and quirky worldview.
Appearance
Misaki is a petite girl with a youthful appearance. She has short, light brown hair with slightly messy bangs and large, round light brown eyes that reflect her energetic personality. Her appearance often complements her lively and expressive nature.
Etymology
The given name Misaki (美咲) is composed of the kanji 美 (mi), meaning “beautiful,” and 咲 (saki), meaning “blossom”—reflecting both her vibrant personality and creative spirit.
Her surname Kamiigusa (上井草) combines the characters 上 (kami), meaning “above” or “upper,” 井 (i), meaning “well” or “mine shaft,” and 草 (gusa), meaning “grass” or “herb.”
After marrying Jin Mitaka, her surname changes to Mitaka (三鷹), which consists of 三 (mi), meaning “three,” and 鷹 (taka), meaning “hawk” or “falcon.”
Relationships
Sorata Kanda
Misaki was the first resident of Sakura Dormitory to befriend Sorata after his arrival. Sorata is generally tolerant of Misaki’s hyperactive and unpredictable behavior and often joins her in playing games or participating in her antics. Despite her eccentricity, Sorata respects her as a senior both academically and artistically, referring to her as senpai. Misaki eventually gives Sorata the affectionate nickname Kouhai-kun (junior), though it takes time before she begins using it regularly. Sorata deeply cares about Misaki’s well-being, as seen when he urged Jin to speak with her during a period when the two were emotionally distant.
Mashiro Shiina
Misaki affectionately refers to Mashiro as “Mashiron,” a nickname stemming from her habit of adding an “n” to names. The two share mutual respect for each other’s artistic abilities Misaki as an animator and Mashiro as a manga artist. They often collaborate and get along well. In Episode 23, Misaki reveals that she was moved by Mashiro’s eyes, saying they made her feel truly seen. This heartfelt admission brings Mashiro to tears, highlighting the emotional bond between them.
Jin Mitaka
Misaki is deeply in love with Jin, her childhood friend, and frequently expresses her feelings in elaborate and often humorous ways. On his birthdays, she has presented him with extravagant gifts, such as herself covered in whipped cream and strawberries or hiding inside a ribbon-covered gift box. Her playful demeanor masks the depth of her affection, which is also reflected in her Tanabata wish that secretly reads: “I wish he would turn to me.”
Misaki becomes visibly upset when Jin goes on dates with other women or seems emotionally distant, and these moments deeply affect her. When Jin goes on a date with Mashiro, Misaki loses hope, fearing he might be interested in someone like his quiet and gentle first girlfriend. This emotional turmoil culminates in her running away upon learning they went to a love hotel. Despite the heartache, her devotion to Jin remains steadfast and ultimately leads to their marriage.