The name Sakura is super common for female characters in anime shows. It’s one of the most famous names in Japan, and it is used both as a first name and a last name.
So why is Sakura such a beloved name?
In Japanese, “sakura” refers to the lovely cherry blossom flowers that bloom briefly in spring. Their beauty is eagerly awaited and celebrated during the holidays.
Maybe this connection to nature’s fleeting yet breathtaking wonders has made Sakura such a beloved name in Japan and worldwide.
With that in mind, let me introduce you to some of the most iconic female anime characters who share this flowery name:
There’s the bubbly heroine Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura, who has magical powers. Or the tough ninja girl Sakura Haruno from Naruto, who packs a serious punch. How about the shy but talented manga artist Sakura Chiyo from Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun?
From magical girls to martial artists, each of these Sakura characters is unique in their way, brought to life across vastly different anime worlds. Yet they’re united by a name that evokes the cherry blossom season’s delicate beauty and fresh beginnings.
Female Anime Characters Named Sakura
1. Sakura Kinomoto (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, making her one of the most beloved characters in anime. Created by CLAMP, this magical girl series is a nostalgic favorite for many.
Sakura’s cheerful and caring nature makes her a joy to watch. She’s always willing to lend a hand to those in need, embodying the true spirit of friendship. Her bond with her best friend Tomoyo and her playful rivalry with Syaoran add depth to her character, making her journey even more endearing.
2. Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
Sakura Haruno from Naruto initially drew mixed reactions from fans, especially as she began as a devoted Sasuke fangirl. This annoyed some viewers and led to some labeling her a burden. However, as the series progresses, Sakura undergoes significant character development.
Sakura becomes a crucial team member despite starting with average abilities and lacking special moves. Her growth stems from her determination to improve herself and her dedication to her teammates.
Under the guidance of Tsunade, she gets into the study of medical jutsu, eventually becoming proficient in healing techniques.
3. Sakura Sakurakouji (Code: Breaker)
Sakura Sakurakouji is the main female character in the Code: Breaker series. Despite her appearance as a cute, gentle, and polite high school girl, Sakura is a skilled martial artist who loves to fight. Her life drastically turns when she witnesses Rei Ogami, a Code: Breaker, using his blue flames to eliminate a gang.
Determined to prevent Rei from taking lives, Sakura goes on a personal mission and finds herself increasingly drawn into the world of the Code: Breakers. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that Sakura plays a more significant role than initially anticipated.
One of Sakura’s unique abilities is her power to neutralize all special powers, making her a crucial asset in dealing with individuals with extraordinary abilities.
4. Sakura Matou (Fate/stay Night)
Sakura Matou is one of the central characters in the Fate/Stay Night series, particularly in the Heaven’s Feel route. She initially serves as the “True” Master of Rider during the Fifth Holy Grail War. However, she also becomes the Master of Avenger, Saber Alter, and Berserker in the Heaven’s Feel route.
Sakura is Shinji Matou’s adopted sister and Rin Tohsaka’s biological sister. Despite her complicated family ties, she harbors deep feelings for Shirou Emiya, who regards her as a sister. Following a confrontation between Shirou and Shinji, Sakura frequently visits Shirou’s house to assist him with his daily tasks, showing her caring and supportive nature.
5. Sakura Mizukami (D-Frag!)
Sakura Mizukami is a prominent character in the D-Frag! series.
She’s known for her pink hair and laid-back demeanor, as well as her athletic abilities and knack for mastering various activities.
Sakura’s elemental affinity is “Water,” and she often carries a water bottle. She utilizes water-based attacks in battles, such as pouring water onto her hands or forcing it down her opponent’s throat.
6. Sakura Hagiwara (Wanna be the Greatest in the World!)
“Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!” or “Wanna Be the Strongest in the World” is an ecchi anime around the wrestling world.
The main character, Sakura Hagiwara, is a 17-year-old member of the idol group Sweet Divas. She’s known for her bubbly personality and intelligence, and she’s been chosen as the central vocalist for the group multiple times.
