Kamisama Kiss - Characters & Cast

Initially, Nanami's motivation is simple survival and the desire for a home. This quickly evolves into a deep-seated desire to be a worthy and effective god for the sake of the shrine and the people who pray to her. Her primary motivation becomes protecting her newfound family—Tomoe, Mizuki, and the shrine spirits—and building a future with Tomoe.

Nanami begins as a resilient but powerless high school girl, burdened by her father's irresponsibility. After becoming a Land God, she is initially clumsy and overwhelmed. Across the series, she embraces her divine duties, gaining confidence and spiritual strength. Her empathy and unwavering kindness become her greatest assets, allowing her to win over even the most cynical yōkai. She evolves from a girl who needs saving into a goddess who actively protects others, ultimately making the choice to become human again to live a mortal life with the one she loves.

Tomoe's initial motivation is to uphold his duty to the shrine in Mikage's absence, though he does so grudgingly for Nanami. His motivation shifts entirely to Nanami's safety and happiness. He is driven by a centuries-old love he doesn't fully understand until the past is revealed, and his ultimate goal becomes breaking the barriers between them to build a future together.

Tomoe is introduced as a powerful, cynical, and abrasive fox yōkai, resentful of being forced to serve a human girl. He is haunted by a tragic love from his past. Throughout the series, Nanami's kindness gradually breaks down his hardened exterior. He transforms from a reluctant, often cruel familiar into a fiercely loyal and protective guardian who openly admits his love for her. His arc culminates in his willingness to give up his immortality and immense power to become human and spend his life by Nanami's side.

Mizuki is driven by a deep-seated fear of loneliness after his own god disappeared. His actions are initially aimed at forcing Nanami to stay with him. Once he joins the Mikage Shrine, his motivation becomes serving Nanami faithfully and finding his place within their family, often providing a gentler, more supportive presence than the gruff Tomoe.

Mizuki starts as a lonely snake familiar of an abandoned shrine, who kidnaps Nanami out of a desperate desire for companionship. After she shows him kindness, he becomes her second familiar. While he initially acts as a rival to Tomoe for Nanami's affection, he matures into a devoted and supportive friend. He finds a new purpose and family at the Mikage shrine, overcoming his profound loneliness and becoming a key member of their group.

Kurama's initial motivation is ambition and a desire to prove himself after being exiled from his home on Mount Kurama. After befriending Nanami, his motivation shifts. While he maintains his celebrity persona, he is driven by a genuine affection for Nanami and often acts to help her, becoming a useful link between her human and divine worlds.

Kurama, a crow tengu masquerading as a human pop idol, is introduced as an antagonist who wants to steal Nanami's position as Land God by eating her heart. After being swiftly defeated by Tomoe and shown mercy by Nanami, he abandons his plan. He evolves into a reliable, if often dramatic, friend and ally to Nanami. He frequently offers her advice on human society and romance, leveraging his experience in the human world to help her navigate her complex life. His initial arrogance gives way to genuine friendship.