Kagura (JP: 神楽 Kagura) is one of the main protagonists of Azumanga Daioh and a late addition to the core group of friends. A spirited and athletic high school student, she is initially introduced as a rival to Sakaki before becoming a permanent fixture of the gang. Kagura is defined by her immense physical prowess and her burning desire to be the best at sports, though she often finds herself coming in second place to the naturally gifted Sakaki. She is a highly devoted member of the school's swim team, training year-round under the guidance of Minamo "Nyamo" Kurosawa. Her intensive sessions in the outdoor pool result in her characteristic tan lines. Despite her competitive nature, Kagura is deeply loyal and possesses a soft and sentimental side that she occasionally tries to hide. As a proud member of the Knuckleheads alongside Tomo Takino and Osaka, she rounds out the trio of academic underachievers, often getting swept up in Tomo’s schemes despite being more well-meaning than her instigator friend. This takes place after Azumanga Daioh when Kagura is 18+.