Despite her dedication to her idol career, Sakura decides to pursue professional wrestling to restore her group’s honor after a humiliating loss to Rio in a non-title match. She’s determined to give her best effort in wrestling, just like in everything else.
7. Ichiko Sakura (Good Luck Girl!)
Ichiko Sakura is the main character of the series “Binbogami ga!” or “Good Luck Girls.” She’s a high school student with an extraordinary streak of good luck.
In the series, Ichiko is revealed to be the reincarnation of Kanna, a girl from centuries ago who possessed an abundance of Auspicious Energy. Kanna traveled the lands, using her powers to help those in need.
8. Sakura Kasugano (Street Fighter)
In many ways, Sakura is quite tomboyish, friendly, and respectful. She always carries a cheerful attitude, appearing happy, energetic, and focused, especially during battles.
She admires Ryu as both an idol and a teacher, rather than just an opponent, as she has observed his fighting style and philosophy in battle and tries to emulate it herself.
9. Kyoko Sakura (Madoka Magica)
Kyoko Sakura is one of the five central magical girls in the series Puella Magi Madoka☆Magica.
Kyoko has a fiery personality and can be a bit headstrong, often displaying tomboyish traits. While she may seem selfish at times, it’s a mask she wears to protect herself and others.
Despite her tough exterior, Kyoko is genuinely kind and sympathetic, especially towards those close to her who are in trouble.
Her resolve to never sacrifice herself for others stems from the tragic loss of her family due to a wish she made for her father. This experience has left her wary of the potential consequences of selflessness.
10. Sakura Ogami (Danganronpa)
Sakura Oogami is a character in the series Danganronpa, known for her role as the Ultimate Martial Artist in Class 78 of Hope’s Peak Academy.
She’s a highly skilled martial artist and wrestler, boasting an impressive record of 400 wins in international competitions, a feat yet to be surpassed.
Despite being a girl, Sakura’s rugged and masculine appearance often leads others to forget her gender when interacting with her.
11. Futaba Sakura (Persona 5)
Futaba Sakura serves as the Navigator for the Phantom Thieves in Persona 5.
Unlike the rest of the Phantom Thieves, she is a hikikomori, meaning she rarely leaves her house and doesn’t attend school.
12. Sakura Yamauchi (I Want to Eat Your Pancreas)
Sakura Yamauchi, from the series “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas,” is the only friend of Haruki Shiga, one of the main characters in this anime film.
She is a high school student known for her positive personality and is well-liked by those around her. However, Sakura carries a significant secret: she has a terminal pancreatic disease and has been given only a few months left to live.
13. Mai Sakurajima (Rascal Don’t Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)
Mai Sakurajima, the main character of the series “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai,” is an actress and model who attends Minegahara High School.
She appears as a serious, intelligent, strong-willed, and polite girl anime character. While Mai may seem easily annoyed and display a fierce demeanor when Sakuta teases her or behaves inappropriately, she also demonstrates a caring side beneath her tough exterior.
14. Sakura Kouno (Horimiya)
As the vice president of the student council, Sakura Kouno is known for her readiness to assist others. She tends to be quiet and diligently fulfills her duties in this role.
However, Sakura is a shy girl who often hesitates to express herself openly, fearing that her words might unintentionally hurt others.
She also struggles with insecurities about her physical appearance, feeling undesired, and grappling with low self-esteem. This anime character harbors doubts about the possibility of someone like Ishikawa being interested in her.
15. Airi Sakura (Classroom of Elite)
Sakura Airi from “Classroom of the Elite” is the stunning girl with glasses in Class 1-D.
Despite her beauty, she keeps to herself and rarely interacts with her classmates. Many don’t know that she used to be a gravure idol, and she wears glasses to conceal her identity and avoid drawing attention to her past career.
Additionally, Sakura Airi harbors feelings for Ayanokoji, as he once rescued her from a frightening stalker. Despite feeling abandoned by him later on, she doesn’t hold any resentment towards him.
Out of all the Sakuras listed, do you have a favorite?
