Kaya

Daughter of the Emishi village and Ashitaka's betrothed

A girl living in the Emishi village and the betrothed of protagonist Ashitaka. In the village, she respectfully calls older boys 'Brother' and adores Ashitaka. She broke the village taboo to attend his send-off.

Quotes

  • Brother, please be careful.
  • This dagger is the proof of my heart.

Trivia

  • Kaya is one of the few village girls who broke village precepts to see Ashitaka off on his journey.
  • The dagger she gifted as betrothed is made of obsidian, symbolizing Emishi culture.
  • Kaya respects Ashitaka like an older brother and calls him 'Brother', though they are not blood-related.

Alternate names

Betrothed Kaya Emishi Princess

Tags

Princess Mononoke Studio Ghibli Emishi Village Hayao Miyazaki Ashitaka Betrothed Japanese-style Fantasy Forest and Humans Traditional Culture Sengoku Era

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
Dressed in traditional mountain village attire, possessing a simple and pure beauty nurtured by nature.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Iconic items
  • Obsidian dagger (given to Ashitaka as proof of betrothal)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Loyalty
Detailed personality
Harbors deep affection for the village and Ashitaka, devoted yet concealing a strong will. A courageous personality willing to break taboos to support him.
Keywords
  • Pure
  • Devoted
  • Strong
  • Sincere
  • Loyal
Talents
  • Affection that understands and upholds village precepts
  • Sense of responsibility as betrothed
Skills
  • Household skills in daily life
Motivation
Worries about Ashitaka's life and continues to care for his well-being. Preserves village traditions while cherishing her bond with him.

History

Backstory
Raised in the Emishi village located between the east and north, in a relationship equivalent to officially recognized betrothed with village youth Ashitaka. Village precepts forbade unmarried women from going far to attend a send-off, but Kaya broke it to see Ashitaka off on his journey.
Debut date
July 12, 1997
Work title
Princess Mononoke
Media type
Movie

Ashitaka's Departure

Significant event
Ashitaka's Departure
Description
Despite breaking village precepts, sees Ashitaka off on his journey and gifts him the obsidian dagger.

Nago's Guardian Attack

Significant event
Nago's Guardian Attack
Description
Saved by Ashitaka when Nago's Guardian, transformed into the God of Pestilence, attacks the village.

Relationships

Ashitaka

Betrothed

The youth she has long harbored feelings for as her betrothed.

Emishi Village

Emishi Village: unknown

Media appearances

Princess Mononoke

Movie / Protagonist

Theatrical release on July 12, 1997

Voice cast and creators

Tara Strong

Voice actor
Tara Strong
Language
Japanese
Version or series
English Dub

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Masashi Ando

Creator name
Masashi Ando
Role
Character designer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Kaya's Obsidian Dagger Replica

Item name
Kaya's Obsidian Dagger Replica
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular