Series & First Appearance
Miyo Sasaki, also known as Muge, is the main protagonist in Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu (I Want to Cry, So I Take a Bite of My Cat), created by Miyuki Shirogane. The series first aired in 2021, capturing audiences with its unique blend of fantasy and emotional storytelling. The anime adaptation was directed by Toru Takahashi.
Profile at a Glance
Miyo Sasaki appears to be a high school student of around 16 years old, embodying the role of a protagonist in a coming-of-age narrative. She often struggles with family and emotional issues, driven to escape her reality by transforming into her cat persona, Taro, through the use of a magical Cat Mask. Miyo’s signature ability lies in her transformation, which allows her to interact freely with Kento Hinode, facilitating her exploration of her emotions and relationships.
Personality & Motivations
Miyo is characterized by her lively and expressive disposition. She is prone to express her views candidly, which can lead her to misunderstandings, particularly in her interactions with Kento, whom she harbors feelings for, despite his initial rejection. Her motivations are fueled by a desire for acceptance and love, primarily stemming from a tumultuous family life. Miyo grapples with feelings of abandonment and rivalry with her stepmother, serving as a key driving force behind her escapism into her cat form.
Abilities / Powers
Miyo’s primary ability is her transformation into Taro, a cat with a white coat and light brown markings, facilitated by the Cat Mask she acquires from a mysterious seller. This transformation allows her to explore the world with less inhibition and evade her emotional struggles, creating new opportunities for connection with Kento Hinode. However, this ability comes with limitations; while in cat form, Miyo must navigate the challenges of being an animal with no human communication abilities. Over the course of the series, Miyo learns to confront her emotions head-on rather than relying solely on her cat transformation for escape.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Key moments in Miyo’s narrative unfold during her interactions with Kento and her personal family struggles. An early pivotal moment occurs when she overhears Kento declaring his dislike for her after publicly reading her heartfelt letter, leaving her disheartened but resilient. This incident sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she learns the importance of confronting her feelings rather than running away. The series portrays Miyo’s growth from a girl seeking escape to someone capable of facing her problems and articulating her emotions, ultimately working towards a more honest relationship with Kento.
Notable Relationships
- Kento Hinode: The object of Miyo’s affections and a key figure in her emotional journey. Their tumultuous interactions force Miyo to reassess her feelings and behaviors.
- Family: Miyo’s relationship with her parents, especially her mother and stepmother, is central to understanding her insecurities and emotional struggles. Her feelings of abandonment significantly impact her desires for connection.
- Taro: Her cat form serves as both a companion and a symbol of her struggle with identity and belonging, reinforcing her connection to her more laid-back, uninhibited self.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One pivotal moment occurs in the anime when Miyo, after overhearing Kento’s rejection, cries out, “I just wanted to be seen!” (episode 3), encapsulating her struggle for recognition and acceptance. This pivotal scene resonates with viewers, highlighting her vulnerability and setting the tone for her character development.
Another impactful scene is during the shrine festival, where she initially runs away from her family, symbolizing her desire to escape rather than confront her problems. This moment not only showcases her struggles but also leads to her transformative encounter with the mysterious cat vendor, establishing the foundation for her journey throughout the series.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actor (JP/EN): In the Japanese version, Miyo is voiced by Inori Minase, while in the English dub, she is voiced by Kira Buckland. Their performances breathe life into Miyo’s character, enhancing her emotional battles and personal growth.
- Popularity: Miyo has garnered a fanbase, reflected in her popularity rankings within the community, often placing in the top tiers of character polls related to Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu.
- Cultural Context: The cat transformation serves as an allegory for the desire to escape real-life challenges, a theme prevalent in many anime narratives, which often explore the intersection of fantasy and reality.
Miyo Sasaki stands as a relatable protagonist in Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu, facing universal themes of love, acceptance, and the struggle for emotional clarity amidst life’s complexities. Her journey resonates with audiences, making her an unforgettable character in contemporary anime.
