2026-11-14
Date A Live Character Guide: Shido, Tohka and the First Spirits
A Date A Live conversation can move from a school lunch to Spirit powers in seconds. If you are learning the names or returning after a break, start with the central relationships. This guide covers the early cast and setup, including Kotori's command role, while leaving later identity reveals and endings for the story itself.
The basic premise is laid out in Yen Press's first-volume description: Shido encounters a Spirit in a world troubled by destructive spatial quakes, and dating offers an alternative to fighting her. That unusual route to peace is the starting point for understanding the cast.
Shido Itsuka: the person connecting the cast
Shido has the ability to seal Spirit power within himself. He works with Ratatoskr, the organisation commanded by his younger adoptive sister, Kotori. The official Shido profile also describes his everyday responsibilities at home, including cooking and housework.
Those domestic details make a useful introduction to him. When you watch, pay attention to how he behaves outside a crisis. Sharing a meal and listening to someone can tell you as much about a relationship as the next confrontation.
Tohka Yatogami: Princess
Tohka is the first Spirit Shido saves. Her official profile gives her the code name Princess, names her Angel Sandalphon, and describes her cheerful nature and love of food, especially kinako bread and Shido's cooking.
Her enjoyment of ordinary experiences is a lovely detail to remember when discussing her. If a friend talks about Tohka's meals as enthusiastically as her battles, they are picking up on something the character introduction deliberately highlights.
Kotori Itsuka: sister and commander
Kotori is Shido's younger adoptive sister and Ratatoskr's commander. Her official character page associates white ribbons with her sweet little-sister manner and black ribbons with her commanding role. It lists her code name as Efreet and her Angel as Camael.
The ribbons are a handy visual cue when you are getting to know her. Her leadership also explains why Shido's encounters have an organisation behind them: Ratatoskr seeks to save Spirits through dialogue, as the same profile explains.
Origami Tobiichi: the AST connection
Origami is Shido's classmate and belongs to the anti-Spirit unit AST in the early setup. Her official introduction describes her academic and athletic ability alongside her strong attachment to Shido.
She is a useful character to follow when thinking about the conflict's different perspectives. Keep the early distinction clear: Ratatoskr pursues dialogue, while Origami's AST affiliation places her on the military side of the Spirit problem. Let the story reveal how her position develops.
Yoshino and Yoshinon: two names to remember
Yoshino is the second Spirit Shido saves, following Tohka. The official Yoshino profile contrasts her shy manner with her lively companion Yoshinon. Her code name is Hermit, and her Angel is Zadkiel.
For a quick memory aid, keep Yoshino and Yoshinon written separately in your notes. Their similar names can be confusing at first, but noticing the contrast in their personalities makes conversations much easier to follow.
Kurumi Tokisaki: Nightmare
Kurumi's code name is Nightmare, and her Angel is Zafkiel. Her official profile describes formidable time-and-space abilities, dangerous behaviour and occasions when she cooperates with Shido. It also hints at a larger purpose behind her actions.
That combination makes her worth watching closely. Instead of rushing to a complete explanation of her motives, notice what she chooses to reveal and when she offers help. Discovering the reasons yourself is part of the fun.
Keep names, code names and Angels separate
Three small habits make the terminology easier:
- Use a personal name, such as Tohka, when discussing the person.
- Match code names to characters: Princess means Tohka; Nightmare means Kurumi.
- Keep Angel names on a separate line: Sandalphon and Zafkiel are not additional cast members.
When you have found a favourite, browse acrylic stands by character and check the artwork before choosing a display piece. A small collection built around characters you enjoy is a pleasant way to keep the cast close between viewing sessions.