Sakura Kyoko is one of the most talented magical girls to appear in the story. When she first appears, she is a character who often clashes with Sayaka and the others, but she gradually becomes more friendly with them and eventually becomes an ally, becoming one of the reliable magical girls. Although she doesn't seem to be very popular at first, let's take a look at the charms of Kyoko, who has become more popular as the story progresses.
Kyoko is an assassin from the neighboring town
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
With Mami's unexpected death in Episode 3, Mitakihara City was left without a magical girl to protect it. Kyubey quickly summoned Kyoko from the neighboring city of Kazamino. She has a tomboyish tone and a belligerent personality, and uses her magical girl powers not to help others but to fulfill her own desires, a selfish way of thinking that doesn't matter if others have to be sacrificed for that. Because of this, they have a difficult relationship, calling Sayaka, who became a magical girl for others and fights for them, a spoiled brat and challenging her to a fight.
Kyoko's Appearance
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
She has long red hair tied in a ponytail. Her distinctive double tooth is visible, and she has a mischievous personality that matches her appearance. She also loves sweets, and is always eating them. She often shares them with people she trusts and wants to help her. All of the food she obtains is obtained through illegal means, and there is no depiction of her attending school, so she lives a wandering life as a magical girl.
Kyoko as a Magical Girl
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Dressed in a red outfit, this magical girl fights with a long, multi-jointed spear, perfect for close-combat combat, and is extremely fast. The handle of her spear is attached with a chain, allowing it to be used in a variety of ways, such as whipping enemies or restraining them. She can also use magic to create barriers to prevent others from entering or leaving. Her original magic is "illusion," which allows her to show hallucinations to enemies and create clones of herself, but due to an incident in her past, she no longer uses these spells and instead fights using only her spear techniques.
Kyoko's Past
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Kyoko's father was a clergyman for the Society, and she, her mother, and her sister lived happily together. At this time, Kyoko was living freely as a magical girl, but she also had a tragic past.
My Father's Change
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Her father began preaching common sense teachings that deviated from his original teachings, saying, "A new era requires new teachings." However, the public began to view his teachings as a suspicious new cult, and his followers quickly dwindled. Excommunicated from the church, the family is forced to live a life of hardship, even struggling to find food.
Kyoko's Decision
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Kyoko is deeply saddened to see her father abandoned by everyone. Kyoko, believing that her father had said nothing wrong, met Kyubey and made a wish to "make everyone listen to her father," becoming a magical girl. Kyoko's wish was granted, and the number of her father's followers skyrocketed. Believing that her father would protect the world from the outside, and she, as a magical girl, would protect it from the inside, Kyoko became passionate and devoted herself to defeating witches. At this time, she made full use of magic such as creating clones in her battles. In addition, in the spin-off work, it is depicted that she met Mami and they became her teacher and student.
Father's Despair
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
However, one day, her father discovers the secret behind her increasing number of followers. He reveals that her teachings aren't being recognized, but that her magic is the reason they've gained followers. Her father insults Kyoko, calling her a "witch who misleads people's minds," and loses confidence in his own teachings. Shocked, her father became addicted to alcohol and became depraved, eventually committing a double suicide with the other three family members, leaving Kyoko behind.
Kyoko's World Turned Upside Down
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Kyoko regrets that her wish for "other people's happiness" has ultimately brought about misfortune. Instead of despairing, she resolves to use her magical powers only for herself from now on. Also, after this incident, he no longer uses illusion magic in battle (or more accurately, becomes unable to use it), and instead fights solely with his spear, martial arts, and the magic he learns later.
Kyoko's True Feelings
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Kyoko resolved to live her life as she pleased, without using magic for the sake of others. However, deep down, she hated that lifestyle and hated herself for acting like a villain. To relieve stress, she constantly ate sweets. Furthermore, Sayaka, who has become a magical girl who, like her former self, cares for the happiness of others, overlaps with her past self, and although she views Sayaka as her enemy in the story, deep down she remembers how she once fought for justice.
Kyoko's Final Moments
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Kyoko witnesses Sayaka, who has grown concerned and wants to save her somehow, fall into despair and turn into a witch. Hoping to somehow return her to normal, she enlists the help of her best friend Madoka to challenge Octavia von Zeckendorf (Sayaka's witch form). While Kyoko distracts Octavia, she asks Madoka to call out to her and remind her of Sayaka. However, Octavia does not respond, and her plan fails. Deeply wounded, Kyoko musters the last of her strength to pull out a giant spear and charge at Madoka, disappearing along with Octavia.
An Unexpected Side of Kyoko
Caring
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Perhaps because she once had a younger sister, she is very caring and had previously been hostile towards Sayaka. However, when she learns that Sayaka has become deeply depressed after learning the truth about magical girls, she confides in her about her past and advises her to be open-minded like herself and live life the way she wants. She also runs around desperately to the very end, trying to save Sayaka as she gradually falls into despair. Even after Sayaka turns into a witch, she searches for a way to turn her back, demonstrating her genuine compassion.
Meticulous Tactics
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
Although Kyoko is quick to get quarrelsome and heated up, she fights magical girls with a calm and tactical approach. Even in her battle with Sayaka, she attacks from out of range, and when Homura interrupts, she retreats easily when she can't read her opponent's moves, demonstrating her excellent judgment. She's a veteran and a magical girl who was taught by Mami.
Kyoko is a big sister-like magical girl
Source: Puella Magi Madoka Magica ©Magica Quartet/Aniplex・Magia Record Partners
When Kyoko first appears, she's very aggressive and openly hostile towards Sayaka and her friends. However, she later becomes a standout figure, caring for Sayaka, offering her advice as a senior magical girl, and even demonstrating combat abilities on par with Mami. While she may seem selfish, she's actually a typical magical girl, yearning to be a heroine of justice, believing in miracles, and wanting to do something for others. Kyoko, who hides these feelings and always lives strong, is truly cool. If Mami is everyone's big sister, then Kyoko is truly the big sister figure.
