Series & First Appearance
Ai Hayasaka is a character from the anime and manga series Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, created by Aka Akasaka. She first appears in Chapter 4 of the manga, which debuted in May 2015. The anime adaptation premiered in 2019, produced by A-1 Pictures.
Profile at a Glance
Ai Hayasaka is a 16-year-old second-year student at Shuchiin Academy and serves as a valet and personal aide to Kaguya Shinomiya. As a member of the Hayasaka family, her role is deeply tied to the Shinomiya family’s legacy. Notably versatile, Hayasaka possesses a range of beautiful disguises and can adapt her personality to meet different social situations, functioning as Kaguya’s support in navigating high school challenges.
Personality & Motivations
Ai Hayasaka is characterized by her dual nature—while she exhibits a mature, composed demeanor as Kaguya’s valet, she harbors typical teenage concerns such as fashion and socializing. She often prioritizes Kaguya’s needs above her own, reflecting loyalty and deep friendship. Despite her serious role, Ai demonstrates a playful and mischievous side when interacting with her friends and peers. Her driving motivation is to ensure Kaguya’s happiness, especially regarding her complicated feelings for Miyuki Shirogane.
Abilities / Powers
Ai is skilled at adapting her appearance and behavior, allowing her to take on various personas for different situations. She excels in social manipulation, using her discretion and charm effectively to assist Kaguya. While not inherently combative, her strategic mind and adaptability make her a formidable ally in social battles that unfold throughout the series. The limit of her abilities lies in the toll her high-intensity work takes on her personal life, often sacrificing her own time and desires to cater to Kaguya’s needs.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Ai Hayasaka plays a crucial role in numerous key arcs of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War. One pivotal moment occurs during the "Cultural Festival" arc, where her layered personality shines as she navigates Kaguya’s romantic dilemmas with Shirogane. Additionally, in the "Christmas Party" arc, Ai’s character development is highlighted through her thoughts and feelings about love and friendship, illustrating her growing complexity and deeper emotional landscape.
Her character further evolves as she steps outside the confines of her role as a valet, particularly in arcs where she undertakes tasks that reflect her own desires, such as wanting to engage in high school activities like anyone else. Themes of self-identity and personal freedom become central as she grapples with balancing her responsibilities with the life of a typical teenager.
Notable Relationships
- Kaguya Shinomiya: Ai’s most significant relationship is with Kaguya. Having served her for ten years, their bond is one of trust, loyalty, and emotional support. Kaguya is one of the few people Ai genuinely reveals her true self to.
- Miyuki Shirogane: Ai often helps Kaguya with her feelings for Shirogane. Her insights into Shirogane’s character and intentions provide a critical edge in Kaguya’s unfolding romance.
- Other Classmates: Ai has relationships with various schoolmates, showcasing her ability to fit in among her peers while still maintaining her role as Kaguya’s aide.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Ai’s iconic moments occurs in Episode 5 of the anime, where she attends a school event disguised as Kaguya. This moment showcases her ability to effortlessly switch roles, highlighting her loyalty and skill at manipulation. Another memorable quote is during a conversation in Chapter 87, where she says, "Sometimes you can’t help it… you’ve just got to let people you care about be happy, even at your own expense." This line encapsulates her selflessness and dedication to Kaguya, resonating deeply with fans.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Ai Hayasaka is voiced by Hashimoto Chitose in the Japanese version, while Jād de Burger provides her voice in the English adaptation.
- Ayaka’s multifaceted character design, which often features her with blue contacts and various hairstyles, reflects her ability to transform and adapt to different social contexts.
- Ai gained popularity in various character polls, often ranking within the top spots for fan-favorite characters due to her engaging traits and essential role in the storyline.
- The character often invokes real-life conversations about the pressures of adolescence and the expectations placed upon individuals in service roles.
Ai Hayasaka remains a fan-favorite in Kaguya-sama: Love is War, embodying the struggles of youth while serving as a dependable friend and ally. Her complex interactions and layered character provide a compelling perspective on friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of growing up.
