Natori
Natori is a shipgirl from Kantai Collection, modeled after the third light cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Nagara class. Illustrated by Kuuro Kuro, she forms part of the early Nagara-class trio alongside Nagara and Isuzu. Although she possesses a timid and self-effacing personality, her remodeled state grants her exceptional offensive capability with firepower and torpedo stats rivalling heavy cruisers. Despite her modesty, she works faithfully behind the scenes to support her fleet.
Overview
Natori is a shipgirl from Kantai Collection, modeled after the third light cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Nagara class. Illustrated by Kuuro Kuro, she forms part of the early Nagara-class trio alongside Nagara and Isuzu. Although she possesses a timid and self-effacing personality, her remodeled state grants her exceptional offensive capability with firepower and torpedo stats rivalling heavy cruisers. Despite her modesty, she works faithfully behind the scenes to support her fleet.
Appearance
Natori features short brown bobbed hair paired with a white headband, and brown eyes. Her default outfit consists of a shoulder-exposing white sailor shirt with a brown collar, brown neckerchief, tassel ornament, red pleated mini-skirt, white thigh-high socks, and brown shoes. She has a notably large bust compared to her elder sisters and wears white lace underwear. In her damaged state, her eyes lose their light. Her rigging includes back-mounted triple funnels holding four single 14cm gun mounts on articulated arms, quad torpedo tubes, a 25mm anti-aircraft gun on her right sleeve, and a handheld rifle stock integrating a single 14cm gun and a twin high-angle gun. Her autumn yukata is greyish-yellow-green with black stripes and purple morning glories fading into indigo at the hem, tied with a golden pampas grass sash, a white cord with a blue glass bead, clogs with gold straps, and a chrysanthemum anklet. She holds a bag with goldfish and a checkered fan. When damaged in her yukata, the front of her handheld weapon converts into an aircraft catapult track.
Personality
Natori is gentle, timid, and highly introverted, suffering from a severe lack of self-confidence. The thought of real battle frightens her, and taking damage in combat often causes her to become tearful and panicky. Out of shyness, she tends to keep her distance from the Admiral, frequently slipping away after brief interactions. Nevertheless, she is a diligent worker who secretly trains hard so as not to drag down her teammates. Remarkably, she displays an unusual spark of confidence and enthusiasm specifically for night battles. She also shows a somewhat airheaded streak, interpreting physical touches as motivational encouragement.
Abilities
Upon initial remodeling, Natori attains firepower and torpedo parameters equivalent to heavy cruisers or higher-tier light cruisers, making her an early-blooming combat asset. Her back-mounted rigging carries triple funnels driving four 14cm single guns on articulated arms, quad torpedo tubes, and a sleeve-mounted 25mm anti-aircraft gun. Her unique rifle-style handheld weapon combines a 14cm single gun and high-angle artillery, while its forward section can open to serve as a launch catapult for reconnaissance aircraft.
Background
Her historical predecessor was built as the third ship of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Nagara-class light cruisers. Prior to and in the early stages of World War II, she served as the flagship for multiple torpedo squadrons, leading various destroyer divisions in patrol and escort duties. Reassigned to transport and supply missions in her later service, she achieved few dramatic battle victories but served as a steadfast support vessel upholding naval logistics.
Relationships
Natori belongs to the Nagara class alongside her sisters Nagara, Isuzu, Yura, Kinu, and Abukuma, sharing a artist and uniform design with Nagara and Isuzu. During her time as flagship of the Fifth Torpedo Squadron, she commanded Kamikaze-class destroyers including Harukaze and Asakaze, as well as the 22nd Destroyer Division containing Satsuki and Fumizuki. While her extreme shyness causes her to retreat from the Admiral, she genuinely appreciates their guidance and expresses warm gratitude when encouraged.
Trivia
Mystery author Reichiro Fukami famously declared Natori his favorite character in a newspaper column and subsequently published a fan-fiction detective novel starring her. Her historical ship shrine was derived from Aoba Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture. In June 2024, her name was resurrected for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with the launch of the Mogami-class frigate JS Natori (FFM-9) at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard.
