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List Of Cardcaptor Sakura Characters

9 min read 1 views Updated December 20, 2025 5.0/10

Cardcaptor Sakura Characters

Introduction

Cardcaptor Sakura is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Clamp. The series follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who discovers a book of magical cards and must use her wits and abilities to capture them. The series features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, skills, and motivations.

Characters

The following is a list of main and recurring characters in the Cardcaptor Sakura series:

  • Sakura Kinomoto
  • Keroberos (Kero)
  • Towa Oobayashi
  • Nanami Momochi
  • Tomoyo Daidouji
  • Mai Kujou
  • Salem Saberlin
  • Shizuka Mao

Main Characters

The main characters in the series are:

  • Sakura Kinomoto
    • Sakura is the protagonist of the series. She discovers a book of magical cards and must use her wits and abilities to capture them.
    • She is kind, gentle, and caring, but also determined and fiercely independent.
  • Keroberos (Kero)
    • Kero is a small, cat-like creature who serves as Sakura's partner and guide in capturing the magical cards.
    • He is wise, resourceful, and knowledgeable about the magical world.
  • Towa Oobayashi
    • Towa is a rival of Sakura's who also seeks to capture the magical cards. He is arrogant, confident, and ruthless.
    • He is also highly skilled in magic and strategy.
  • Nanami Momochi
    • Nanami is a skilled warrior and magician who serves as Sakura's ally. She is strong, confident, and kind.
    • She is also a close friend of Tomoyo Daidouji.
  • Tomoyo Daidouji
    • Tomoyo is Sakura's best friend. She is intelligent, resourceful, and kind-hearted.
    • She provides support and encouragement to Sakura throughout the series.
  • Mai Kujou
    • Mai is a skilled magician who serves as Sakura's ally. She is elegant, sophisticated, and kind-hearted.
    • She is also highly skilled in magic and strategy.
  • Salem Saberlin
    • Salem is a powerful sorcerer who serves as the main antagonist of the series. He is ruthless, cunning, and manipulative.
    • He seeks to capture the magical cards for his own purposes.
  • Shizuka Mao
    • Shizuka is a mysterious figure who appears throughout the series. She is kind, gentle, and wise.
    • Her true intentions are unclear, but she seems to be working towards a greater good.

History/Background

The Cardcaptor Sakura manga was first published in 1996 by Shogakukan. The series was written and illustrated by Clamp, a group of four women who are known for their work on several other manga series, including X/1999 and Chobits.

Publication History

The Cardcaptor Sakura manga was published in the Japanese magazine Nakayoshi from 1996 to 2000. The series consisted of 13 volumes and over 130 chapters.

The series was later adapted into an anime television series, which aired in Japan from 1998 to 2000. The anime series consisted of 70 episodes and was produced by Madhouse.

Impact and Reception

The Cardcaptor Sakura manga and anime series were highly successful in Japan and abroad. They were praised for their unique blend of magic, adventure, and romance.

The series has also been widely acclaimed for its strong female characters, particularly Sakura Kinomoto, who was seen as a role model for young girls and women.

Key Concepts

The Cardcaptor Sakura series features several key concepts that are central to the story:

Magic System

The Cardcaptor Sakura series features a complex magic system that is based on the concept of magical cards. These cards are imbued with magical energy and can be used for a variety of purposes, including combat and transformation.

The magic system in Cardcaptor Sakura is similar to other anime and manga series, such as Naruto and One Piece. However, it has its own unique twists and characteristics that set it apart from other series.

Card Types

The magical cards in Cardcaptor Sakura are divided into several types, including:

  • Cards of Light
    • Cards of Light are the most powerful type of card and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • They are often associated with magic and wonder.
  • Cards of Nature
    • Cards of Nature are connected to the natural world and can be used for healing and protection.
    • They are often associated with elements such as water, earth, and air.
  • Cards of Dreams
    • Cards of Dreams are connected to the world of dreams and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • They are often associated with emotions and the subconscious.
Card Capture

The main plot of Cardcaptor Sakura revolves around the capture of magical cards. The series follows Sakura Kinomoto as she discovers a book of magical cards and must use her wits and abilities to capture them.

The process of capturing a card is known as "card capture" and involves using magic and strategy to bind the card to one's will.

Cards

Throughout the series, several hundred magical cards are introduced. Each card has its own unique name, appearance, and abilities.

Some of the most notable cards include:

  • The Card of Clarity
    • The Card of Clarity is one of the most powerful cards in the series and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • It is often associated with clarity and understanding.
  • The Card of Nature
    • The Card of Nature is connected to the natural world and can be used for healing and protection.
    • It is often associated with elements such as water, earth, and air.
  • The Card of Dreams
    • The Card of Dreams is connected to the world of dreams and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • It is often associated with emotions and the subconscious.

Technical Details

The following are some technical details about the Cardcaptor Sakura series:

Magical Energy

Magical energy is a fundamental concept in the Cardcaptor Sakura series. It is the source of all magic and can be harnessed and manipulated by users.

Magical energy is often referred to as "mana" in the series, although this term is not consistently used throughout the manga and anime.

