Kirisame Marisa

Overview

Kirisame Marisa is a primary protagonist of the Touhou Project series alongside Hakurei Reimu. Residing in the Forest of Magic, this human magician operates a handyman business named Kirisame Magic Shop. Serving as a grounded, relatable perspective for the player, she appears as a playable character in nearly every title. Using magical reagents brewed from mushrooms, she channels exceptionally destructive, high-powered spells.

Appearance

Marisa has long blonde hair with a single side braid tied with a hair bow, paired with either yellow or red eyes. She wears a broad-rimmed black witch hat decorated with a bow, beneath which a frilled nightcap is layered. Her outfit consists of a dark vest and matching skirt over a white shirt, accented by a white waist apron, long drawers, and footwear such as black mary janes or boots.

Personality

Marisa has a straight-forward, highly competitive temperament. Though occasionally self-centered and prone to secrecy, she is fundamentally serious, practical, and caring. Unlike gifted allies, her mastery comes from unyielding behind-the-scenes effort and study. In investigative scenarios, she exhibits a sharp intellect, carefully assessing facts over brute force.

Abilities

Marisa possesses the ability to use magic, specializing in high-powered, visually spectacular destructive spells. She brews magical reagents from forest mushrooms to fuel her attacks, utilizing tools such as a mini-hakkero and a flying broom. Though possessing an innate water affinity, she manifests high-heat techniques, controls water, and reconstructs learned bullet patterns into her own unique arsenal.

Background

Born to a prominent antique shop owner in the Human Village, Marisa eventually parted ways with her family on rocky terms. Since childhood, she maintained a close bond with Morichika Rinnosuke, whose lifestyle and star magic deeply inspired her. After leaving home, she established her shop and research base deep inside the uninhabited Forest of Magic.

Relationships

She shares a close friendship with Hakurei Reimu, frequently visiting the Hakurei Shrine. She maintains a long-standing trust with Morichika Rinnosuke, whom she has known since childhood. Her ties with magical neighbors like Alice Margatroid and Patchouli Knowledge are marked by casual interactions, despite her habit of taking their books and magical items.

Trivia

Marisa is a notorious hoarder who claims she only borrows items until the end of her natural human lifespan. Her famous giant laser spell was directly inspired by a powerful opponent she encountered in the past. She is notoriously vulnerable to cold weather, wearing thick clothing during winter which temporarily hinders her mobility in combat.