Kagami Atsuko, affectionately nicknamed Akko, begins as an elementary schoolgirl deeply attached to a cherished mirror gifted by a parent. When this mirror breaks, she chooses to bury it respectfully instead of discarding it. This act summons a mirror spirit, sometimes called the Queen of the Mirror Kingdom, who rewards Akko with a magical compact mirror granting transformation powers. She activates the magic with the chant "tekumaku mayakon, tekumaku mayakon" to transform and "lamipus lamipus lu lu lu lu lu" or "ramipus ramipus rurururu" to return to her original form. Akko sports a distinctive hairstyle featuring pigtails combined with a large, fluffy bouffant crown, often adorned with a headband and ribbons. Her hair color shifts across adaptations: black on original manga covers, medium brown in the 1969 and 1998 anime, and deep purple in the 1988 version. Her attire also evolves: a white blouse with red vest and skirt (1969), a red "A" jacket with yellow skirt (1988), and a similar jacket with pink skirt (1998). When untied, her hair is typically straight and waist-length. Her character design was reused for Totoko in *Osomatsu-kun*, though they remain distinct characters. Her personality adapts to reflect changing ideals of a "modern heroine." Early portrayals (1962 manga, 1969 anime) depict her as bright, innocent, somewhat mischievous, fundamentally kind-hearted, academically capable, and sentimental. Later adaptations (1988, 1998 anime) reimagine her as more energetic, reckless, and tomboyish. Core traits persisting across all eras include cheerfulness, a strong sense of justice, and a readiness to use her powers for problem-solving or playful pranks. She shares a close, protective bond with friends, especially best friend Moko, and frequently confronts bullies like Taisho. Her magic use, however, sometimes leads to unintended consequences, such as transforming a classmate into a beauty who becomes unrecognizable to her own family. Key relationships shape her life. She lives with her mother, Kyoko Kagami, whose occupation varies from housewife to picture-book artist, and her father, Kenichiro Kagami, initially an absent ship captain but later depicted as a present newscaster. Her best friend Moko displays a "big sister instinct" towards her younger brother Kankichi, whom Akko treats like a sibling, alternating between gentleness and discipline, while also interacting with his friend Ganmo. Neighborhood bully Taisho serves as a frequent rival; though abrasive, he harbors a secret crush on Akko and shows a softer side to his toddler brother Shosho. Other figures include her homeroom teacher Sato-sensei and English teacher Moriyama-sensei, whom Akko occasionally impersonates, causing confusion. Her cat, Shippona, introduced in the first anime, adds domestic presence. The mechanics and stakes of her magic shift. Early versions featured a larger hand mirror, later replaced by a compact for merchandising. A recurring rule mandates secrecy: discovery risks losing her reflection or the mirror's magic. In the 1969 anime's finale, she expends the mirror's power entirely to save her father's ship during a storm. Later adaptations introduce loopholes, like the 1988 version where power is restored after temporary loss. The 2012 live-action film expands her story: as a 22-year-old, she uses transformations to infiltrate a cosmetics company, aiding executive Naoto Hayase amidst corporate sabotage and a romantic subplot, forcing a choice between maintaining her adult facade or reverting to her true self. Her legacy includes the 2016 web manga *Himitsu no Akko-chan μ*, reimagining her as a junior high student. Across all media, her core arc remains a girl balancing ordinary life with extraordinary power, learning lessons about empathy and consequence through her magical experiences.