Series & First Appearance
Kokoro Tsurumaki is a character from the multimedia project "BanG Dream!" created by Bushiroad. She first appears in the anime series "BanG Dream!" in Episode 1, "The First Impression," which premiered in January 2017. The character design is credited to the original character designer, Roselia, and the animation production was managed by the studio, Issen.
Profile at a Glance
Kokoro Tsurumaki is a first-year student at Hanasakigawa Girls’ High School and serves as the lively vocalist for the band, "Afterglow," and later "Morfonica" in the franchise’s expanded media. Despite her youthful and cheerful demeanor, she hails from a wealthy family, which she often contrasts against her inherently caring nature. Her primary goals center around spreading happiness and joy through music, embodying the spirit of her band.
Personality & Motivations
Kokoro is characterized by her optimistic and enthusiastic personality. She is known for her relentless positivity, always striving to create happiness wherever she goes. Her unyielding desire to make everyone smile is her core motivation, leading her to initiate various projects and events. Kokoro has a unique catchphrase: “Let’s make the world smile!” This reflects her goal to promote joy and uplift those around her. She possesses a childlike innocence and genuine care for others, traits that often radiate from her throughout interactions.
Abilities / Powers
Kokoro’s standout abilities include her exceptional singing talents and charismatic performances, which resonate deeply with audiences in both live concerts and recorded music. Her vocal strength is augmented by her enthusiasm, enchanting those around her and drawing fans into her upbeat world. Though her character does not engage in combat in the traditional sense, her ability to uplift and inspire acts as a form of emotional and motivational power. There are no combat limitations given her prime role within the music-focused narrative of "BanG Dream!", and she continuously evolves artistically through each performance.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Major plot points that shape Kokoro’s development include her efforts to create a school festival performance that showcases her band’s talents. In the first series, she grapples with the fear of failure and the pressures of performing in front of an audience, posing a significant challenge to her sunny disposition. Initially, she aims to gain recognition for her band but quickly learns the importance of teamwork and communication. This realization leads to crucial growth, helping her strengthen her friendships and contribute significantly to her band’s dynamics. Episodes demonstrating this development include her pivotal performances in the “BanG Dream!” franchise and her involvement in collaborative events that solidify her team spirit.
Notable Relationships
Kokoro’s relationships are essential to her narrative arc. She is particularly close friends with her bandmates, who not only support her ambitions but also challenge her to grow. She regularly interacts with other bands in the series, forging friendships across different musical groups, notably with characters like Kaoru Seta and Rimi Ushigome. Her supportive nature makes her an instrumental ally to her peers, while her strong bond with her family, especially her parents, underlines her commitment to balancing her personal and musical life.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Kokoro’s iconic moments takes place in Episode 8, during a concert performance where she encourages hesitant band members to join her, exemplifying her role as a unifying force within the group. Her infectious enthusiasm is highlighted when she confidently declares, "We can do this together!" This scene not only showcases her leadership qualities but also resonates deeply with fans, reflecting her larger theme of collective happiness. Another memorable moment occurs during a school event, where her determination to create genuine smiles leads to unexpected success, thereby solidifying her place as a pivotal character in establishing the essence of "BanG Dream!"
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kokoro is voiced by Miku Ito in the Japanese version, who brings life to her character with an energetic performance that matches Kokoro’s vibrant personality. In the English localization, the character is voiced by Arielle DeLisle, who captures her bubbly spirit. Kokoro enjoyed a significant popularity ranking among fans, often placing in top polls for favorite characters within the "BanG Dream!" franchise, highlighting her appeal across demographics. Kokoro Tsurumaki is often seen as a symbol of positivity within the narrative, serving not only as an amusing character but also as a representation of youthful aspirations and the joy of music culture. Her design reflects classic idol aesthetics with bright colors, enhancing her cheerful persona and making her a visual keystone in the series.
