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Ririka Momobami

Ririka Momobami (桃喰 リリカ) is a supporting character in Kakegurui. She serves as the Vice President of the Student Council at Hyakkaou Private Academy and is the older identical twin sister of Kirari Momobami, the president of the council. Despite her low-key presence, she plays a significant role within the Momobami Clan, whose members vie for control of the academy. Ririka’s family shares an alignment with the Jabami family, to which Yumeko Jabami belongs.

It appears that a snake has entered my paradise.
— Ririka Momobami

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Ririka’s full appearance.

Ririka Momobami’s face is primarily concealed throughout the series by a white theatrical comedy mask that distorts her voice. As the identical twin sister of Kirari Momobami, she shares many of the same facial features, including pale skin, long platinum hair (which appears gray in the anime) styled in a hime-cut, peach- or pink-tinted lip balm, and light blue eyes. Unlike Kirari, Ririka chooses to keep her long hair down and does not wear lipstick or painted nails unless she is impersonating her sister.

Ririka dons the standard female Hyakkaou Private Academy uniform, which consists of a red blazer with black trim along the cuffs and collar, a white button-up shirt, a dark pleated skirt, and a tie. She pairs this with black or gray tights and the academy’s official footwear: brown loafers with black soles.


Personality

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Ririka standing quietly next to her sister Kirari.

Ririka Momobami is a quiet and stoic individual who often takes on the role of an observer. While she maintains a reserved demeanor during Student Council meetings, she aligns closely with her sister, Kirari Momobami. However, Ririka exhibits a softer nature, visibly shocked when Midari Ikishima gouges out her own eye.

Without her mask, Ririka reveals herself to be incredibly shy and socially awkward, showcasing a significant lack of self-confidence—traits that starkly contrast with Kirari’s assertiveness. This may stem from her strict upbringing, where she was raised to believe she was merely an extension of her sister, forced to follow Kirari in silence while concealed behind her mask. Despite this disparity, Ririka adeptly impersonates Kirari, perfectly mirroring her behavior during family meetings. Her ability to act as another person serves as a metaphorical mask, allowing her to navigate her environment.

During childhood, Ririka’s mimicry of Kirari was so precise that it became impossible for others to distinguish between the two. Even their cousin, Sumika Warakubami, a world-renowned actress, struggled to tell them apart, attributing this to Ririka’s deep-seated belief that she truly was Kirari.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Ririka feeling embarrassed without her mask.

Ririka is perceptive and sharp, capable of recognizing deception, as seen during her match against Rin Obami. Although she is generally amiable, she can be manipulative when necessary, showcasing her immense intelligence. This was evident when she compelled Mary Saotome to gamble against Miyo Inbami and Miri Yobami, putting Yumeko Jabami’s life on the line. Ririka’s skill in gambling suggests that she may be a significant factor in Kirari’s power within their clan.

As she forms friendships, particularly with Mary, Ririka gradually begins to emerge from her shell, gaining confidence and often removing her mask around others. This shift allows her to interact more comfortably without the barriers she once maintained.

By the time of her challenge from Kirari, Ririka has developed a distinct sense of independence and individuality, marking a departure from her previous mimicry of her sister. Kirari herself acknowledges this change, recognizing that the two are no longer indistinguishable. Ririka credits Mary with helping her become her own person, strengthening her resolve to separate her identity from Kirari.

Despite their tumultuous upbringing, Ririka and Kirari share a deep bond, caring for each other profoundly. Kirari even orchestrates the Student Council President election to help Ririka gain her independence. Following this election, Kirari embraces the fact that they are two separate individuals, affectionately referring to Ririka as “big sis.”

Drama

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Ririka disguised as Kirari in the drama adaptation.

In the live-action adaptation of Kakegurui, Ririka Momobami is portrayed by Maiki Kimura while wearing a mask. When her face is finally revealed, the character is played by Elaiza Ikeda, who also portrays Kirari Momobami.

In the drama, Ririka has black hair; however, it is later revealed to be a wig, with her natural hair color matching that of her sister. This allows Kirari to switch places with her seamlessly.

Due to Kirari’s absence in Season One, Ririka takes on some of her sister’s responsibilities. Notably, she interrupts Yuriko Nishinotouin’s match, accompanied by Sayaka Igarashi, and throws a housepet tag at Yumeko Jabami when she loses. Ririka also plays a crucial role in removing Itsuki Sumeragi from her position in the Student Council.

In Season Two, Ririka is shown leaving the school in a black car instead of the previously seen helicopter.

Relationships

Kirari Momobami

For much of the series, the nature of Ririka’s relationship with her twin sister, Kirari Momobami, remains ambiguous. However, it is revealed that Ririka is the elder of the two. Their interactions indicate a genuinely close bond, with Kirari referring to Ririka as her irreplaceable older sister. Kirari shares her plans exclusively with Ririka, underscoring the trust and intimacy between them.

As the story progresses, both sisters express a desire to challenge Terano Totobami by replicating a childhood bet where they must guess which one is which. However, Kirari halts this idea, feeling that “they are not harmonized enough” and sensing that something has shifted within Ririka.

Thanks to her time spent with Mary Saotome, Ririka begins to feel a sense of individuality separate from Kirari. She expresses this newfound self-awareness by stating she feels “her own” and is now ready to challenge Kirari, the current President of the Student Council.

List of Gambles

Opponents Gambles
  • Mary vs Ririka
  • Most of the election candidates
  • Nozomi vs Ririka
  • Ririka vs Rin & Ibara vs Anzu, Aruka & Midori
  • Kirari vs Mary & Ririka

Etymology

    The name Ririka is an anagram of Kirari. It is written in katakana (リリカ), which does not carry a specific meaning in itself. However, the “Riri” portion of her name is phonetically similar to the katakana for “Lily” (リリー), while the “ka” segment can mean “mosquito” (カ) or “power.” This duality in interpretation may reflect aspects of her character, balancing delicacy with strength.

Trivia

  • Ririka and Kirari Momobami are voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro (Japanese) and Michelle Ruff (English).
  • Ririka shares her voice actors with Shino Asada from Sword Art Online in both Japanese and English.
  • In the Kakegurui (Kakkokari) chapter titled “A Dog, Mary and the Vice President,” it is revealed that Ririka carries a spare mask for emergencies.
  • Ririka’s relationship with her sister Kirari is central to the plot, exploring themes of individuality and dependence within familial bonds.
  • Her journey toward self-discovery reflects the larger narrative arc of Kakegurui, emphasizing the complexity of her character.