My Dress-Up Darling — Characters

Wakana Gojo is the protagonist of My Dress-Up Darling, a quiet and earnest high school student training to become a hina-doll craftsman like his grandfather. Reserved and easily flustered, Wakana has hidden his sewing talents for years after being teased as a child for his unusual hobby. His meeting with Marin Kitagawa transforms his life, drawing him out of isolation and giving his meticulous craftsmanship a new purpose. Wakana's character arc centers on gaining confidence, embracing his passions openly, and learning to value himself through the genuine acceptance and affection of others.

Marin Kitagawa is the female lead of My Dress-Up Darling, a popular, fashionable, and outgoing student who is also a devoted otaku with a deep love of anime, manga, and games. Cheerful and unfailingly genuine, Marin treats everyone with warmth and never judges others for their interests. Her dream of cosplaying her favorite characters leads her to ask Wakana for help, sparking the central relationship of the series. Marin's openness and enthusiasm draw Wakana out of his shell, and her own arc explores vulnerability, sincerity, and the courage to share her true self.

Sajuna Inui, known in the cosplay community by her handle Juju, is an experienced and admired cosplayer who befriends Marin and Wakana. Despite her small, youthful appearance, she is older than the two leads and approaches cosplay with seriousness and pride. Sajuna can be sharp-tongued and competitive, yet she is deeply caring beneath her prickly exterior, especially toward her younger sister Shinju. Her arc explores self-acceptance, the meaning she finds in her craft, and the friendships she forms with Marin and Wakana.

Shinju Inui is Sajuna's younger sister and the photographer who captures her cosplay shoots. Tall, gentle, and soft-spoken, Shinju is the opposite of her older yet smaller sister in appearance and temperament. She is devoted to supporting Sajuna's passion and puts genuine effort into making each photograph as beautiful as possible. Through her friendship with Marin and Wakana, the kind-hearted Shinju gains confidence and finds her own place within the group, highlighting the often-overlooked role of the photographer in cosplay.

Kaoru Gojo is Wakana's grandfather and the master hina-doll craftsman who raised him. A patient and skilled artisan, Kaoru is the source of Wakana's dream to inherit the family craft and the person who taught him the delicate techniques of doll-making. Quietly supportive, he respects his grandson's dedication and gently encourages his growth, both as a craftsman and as a young man. His presence grounds the series in the tradition of artisanship that underpins Wakana's character and ambitions.