Kyōko Inaba

• Birthday: December 9, 1985
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Blood Type: A
• Height: 146 cm
• Weight: 36 kg

Kyōko Inaba is easily recognized by her bright orange twin-tails, tied with red hairbands. She boasts a tall, slim figure (by her own claim) and is considered very attractive. However, she is self-conscious about her flat chest, often teased by her friend Miki Hosokawa for it. Even as an adult, this insecurity remains part of her character.

Kyōko is kind-hearted, responsible, and caring, but she is also strong-willed and has a tendency toward violent reactions—usually out of a sense of justice or embarrassment. She aims to follow rules and maintain good manners, but her moral compass is not rigid; she sometimes acts outside the rules if she believes it’s right. Her impulsiveness and one-track mind often lead her to misjudge situations, sometimes worsening them.

Kyōko's understanding of others’ feelings can be limited, and she sometimes tries to impose what she thinks is best for others, causing unintended trouble. She is energetic, often dragging her friends into nightly adventures or various escapades.

Kyōko’s roots in the story predate other main classmates, as she knew Meisuke Nueno before he became a teacher at her school. As a child, she suffered from fox possession, and Meisuke Nueno was the one who cured her, creating a deep trust between them.

She originally dreamed of becoming a cabin attendant and even pursued language studies at university. However, inspired by Meisuke Nueno’s dedication to teaching and to children, she ultimately decided on a teaching career.

Kyōko possesses surprising physical abilities—she can easily do 100 push-ups, is a fast runner, and has considerable strength, according to Hiroshi Tateno. Her skills in crafts and cooking are, however, notoriously poor, as she is extremely clumsy with her hands. Despite this, she’s good at science and excels in athletic activities, except for swimming, where she is the only student in her class who cannot swim.

She is also adept with computers, able to set them up and touch type proficiently.

Another distinctive ability is her spiritual sensitivity. Kyōko has a powerful guardian spirit, a fierce samurai warrior from the Warring States period. This guardian influences her rowdy temperament. She also once had her guardian replaced with the vengeful spirit "Senki-hime," which dramatically altered her personality.

• Hiroshi Tateno: Kyōko’s boyfriend and classmate. Their relationship is openly acknowledged by their classmates and continues into adulthood.
• Miki Hosokawa: Kyōko’s closest friend, often the source of playful teasing but also support.
• Meisuke Nueno: Her former teacher with whom she shares a special bond, rooted in a childhood rescue from a supernatural incident. Kyōko deeply trusts and looks up to him as a role model.
• Kyōsuke Tamamo: Upon discovering Tamamo's true nature, Kyōko is notably strict with him, despite his good looks, due to his past actions.

School Life and Early Encounters

Kyōko is a central figure in her class, frequently at the heart of supernatural incidents and adventures. Her first major link to Meisuke Nueno dates to her childhood, when she was freed from a fox spirit’s possession.

Supernatural Troubles and Growth

With her sharp spiritual sense, Kyōko is often cast in a starring role when the class encounters ghosts and spirits. This makes her prone to accidents and injuries, but also brings out her steadfast courage. One notable episode involves her samurai guardian spirit being replaced by the murderous Senki-hime, causing a dramatic shift in her personality and putting her life at risk.

Student to Teacher – "Jigoku Sensei Nube NEO"

In "Jigoku Sensei Nube NEO," Kyōko returns to her alma mater, now as a teacher. She works alongside Meisuke Nueno to solve new cases involving evil spirits and monsters—showing that her reckless, impulsive side is still intact, sometimes placing herself in danger and relying on her friends’ help.

Her romantic relationship with Hiroshi Tateno is challenged as Hiroshi becomes an overseas soccer player, his celebrity lifestyle and press attention straining their bond. A turning point comes when Hiroshi returns home, significantly affecting their relationship’s future.

Kyōko decided to become a teacher after being inspired by Meisuke Nueno’s sincere devotion to students. After an epic battle with a demonic entity, she resigns from teaching to join Hiroshi in Italy for their marriage. As a result, she does not appear in the subsequent "Nube S" story.

• Kyōko’s hairstyle and some mannerisms are often compared to Usagi Tsukino from "Sailor Moon," leading to various in-series jokes and references.
• Her name was inspired by Kyoko Yoshizawa from "Dokonjo Gaeru," and her family name was taken from a classmate of the manga’s illustrator.

• Kyōko has a lasting impact on fans due to her bright spirit, unwavering loyalty, and relatable flaws.
• Her journey from a clumsy but determined student to a caring teacher illustrates her growth and the positive influence of Meisuke Nueno.

"I want to be strong enough to protect my friends, no matter what happens."

"My dreams may change, but my heart stays the same."