Utau Hoshina is a striking teenage girl with a commanding stage presence and a fashion-forward image. She has very long blonde hair, typically styled into two high ponytails that reach her mid-thighs, and purple eyes that give her an intense, captivating gaze. Utau is slightly taller than Amu Hinamori and the other female Guardians, and she is often described by others as “pretty” or “beautiful.”

She frequently wears a silver cross necklace, which she uses as a fashion accessory rather than a symbol of religious affiliation. During her time working for the Easter Company, Utau is often seen in various outfits reflecting a gothic lolita style. Her primary outfit during this period consists of a black dress with gray detailing, a black corset, black stockings, and black Mary Jane shoes complementing her edgy idol persona.

Due to her celebrity status, Utau often wears disguises in public to avoid recognition. These typically consist of either a brown hat with dark sunglasses or a pair of reading glasses with her ponytails braided. In Episode 39, she keeps her sunglasses on even after dark to avoid being recognized by Amu and her fans.

However, by the end of the series, Utau becomes more confident in presenting herself openly. In Episode 75, when Amu asks why she no longer wears a disguise in public, Utau replies, “Why should I have to sneak around when I haven’t done anything wrong?”, a symbolic moment that highlights her personal growth.

Utau Hoshina is initially portrayed as confident, ambitious, and emotionally intense. With a strong-willed and sometimes confrontational attitude, she often comes off as prideful and sharp-tongued especially toward Amu Hinamori, whom she once saw as a romantic rival. Her early behavior is driven by complicated feelings for her older brother Ikuto Tsukiyomi, with whom she has a deep emotional attachment. These feelings, although eventually resolved, contribute to her initial antagonistic role in the series.

Despite her cold and determined façade, Utau harbors a sensitive and passionate side. Her devotion to music is sincere, and she pours her emotions into her performances. She struggles with feelings of abandonment and loneliness, particularly due to her family situation and being used by the Easter Company. These emotional burdens are reflected in her songs, which often carry deeper meanings beneath their surface.

As the series progresses, Utau undergoes significant character growth. She matures emotionally, lets go of her unhealthy attachment to Ikuto, and slowly opens her heart to others. Her rivalry with Amu eventually shifts into a genuine friendship built on mutual respect. Utau also becomes more independent, regaining control over her music career and expressing herself freely without being manipulated by Easter.

Though she can still be blunt and stubborn, Utau ultimately proves to be caring, loyal, and fiercely protective of those she loves traits that shine more clearly as she finds her own identity beyond her role as an idol or as Ikuto’s sister.

Utau Hoshina is a high school student who rose to fame as a popular idol singer. Though known professionally by her stage name, her real name is Utau Tsukiyomi (月詠 歌唄, Tsukiyomi Utau), revealing her familial connection to Ikuto Tsukiyomi.

Early in the series, Utau harbored romantic feelings for her older brother, Ikuto, feelings that led her to develop a rivalry with Amu Hinamori, whom she saw as a threat to her bond with him. Over time, however, Utau matures emotionally, comes to terms with her misguided affection, and ultimately becomes friends with Amu, letting go of her former jealousy.

“Black Diamond.” The band, managed by Yukari Sanjo, was a front for Easter’s scheme to collect corrupted Heart’s Eggs and turn them into X-Eggs, using the band’s music as a means to manipulate children’s emotions. Utau, while publicly successful, was unknowingly being used as a tool in Easter’s darker plans.

When the truth behind Easter’s intentions became clear, Utau chose to sever ties with the organization. With Sanjo’s support, she left Easter and continued her career as an independent artist, regaining control over her music and life. Her departure from Easter marked a significant turning point, symbolizing her shift from antagonist to ally in the fight to protect the dreams and hearts of others.

Unlike most characters in Shugo Chara!, Utau Hoshina has two Guardian Characters, each representing opposing aspects of her personality and internal desires. While Utau often presents a composed and elegant image to the public, Il and El reflect the emotional conflict and duality she struggles with privately.

Il (Iru)
Il is Utau’s first Guardian Character and embodies her desire to be mischievous, rebellious, and free-spirited. With a devil-like appearance, Il is loud, brash, and thrives on conflict. She dislikes peace and often becomes irritable or bored in calm situations. Her behavior is characterized by sarcasm, competitiveness, and a short temper especially toward Yukari Sanjo, Utau’s manager, whom she frequently insults. Despite her sharp exterior, Il occasionally shows concern for Utau, especially during moments of vulnerability.

El (Eru)
El, Utau’s second Guardian Character, represents her wish to be sweet, pure, and angelic, an idealized version of a “good girl.” In contrast to Il, El is gentle, nurturing, and filled with positive energy. However, she is also known for being a bit over-the-top and dramatic in her reactions. El’s angelic form reflects Utau’s hidden yearning for kindness and warmth, a side of herself she often suppresses.

Together, Il and El symbolize the duality of Utau’s heart, each one encouraging different behaviors and emotional responses. Their frequent bickering serves as both comedic relief and a metaphor for Utau’s internal struggles as she learns to balance her darker instincts with her better nature.

Utau’s given name, Utau (歌唄), is composed of two kanji: 歌 (uta), meaning “song,” and 唄 (utai or utau), also meaning “song” or “to sing.” The repetition of musical characters emphasizes her identity as a singer and her deep connection to music, which is a central theme in her character.

Her stage surname, Hoshina (ほしな), written in hiragana in the series, carries no specific meaning but evokes a soft, lyrical tone consistent with her idol persona.

Her real surname, Tsukiyomi (月詠), consists of the kanji 月 (tsuki), meaning “moon,” and 詠 (yomi or utau), meaning “to recite” or “chant,” linking her both symbolically and linguistically to her brother, Ikuto Tsukiyomi. The name reflects mystery, emotion, and poetry all traits embodied in her music and character arc.