Nanami’s full appearance.

Nanami Momozono is described as a very beautiful young girl of average height. She closely resembles her late mother, sharing similar features, such as their eyes and smiles. Nanami has medium to dark brown hair that falls to her mid-back, with bangs swept to the right. Her appearance includes a slender figure, fair skin, rosy cheeks, and large chocolate brown eyes that exude purity and innocence, as noted by Yukiji.

n terms of attire, she is generally seen in her school uniform but also wears casual and girly clothing. Additionally, she dons kimonos or formal wear when the occasion calls for it. Despite being overlooked by boys in school, Nanami has a unique ability to capture the hearts of supernatural creatures she encounters.

Nanami Momozono was significantly influenced by her mother, Kumimi Momozono, during her childhood. Kumimi imparted crucial lessons, advising her daughter to “never trust papa, never tell him where the money is even if he begs you” and “grow up and don’t ruin your health like mama, grow up and become an adult on your own.” These teachings instilled in Nanami a sense of independence and self-reliance.

As a child, Nanami learned that relying on men or “husbands” was unwise and that living alone as an independent adult was preferable. This mindset was shaped largely by her mother’s experiences, which fostered Nanami’s independent nature. Instead of using “I” when referring to herself, she would often say her own name and frame her desires in terms of “want” or “don’t want.”

Kumimi noted that her family had a long history of choosing unsuitable partners, stating that they could only bear a single healthy baby girl due to an ancestor who drank from a “divine spring,” which granted her beauty. In the VIZ translation, the cause is described differently, attributing the beauty of Nanami’s ancestor to a god who provided her with a transformative medicine.

After Kumimi’s death from an unknown illness, Nanami took on the responsibility of managing the household and keeping her irresponsible father in check. One day, following an eviction from their home, Nanami encountered a land god named Mikage, who offered her refuge at the Mikage Shrine. In a pivotal moment, he kissed her forehead, leaving the mark of a land god between her brows.

This encounter marked the beginning of her duties as a land god, during which she gradually fell in love with her initially disliked familiar, Tomoe, the fox yokai. Despite her growing feelings for Tomoe, Nanami’s past upbringing and her mother’s advice linger in her mind, echoing the sentiment of remaining single and dedicated to her work.

At the beginning of the Kamisama Kiss story, Nanami Momozono possesses no supernatural powers despite her appointment as a land god. However, she soon acquires various abilities through her role:

• Purification: After becoming the land god, Nanami learns to use talismans, gaining the power of purification.

• Mastery Over Familiar: As the master of Tomoe and Mizuki, she can compel them to obey her earnest commands, even against their will, a phenomenon known as Word Restraint, which signifies absolute obedience.

• Sakura Tree Revival: During her time at Tengu Mountain, she demonstrated her ability to get a sakura tree to blossom amidst miasma, although the tree returned to its original, blossom-less state shortly after.

• Mamorinogami’s Peach Elixir: Nanami possesses the Peach Elixir, also referred to as God’s Elixir, which she obtained by trading meat buns. This elixir has the power to heal any injury or disease. It was initially intended as a farewell gift for Tomoe, who had chosen to relinquish his familiar title and become a yokai. Although Tomoe ultimately declined the gift, Nanami keeps it for safekeeping and later intends to trade it with a fallen Kappa god to find another deity.

• Perspective Alteration: Nanami has a unique ability to change others’ perspectives and inspire them to become better individuals through her actions and words. This is evident when she shows Tomoe that humans can be strong, challenging his preconceived notions.

• Influence from Others: She is also shaped by the people and yokai around her, learning from their experiences. For instance, she recognizes Mizuki’s devotion to his shrine and his loneliness, observes Himemiko’s desire for a relationship with Kotarou, and witnesses Kamehime’sunwavering devotion to her husband, which teaches her about love and happiness in the face of loss.

• Talismans: Nanami can inscribe words onto talismans, causing the written word to manifest, provided she is within the appropriate spiritual level. For example, she once wrote “air” on a talisman to enable Kurama to communicate with Ami, rendering him virtually invisible as he approached her.