Kanan Matsuura, a third-year Uranohoshi Girls’ High School student residing on Awashima Island, balances academic life with managing her grandfather’s diving shop following his injury. Her childhood friendships with Chika Takami, Dia Kurosawa, and Mari Ohara led to forming the school idol group Aqours in their first year. The group disbanded when Kanan fabricated stage fright to persuade Mari to pursue studies abroad, concealing her sacrifice until Mari’s return strains their bond, later mended in Season 1.

Exuding calm maturity and athleticism, Kanan spearheads Aqours’ choreography, prioritizing rigorous physical training. Her stoic yet nurturing nature surfaces in warm embraces and the recurring phrase “Hagu shiyo” (“Let’s hug”), contrasting with concealed fears of heights and eerie noises. Academic challenges from shop duties offset her practical savvy in mentoring peers and business management.

Post-graduation in *Over the Rainbow*, Kanan journeys to Italy with Dia and Mari, evading Mari’s arranged marriage by disappearing temporarily—a testament to loyalty against familial expectations. Reuniting with Aqours in Venice, she aids in reconciling Mari with her mother, culminating in a Rome performance solidifying their unity. Returning to Japan, Kanan supports Aqours’ final concert but exits mid-show, marking her passage into adulthood. A post-credits scene implies her lasting impact as new idols inherit the Aqours legacy.

Her passion for astronomy and diving mirrors her coastal roots, drawing inspiration from Uchiura’s seascapes—themes woven into Aqours’ costumes and lyrics. Kanan’s evolution from self-sacrifice to harmonizing personal values with collective aims cements her role in uniting the group, underscoring resilience and camaraderie.