Series & First Appearance
Asako Natsume is a character from the anime series "Nisekoi," created by Naoshi Komi. She first appears in Chapter 109 of the manga, which was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump." The anime adaptation by Shaft debuted in 2014 and brought this character to life, capturing her quirks and traits.
Profile at a Glance
Asako Natsume is a teenage girl, approximately 16 years old, and is portrayed as a classmate of the protagonist, Shizuku. While not a primary antagonist, she often finds herself in the background of the story, grappling with unrequited love and social struggles. She is affiliated with her classmates but has a distinct online presence due to her web activities and a blog, which reflect her desire to connect with others. Notably, she is athletic but struggles with academics, which contributes to her isolation.
Personality & Motivations
Asako is characterized by her bubbly and energetic personality, masking underlying insecurities stemming from past bullying and ostracism due to her interactions with boys. Despite her popularity in certain circles, she lacks meaningful friendships outside of her online life. Drawn to romantic connection, she develops a crush on Mitsuyoshi Misawa, which becomes a significant aspect of her character arc. Her motivations revolve around a desire for friendship and love, and she often resorts to whimsical rituals, like collecting strands of hair to form bonds, to bolster her hopes.
Abilities / Powers
While Asako does not possess any supernatural powers, her standout abilities lie in sports, where she displays notable athleticism. Her academic struggles manifest as a limitation in her character; she has poor grades, which create tension in her social life. The evolution of her character largely revolves around her efforts to improve academically and socially, alongside her romantic mishaps.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Asako’s growth as a character is marked by her interactions with her classmates and her attempts to win over Mitsuyoshi Misawa. Key moments include her plea for Shizuku’s help during a re-test, showcasing both her vulnerability and her determination not to fail. As she navigates her feelings for Misawa, Sohei Sasahara often plays a supportive role, helping her through emotional ups and downs, indicating an evolution in her understanding of friendship and self-worth. The reversal of her bullying history, along with her journey towards a more self-assured identity, marks her developmental trajectory throughout the series.
Notable Relationships
Asako has noteworthy dynamics with several characters. Her unreciprocated affection for Mitsuyoshi Misawa serves as a driving force behind her actions and narrative developments. She often turns to Sohei Sasahara for comfort when her romantic pursuits falter, hinting at a potential friendship or deeper connection that could evolve. Additionally, her relationship with Shizuku exposes her struggles as well as moments of collaboration, especially in seeking out academic help, allowing her to develop a supportive network, albeit a small one.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Asako’s standout moments occurs when she posts on her blog about needing two strands of Mitti’s hair to ensure they become best friends. This quirky ritual not only showcases her playful personality but also the lengths she is willing to go to form connections. The scene wherein she asks Shizuku for academic assistance highlights her vulnerabilities, making her relatable to many viewers, especially those who have faced academic pressure or social isolation.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Asako Natsume’s voice is brought to life by Yuiko Tatsumi in the drama CD adaptations. Despite her limited screen time, she has gained a following, evident from her member favorites ranking of 634. This indicates a solid fan base appreciative of her character traits and complexities. Her birthday is celebrated on July 2, placing her under the Cancer zodiac sign, which is often associated with emotional depth and a nurturing disposition. This aligns with her character’s desire for connections and emotional support, reflecting underlying themes of friendship and acceptance prevalent in "Nisekoi."
Asako Natsume serves as a unique blend of sports talent, internet enthusiasm, and emotional struggles, embodying the complexities of adolescence. Her journey resonates with fans who understand the challenges of social relationships, making her a memorable and relatable figure in the "Nisekoi" series.
