Series & First Appearance
Masuzu Natsukawa is a character from the light novel series Oreshura (Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga ShurabaSugiru), created by Yūji Yūjō and illustrated by Rika Adachi. She first appears in Volume 1, published in 2011, and is prominently featured in the anime adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures, which aired in 2013.
Profile at a Glance
Masuzu Natsukawa is a 16-year-old high school student and Eita’s girlfriend. She is characterized as the "school beauty," drawing constant attention from male classmates. Although she initially presents herself as bold and devious, her true motivations are more complex, involving a mock relationship with Eita to deter unwanted romantic advances.
Personality & Motivations
Masuzu is known for her deviousness and sadistic tendencies, often reveling in the discomfort of others while maintaining a facade of charm and beauty. She primarily engages in manipulation, leveraging blackmail to maintain her relationship with Eita, as she harbors a dislike for romance itself. Despite her apparent confidence, she struggles with profound feelings stemming from her complicated family dynamics, particularly regarding her estranged father in Sweden. Masuzu’s primary motivation is to avoid the attention of male classmates while maintaining her façade, ultimately leading her character through a journey of self-acceptance.
Abilities / Powers
While not possessing supernatural abilities, Masuzu demonstrates significant charisma and manipulation skills, allowing her to navigate complex social situations adeptly. Her primary technique involves blackmailing Eita into a fake relationship, effectively sidestepping the unwanted suitors. Despite her outgoing demeanor, she exhibits vulnerabilities in cooking skills, aligning her with Chiwa, a fellow character noted for her culinary failures. This limitation emphasizes her comedic personality traits rather than a conventional strength.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Masuzu’s character arc is marked by her evolving relationship with Eita. Initially motivated by self-preservation from romantic advances, she blackmails him to act as her boyfriend. However, as the story unfolds, her facade begins to crumble, revealing her true feelings and the complexity of her character. A pivotal moment occurs in Novel 4, where she confesses her hatred for Eita, stemming from his indifference to her beauty—a stark contrast to the attention she normally receives. This lead to her gradual transformation as she confronts her feelings and her troubled past involving her father and estranged mother.
Notable Relationships
Masuzu’s relationships significantly shape her character. Eita is a crucial figure, serving as both her blackmail target and eventual love interest. Chiwa, her classmate, often acts as a counter to Masuzu’s cunning nature, showcasing the contrast between their personalities. Masuzu also grapples with her complicated relationship with her father, who lives in Sweden and is tied to her mother’s abandonment, adding layers to her character motivations.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Masuzu’s memorable moments occurs when she admits her true feelings about Eita in a vulnerable setting, highlighting the emotional depth of her character and the complexity of their relationship. An impactful quote that encapsulates her character is: "I don’t want to be loved for my looks. I want someone to truly see me." This sentiment resonates with fans and underscores her internal conflict between her outward allure and inner turmoil.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Masuzu Natsukawa has garnered attention among fans for her intricate character design and depth. The character’s popularity is reflected in polls, where she often ranks highly among favorites in the Oreshura series. In the anime adaptation, she is voiced by the talented voice actress Yuiko Tatsumi in Japanese, while in the English dub, she is portrayed by a well-received voice actor who captures both her charm and sadistic humor. Fans of the series have frequently referenced her bold quotes and dramatic moments online, further solidifying her place in anime culture.
In conclusion, Masuzu Natsukawa stands out as a multifaceted character in Oreshura, blending beauty, deception, and emotional complexity. Her journey from manipulation to emotional growth engages viewers and offers significant insights into the themes of love, identity, and acceptance.
