Name
“Kairi” means “separation” or more commonly “disassociation” in Japanese. This may or may not have been a move made by Squaresoft on purpose. First of all, the definition(s) of “separation” from my computer dictionary is:sep•a•ra•tion (n.) the action or state of moving or being moved apart; the division of something into constituent or distinct elements.Dissociate has a similar meaning, to disconnect or separate, and therefore the main idea is the same. Now, I am going to do some major speculation, so please do not take any of this as fact. I am only making connections from her name meaning to the storyline and her character. Kairi coming to Destiny Islands is the only reason that Riku started thinking about other worlds than their own, which eventually led to the three of them planning on sailing together to see those worlds. The three were then separated shortly after, so it could be argued that Kairi foreshadowed their ultimate separation. I also believe that Kairi caused a small separation between Sora and Riku. The two boys were best friends, and then some strange girl comes from somewhere else. A group of three already tends not to be as well off due to an uneven amount of people, but I am sure Riku had some feelings of jealousy after she arrived. Sora and Kairi had that secret spot together, so the two probably did thing alone without Riku, and after having Sora to himself as a best friend previously, it was probably hard on him to make the adjustment. He probably felt like he could not keep up with Kairi, as Sora had a different set of feelings for her than he did for Riku, and he knew he could not change it. There may have been jealousy in the sense that Kairi was the only girl in the group and Riku might have had some feelings for her as well that he had to repress for Sora’s sake. Though the three are best friends in the end, Kairi almost definitely acts as at least a small wedge between the two.
There is also the theory of the trio of land, ocean and sky for the trinity of friends. “Sora” is Japanese for sky as “Riku” is for land and “Kairi” is made up from the Kanji for ocean. The three do not really have connections with the three domains, so I am not sure if any conclusions can be drawn from that other than maybe Sora, Riku and Kairi all have pretty different personalities that could be associated with the differences between sky, land and ocean. Kairi is often shown by the ocean’s edge in Kingdom Hearts II waiting for Sora’s return. The three domains could possibly symbolize barriers between the three friends that each one cannot cross. They meet at certain points, but they do not mix. Again, this would reinforce the “separation” idea. Land, sky and ocean make up the world and it is necessary for all three to exist, so it could symbolize the three friends all need each other for support but ultimately have to stand on their own. Lastly, there is also some talk that “Kairi” may come from “hikari”, which is Japanese for “light”. This would not be too far of a stretch, since she is a Princess of Heart after all. Kairi is associated with being “pure” in the sense of being good, and the power of light is right up that alley. Naminé disguises herself as Kairi to be Riku’s “light” from the darkness and Sora probably considers Kairi the light in his heart as well. She just has a serene air about her, and the element of light would fit her perfectly out of all the elementals.
And just because I can, this name analysis is from Kabalarians.com. Things italicized are traits that I believe suit her well.
“Although the name Kairi creates the urge to be creative and original, we point out that is causes frustration through a scattered and emotional nature. This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the liver, bloodstream, and in tension or accidents to the head.
“Your first name of Kairi has made you a friendly, approachable, and generous person. Generally you are good-natured, though at times you can be blunt and sarcastic. As you are naturally talkative, you find it easy to meet and make friends with many people. This name inclines you to be sympathetic and generous to those in difficult or unfortunate circumstances. You can be firm, positive, and independent in your own ideas and in reaching your own decisions, yet when it comes to taking action or following things through to completion, you often need encouragement. You respond quickly to kind words or any appreciation shown you. There are artistic, creative abilities in this name that you could express through music or singing, or, in a practical way, through sewing or interior decorating.”
As usual, some parts of the analysis work well for her character, and others not so much. Kairi is definitely a good-natured person who cares about the people around her. She also seems to be able to talk and make friends with others easily as displayed in Kingdom Hearts II when she arrives in Twilight Town and hits it off with Hayner, Olette and Pence. The only thing that I strongly disagree with is that she needs encouragement to get things done, because Kairi will do what she thinks is best as soon as she sees fit. If something is important to her or she knows it needs to be done, she will do it without hesitation.
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