Series & First Appearance
Kaede Kayano (茅野 カエデ) is a character from the anime and manga series "Assassination Classroom" (Japanese: Ansatsu Kyōshitsu), created by Yūsei Matsui. She first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga and in Episode 1 of the anime adaptation, which debuted in 2015. The series revolves around a class of students tasked with assassinating their alien teacher, Koro-sensei.
Profile at a Glance
Kaede Kayano is a 14-year-old female student in Class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High School. She plays a central role as a close friend and confidante of the protagonist, Nagisa Shiota. Though she possesses no visible assassin abilities, her skills in acting and her keen observation make her an important player in classroom strategies. Her character is celebrated for her endearing personality and a touch of comic relief in the otherwise intense environment.
Personality & Motivations
Kaede is characterized by her cheerful demeanor and strong loyalty to her friends, particularly Nagisa. She exhibits an inferiority complex regarding her physical appearance, often feeling overshadowed by others with more traditional forms of attractiveness, which leads to moments of jealousy and anger, especially towards girls with larger breasts. Her motivations mainly revolve around her friendships and enjoying life, although she harbors hidden depths that are explored as the series progresses. A defining quirk of Kaede is her love for karaoke, where she enjoys scoring performances, showcasing her playful yet competitive side.
Abilities / Powers
While Kaede does not possess traditional assassin skills, she demonstrates notable abilities in acting and manipulation in a tactical context. Her proficiency in acting makes her a competent strategist within group dynamics, allowing her to deceive others and aid her classmates in their assassination efforts indirectly. However, her lack of physical prowess and conventional assassination abilities puts her at a disadvantage in combat situations. Throughout the series, her powers do not evolve into combat skills but become more refined in social manipulations and emotional intelligence.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kaede’s character undergoes subtle growth throughout the series, particularly in her confidence and self-acceptance. Key moments occur during various missions that challenge her to confront her insecurities. One significant turning point is during a plan to assassinate Koro-sensei, where she steps up to support her classmates, demonstrating her growth in solidarity and team spirit. Her relationship with Nagisa deepens, hinting at unspoken feelings and the complexities of youth emotions as they navigate their extraordinary circumstances. In later arcs, she plays a crucial role in highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty.
Notable Relationships
Kaede has a close friendship with Nagisa Shiota, serving as a source of support for his emotional and tactical development. Her dynamic with Nagisa is central to her character, influencing her actions and growth. Kaede also interacts with fellow classmates such as Karma Akabane and Ritsu but tends to maintain a more central focus on her bond with Nagisa. Her conflicts with others, especially regarding appearance, illustrate her internal struggles and relationships with peers, deepening her character.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Kaede’s memorable moments occurs in Episode 11, where she showcases her karaoke skills at the class’ party, stress-relieving the group while simultaneously revealing her competitive spirit. A poignant moment comes when she expresses her feelings about beauty and acceptance, saying, "It’s not about appearances; it’s about who we are inside," emphasizing the series’ themes of self-acceptance.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kaede Kayano is voiced by Kana Hanazawa in the Japanese version and Megan Shipman in the English dubbed version, both renowned for bringing depth and personality to their characters. Notably, she is a favorite among fans, ranking 784 in popularity polls, reflecting her relatable struggles and charm. The character design by Yūsei Matsui often emphasizes her youthful features and relatable insecurities, resonating with the audience’s own experiences during adolescence.
Kaede’s story intertwines humor and emotional depth, marking her as a memorable part of "Assassination Classroom." Her journey navigates the complexities of youth—friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery—making her a well-loved character in the anime community.
