Series & First Appearance
Yuzuru Nishimiya appears in the anime and manga series "A Silent Voice" (Japanese: "Koe no Katachi") created by Yoshitoki Ōima. She first makes her appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was published in 2013, and later in the film adaptation released in 2016.
Profile at a Glance
Yuzuru is a middle school student who appears younger than her actual age, typically characterized by her short hair that often leads to her being mistaken for a boy. As the younger sister of Shoko Nishimiya, she becomes a significant ally to Shoko, showcasing a protective role throughout the narrative. Yuzuru’s signature item is her Nikon D3300 camera, which she uses to pursue her passion for photography, particularly of dead animals and insects.
Personality & Motivations
Yuzuru Nishimiya is fiercely protective of her elder sister, Shoko, exhibiting a strong aversion to anyone who has bullied her, particularly at the start of the series. Though she initially holds animosity towards Ishida, one of Shoko’s main bullies, this animosity shifts as she learns about his character development. Yuzuru is driven by a desire to shield Shoko from pain, even going so far as to take poignant photographs to convey the harsh realities of death, hoping to dissuade Shoko from suicidal thoughts. Her penchant for skipping school to pursue photography adds a quirk to her character, often clashing with her mother. Yuzuru’s straightforwardness is evident in her encouragement for both Shoko and Ishida to explore their feelings for each other, despite frustration over their hesitance.
Abilities / Powers
While Yuzuru does not possess any supernatural abilities, her standout skill lies in her photography. Her camera work allows her to capture poignant moments that reflect both beauty and suffering within life and death. This talent serves as a narrative device to illustrate her emotional state and concerns, particularly regarding Shoko’s well-being. Yuzuru’s main limitations are her youth and the emotional turmoil that stems from her protective instincts, which she grapples with throughout the series.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Yuzuru’s character experiences significant growth, primarily centered around her evolving understanding of Ishida and his relationship with Shoko. Initially, her protective nature positions her in direct conflict with Ishida, stemming from the trauma caused by bullying. However, as she witnesses Ishida’s genuine remorse and transformation, she gradually accepts him into Shoko’s life, becoming a pivotal player in their emotional journey. A key turning point occurs when she ends up confronting her own feelings about loss and love when she captures haunting photographs, subtly guiding her sister away from despair. This culminates in scenes that reveal Yuzuru’s personal struggles, along with the complexity of familial bonds and protective instincts.
Notable Relationships
Yuzuru’s most pivotal relationship is with her sister, Shoko. This bond shapes her motivations and actions throughout the series. Their familial connection is underscored by Yuzuru’s willingness to challenge societal norms for the sake of protecting her sister, often leading her to confront her feelings of anger and fear. Additionally, her relationship with Ishida undergoes significant change, evolving from rivalry to acceptance as she sees his growth. Notable interactions with her mother reveal underlying tension within the family dynamic, broadening her character’s depth.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One impactful moment featuring Yuzuru occurs when she urges Shoko to embrace life, declaring, "You have to keep living, no matter how hard it gets," mirroring the film’s overarching themes of hope and redemption. In the film adaptation, her confrontational yet frank demeanor during the beach scene further solidifies her role as a catalyst in rekindling Shoko and Ishida’s connection, showcasing Yuzuru’s undeniable impact on the narrative.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Yuzuru Nishimiya’s character design reflects modern Japanese youth culture, marked by her unique and edgy hairstyle and penchant for photography. In the Japanese version of the anime, Yuzuru is voiced by Kanemoto Hisako, while the English adaptation features the voice of Kayleigh McKee. The character has resonated with fans, reflected in her popularity, garnering over 2,491 member favorites on various platforms. Yuzuru’s fascination with death through photography resonates with themes in Buddhism and transience, which are subtly woven into the narrative of "A Silent Voice," making her character multifaceted and relatable.
