
Youko Nakajima
Youko Nakajima |
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Japanese | 中嶋 陽子 赤子 |
Rōmaji | Nakajima Yōko, Sekishi (regnal name) |
Personal Information | |
Title | Kei-ou (景王, “Glory King”) |
Race | Human |
Gender | Female |
Age | 16 |
Kingdom | Kei |
Portrayal | |
Japanese Voice |
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English Voice | Dorothy Elias-Fahn |
Filipino Voice | Hazel Hernan & Yvett Yvette Tagura |
Latino Spanish Voice | Melanie Henríquez |
Background

Youko with Keiki
Before being transported to the Twelve Kingdoms, Youko lives an unremarkable life in Japan, where she struggles with a sense of not belonging. Despite being a model student, she feels pressure from her parents and peers to conform.
She is haunted by recurring dreams and a deep feeling of dissatisfaction, but she has no idea that her true destiny lies beyond her world.
Youko’s life changes dramatically when a mysterious man named Keiki appears at her school, bows before her, and swears loyalty to her. Before she can process what’s happening, her school is attacked by a giant bird-like creature, forcing her to accept Keiki’s oath of protection.
He gives her a sword and transports her across the Void Sea to the Twelve Kingdoms, where she wakes up alone in the unfamiliar Kingdom of Kou.
Appearance
Youko initially appears as an ordinary Japanese high school girl, with long, naturally red hair, which makes her stand out in Japan, often drawing unwanted attention and ridicule from others. She is self-conscious about her hair, dyeing it black to blend in.
Upon arriving in the Twelve Kingdoms, her appearance changes dramatically her red hair becomes even more vivid, her eyes turn green, and her facial features shift to resemble someone of the Twelve Kingdoms rather than Earth. This sudden transformation shocks her, reinforcing her sense of alienation in this unfamiliar world.
As she grows into her role as queen, she begins to accept and embrace her unique appearance, using it as a symbol of her authority and identity.
Personality
At the start of the series, Youko is timid, obedient, and eager to please others, particularly her teachers and classmates. She is soft-spoken and avoids conflict, prioritizing fitting in over expressing her true feelings. However, beneath her passive exterior, she has a strong will and an inner longing for something more than her mundane life.
As her journey unfolds, Youko struggles with trust, self-doubt, and survival, but she eventually grows into a resilient, thoughtful, and just ruler. She learns to trust herself, question authority, and make difficult decisions. By the end of her transformation, Youko is wise, empathetic, and fiercely determined, making her one of the strongest and most inspiring rulers in the Twelve Kingdoms.
Role in The Twelve Kingdoms
Upon arriving in the Twelve Kingdoms, Youko is completely lost. She doesn’t speak the language, doesn’t understand the world, and doesn’t know whom to trust. Worse still, she is targeted by demons and betrayed multiple times, making her wary of everyone.
During this time, she begins fighting for survival, using the sword Keiki gave her, which forces her to confront her inner fears and develop a warrior’s mindset.
Despite her growing mistrust of others, Youko eventually meets Rakushun, a kind-hearted hanjyuu (half-human, half-rat being) who teaches her about the world and its customs. He becomes her first true friend in the Twelve Kingdoms, proving to her that not everyone is out to betray her.
With Rakushun’s help, Youko escapes to the Kingdom of En, where she finally learns her true identity, she is the rightful ruler of the Kingdom of Kei.
At first, Youko is overwhelmed and reluctant to accept her role as queen. She questions her worthiness, her strength, and whether she can truly rule a kingdom.
However, through self-discovery, training, and facing hardships, she comes to accept her duty, realizing that she has the potential to be a great and just ruler.
As queen, she takes the regnal name “Sekishi” (赤子, “Red Child”), a reference to both her red hair and the perception of her as an inexperienced ruler. However, over time, she proves herself to be a capable and wise monarch.
After ascending to the throne, Youko quickly realizes that ruling a kingdom is far more challenging than surviving in the wilderness. She uncovers deep-rooted corruption, political unrest, and revolts, particularly in the province of Wa.
Determined to rule fairly and justly, Youko fights against corruption, listens to the concerns of her people, and surrounds herself with trustworthy allies.
Later in the series, Youko is drawn into the search for Taiki, the missing kirin of the Kingdom of Tai. When Tai general Risai comes to Kei seeking help, Youko agrees to assist, further proving that she is not just a ruler of Kei, but a leader who cares for all of the Twelve Kingdoms.
Relationships
Keiki
The kirin of Kei who swore loyalty to Youko. He sees great potential in her, though Youko initially doubts his faith in her. Over time, she learns to trust him as her adviser.
Rakushun
Her first true friend in the Twelve Kingdoms, Rakushun teaches her about the world and helps her regain faith in others. She deeply values his wisdom and kindness.
Enki and King En
King En is one of the few monarchs who supports Youko when she first arrives. His kirin, Enki, helps guide Youko as she adjusts to ruling Kei.
Risai
general from Tai who seeks Youko’s help in finding Taiki. Their alliance strengthens Youko’s influence beyond Kei.
Her Parents in Japan
Youko’s relationship with her parents is strained, as they pressured her to conform. After her transformation, she moves beyond their expectations, fully embracing her role as a queen in the Twelve Kingdoms.
Legacy
Youko Nakajima’s journey from an insecure high school girl to a wise and just queen makes her one of the most inspiring heroines in fantasy literature. Her transformation is deep, gradual, and realistic, making her a unique and relatable protagonist.
As Queen of Kei, she proves that leadership is not about birthright, but about the strength to overcome challenges, learn from mistakes, and fight for justice.
Her story of self-discovery, perseverance, and transformation cements her as one of the most iconic female protagonists in fantasy anime and literature.