Series & First Appearance
Sumi Sakurasawa is a character from the manga and anime series Kanojo, Okarishimasu (Rent-A-Girlfriend), created by Reiji Miyajima. She first appears in Chapter 75 of the manga, which debuted in July 2017. The anime adaptation premiered in July 2020 and was produced by TMS Entertainment.
Profile at a Glance
Sumi is a 19-year-old first-year college student and one of the main deuteragonists. She works as a rental girlfriend for the Diamond app. Despite her shyness and timid demeanor, she exhibits a strong will and determination to improve her social interactions, viewing her job as a way to confront her insecurities.
Personality & Motivations
Sumi is characterized by her extreme shyness and introversion, often struggling to express herself verbally and emotionally. However, beneath her timid exterior lies a determined spirit; she actively seeks to overcome her social challenges through her role as a rental girlfriend. A defining quirk is her hesitance to engage in conversation, often resorting to gestures or minimal words. Her motivation revolves around personal growth and gaining confidence through her experiences with clients, particularly her evolving relationship with Kazuya Kinoshita, the series’ protagonist.
Abilities / Powers
Sumi’s standout abilities primarily lie in her adaptability as a rental girlfriend. While she does not possess any supernatural powers, her skill set includes emotional intelligence, empathetic listening, and a talent for providing comfort in social situations. As her character develops, her ability to initiate dialogue and express her feelings expands, particularly in response to her connection with Kazuya. A notable limitation is her social anxiety, which often hinders her from fully participating in various situations until she slowly gains confidence.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Sumi’s character arc is significantly shaped by her interactions with Kazuya and her experiences within the Diamond app. Initially introduced as a quiet, secondary character, her story evolves as she begins to explore her own emotions and desires. Key moments include her increasing willingness to confront her shyness, particularly in chapters where she learns to communicate her feelings more openly, ultimately leading to deeper connections. Her growth is particularly evident during her participation in events and outings where she faces social situations head-on, reflecting her developmental journey throughout the series.
Notable Relationships
Sumi’s relationships are integral to her character development. Her mentor and friend Chizuru Hishiro, another rental girlfriend, plays a significant role in guiding her through her anxieties and providing encouragement. Kazuya serves as both a client and a key figure in Sumi’s journey, acting as a catalyst for her growth. Their evolving relationship transitions from a business dynamic to a more personal connection as both characters face their respective challenges.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs in Episode 7 of the anime, where Sumi is noted for her bravery in confronting her feelings during a critical outing with Kazuya, capturing the essence of her character development. Another impactful scene is when she attempts to voice her thoughts but struggles, emphasizing her growth while also evoking sympathy and support from the audience. Fans particularly resonate with her shy yet earnest demeanor, finding charm in her journey toward self-acceptance.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Sumi Sakurasawa has been well-received within the fandom, evident from her 3,563 member favorites. Her popularity has earned her significant rankings in various character polls related to the series. In the Japanese version, Sumi is voiced by Risa Taneda, whose portrayal captures Sumi’s nuanced personality effectively. The English dub features Tia Ballard, who similarly emphasizes her shyness and warmth. The character has become a cultural touchstone for discussions about introversion and personal growth in contemporary anime, resonating with viewers who share similar experiences.
Sumi Sakurasawa stands out as a compelling character within the Kanojo, Okarishimasu series, with her determination to overcome personal challenges and her evolving relationships, especially with Kazuya, marking significant points in her narrative journey. Her blend of shyness, resilience, and emotional depth offers viewers a relatable lens through which to explore themes of growth and connection.