Card Structure

The magical cards in Cardcaptor Sakura are structured in a unique way. Each card has its own unique name, appearance, and abilities.

Cards can be classified into several types, including:

  • Cards of Light
    • Cards of Light are the most powerful type of card and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • They are often associated with magic and wonder.
  • Cards of Nature
    • Cards of Nature are connected to the natural world and can be used for healing and protection.
    • They are often associated with elements such as water, earth, and air.
  • Cards of Dreams
    • Cards of Dreams are connected to the world of dreams and can be used for a variety of purposes.
    • They are often associated with emotions and the subconscious.
Card Capture Techniques

The main plot of Cardcaptor Sakura revolves around the capture of magical cards. The series follows Sakura Kinomoto as she discovers a book of magical cards and must use her wits and abilities to capture them.

The process of capturing a card is known as "card capture" and involves using magic and strategy to bind the card to one's will.

Card Capture Methods

Sakura Kinomoto uses several methods to capture magical cards throughout the series. These methods include:

  • The Card Capture Method
    • The Card Capture Method is a technique used by Sakura to capture cards.
    • It involves using magic and strategy to bind the card to one's will.
  • The Heart of Clarity Technique
    • The Heart of Clarity Technique is a method used by Sakura to capture cards.
    • It involves using magic and strategy to bind the card to one's will, with a focus on clarity and understanding.
  • The Dream Incarnation Method
    • The Dream Incarnation Method is a technique used by Sakura to capture cards.
    • It involves using magic and strategy to bind the card to one's will, with a focus on emotions and the subconscious.

Applications/Uses

The Cardcaptor Sakura series has been widely acclaimed for its unique blend of magic, adventure, and romance. The series has several applications and uses beyond entertainment:

Education

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is often used as a teaching tool in educational settings. The series features complex themes and concepts that can be used to teach students about various subjects, including:

  • Magic Theory
    • Magical theory is a key concept in the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series explores the nature of magic and its role in the world.
  • Cultural Studies
    • Cultural studies are an important aspect of the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series features a diverse cast of characters from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Language Arts
    • Language arts are also an important part of the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series features complex writing and storytelling techniques that can be used to teach students about literature.

Medical Applications

The Cardcaptor Sakura series has been studied in medical settings for its potential applications in the treatment of various illnesses and conditions. The series features several characters who suffer from mental health disorders, including:

  • Depression
    • Depression is a common theme throughout the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series explores the experiences of characters with depression and offers insights into the condition.
  • Anxiety
    • Anxiety is also a prominent theme in the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series explores the experiences of characters with anxiety and offers insights into the condition.
  • PTSD
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another theme explored in the Cardcaptor Sakura series.
    • The series explores the experiences of characters with PTSD and offers insights into the condition.

Impact/Significance

The Cardcaptor Sakura series has had a significant impact on popular culture. The series features several key themes that are relevant to contemporary society, including:

Magic and Fantasy

Magic and fantasy are central to the Cardcaptor Sakura series. The series explores the nature of magic and its role in the world, offering insights into the power of imagination and creativity.

The series also features a diverse cast of characters from different cultural backgrounds, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusivity in popular culture.

Strong Female Characters

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is notable for its strong female characters. The series features several female protagonists who are intelligent, resourceful, and kind-hearted.

Sakura Kinomoto is a particular standout character, serving as a role model for young girls and women. She embodies many of the qualities that make a strong and effective leader, including determination, courage, and compassion.

The Cardcaptor Sakura series has had a significant influence on popular culture. The series has inspired countless works of fan art, fiction, and music, showcasing its enduring popularity and relevance.

The series has also influenced the development of other anime and manga series, including Naruto and One Piece. These series have borrowed elements from Cardcaptor Sakura, incorporating them into their own storytelling and characters.

Conclusion

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is a landmark work of anime and manga that has had a significant impact on popular culture. The series features complex themes and concepts that are relevant to contemporary society, including:

Magic and Fantasy

Magic and fantasy are central to the Cardcaptor Sakura series. The series explores the nature of magic and its role in the world, offering insights into the power of imagination and creativity.

Strong Female Characters

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is notable for its strong female characters. The series features several female protagonists who are intelligent, resourceful, and kind-hearted.

Sakura Kinomoto is a particular standout character, serving as a role model for young girls and women. She embodies many of the qualities that make a strong and effective leader, including determination, courage, and compassion.

Conclusion

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is a must-see work of anime and manga that offers insights into the power of imagination and creativity. The series features complex themes and concepts that are relevant to contemporary society, making it an important contribution to popular culture.

Recommendation

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is recommended for fans of anime and manga who enjoy magical adventures with strong female protagonists. The series offers a unique blend of magic, fantasy, and romance that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

References & Further Reading

Sources

The following sources were referenced in the creation of this article. Citations are formatted according to MLA (Modern Language Association) style.

  1. 1.
    "Cardcaptor Sakura's manga updates page on MangaUpdates." mangaUpdates.com, https://www.mangaUpdates.com/series/card-captor-sakura/2194. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
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