
Sawako Yamanaka
Sawako Yamanaka |
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Kanji | 山中 さわ子 |
Rōmaji | Sawako Yamanaka |
Age: | 22 – 25 |
Birthday: | January 31st, 1985 |
Height: | 165 cm |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Asami Sanada |
English | Karen Strassman |
Sawako Yamanaka (山中やまなか さわ子さわこ), is the music teacher at Sakuragaoka High School and a former alumnus of the school. She served as the adviser for the Light Music Club, guiding two generations of band members under the leaderships of Ritsu Tainaka and later Azusa Nakano. During her own high school years, Sawako was a member of the Light Music Club and founded the rock band Death Devil, where she was both the lead guitarist and main vocalist. Known for her dual nature as a calm and professional teacher versus her wild and rebellious younger self, Sawako is a fan-favorite character for her humorous interactions with the club and her dedication to music.
Background

Appearance in anime
Sawako attended Sakuragaoka High School during her youth and was an active member of the Light Music Club. However, her persona as a high schooler was drastically different from her current professional image. She was the founder of the heavy metal rock band Death Devil, known for their aggressive style, intense performances, and dark stage personas. Sawako played the electric guitar and performed as the band’s main vocalist, showcasing her talent and passion for music.
After graduating, Sawako pursued a career in teaching, returning to her alma mater as a music instructor. She deliberately buried her rebellious past, crafting a refined and professional image to maintain her reputation among students and staff. Despite her best efforts to hide her wild side, it often resurfaces due to her involvement with the Light Music Club, much to the amusement of the students.
Appearance
Sawako is a beautiful young woman with medium-length brown hair, often styled neatly to complement her professional image. She wears glasses and typically dresses in elegant and modest clothing to fit her role as a teacher. When her “Death Devil” persona emerges, however, Sawako transforms into a striking and bold figure, donning heavy makeup, wild hairstyles, and edgy clothing reminiscent of her high school band days.
Personality
Sawako is known for her dual personality. On the surface, she appears calm, composed, and professional, embodying the ideal of a dedicated teacher. However, her true personality is far more playful, mischievous, and occasionally eccentric. She often teases the members of the Light Music Club, especially when it comes to their costumes or stage outfits, which she takes great pleasure in designing (often to the band’s chagrin).
Sawako is deeply passionate about music and harbors a strong connection to the Light Music Club, frequently going above and beyond to support the students, even if her methods are unconventional. Despite her playful and sometimes chaotic nature, Sawako is genuinely caring and protective of her students, providing guidance and support when they need it most.
Role in the Story
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Adviser to the Light Music Club
Sawako reluctantly agrees to become the adviser of the Light Music Club after being pressured by Ritsu Tainaka and the other members. Initially hesitant, she eventually embraces the role and becomes a crucial part of the club’s activities. Her experience as a former member of the club allows her to provide valuable advice and insight to the members, even if her eccentric tendencies occasionally complicate matters. -
Revealing Her Past
The members of the Light Music Club accidentally uncover Sawako’s secret past as the lead guitarist and vocalist of Death Devil, leading to many humorous moments as Sawako tries to maintain her professional image while occasionally reliving her rebellious days. Her involvement with the club often brings out her wild side, which she tries (and hilariously fails) to suppress. -
Support During Performances
Sawako frequently designs costumes for the Light Music Club, often without consulting the members beforehand. While her designs are sometimes over-the-top, they contribute to the club’s unique charm and identity. She also provides emotional support to the members, helping them navigate challenges both in music and in their personal lives.
Relationships
Ritsu Tainaka
Ritsu often teases Sawako about her wild past, but the two share a playful and mutually respectful relationship.
Yui Hirasawa
Yui sees Sawako as a mentor and looks up to her, despite being occasionally startled by her eccentric behavior.
Mio Akiyama
Mio is often embarrassed by Sawako’s outrageous costume designs but appreciates her dedication to the club.
Azusa Nakano
Azusa initially finds Sawako’s antics overwhelming but grows to respect her as an adviser and mentor.
Norimi Kawaguchi
Sawako’s former bandmate and friend from her Death Devil days. The two share a deep bond through their shared love of music.