Himeko Kurusugawa is the Solar Priestess, destined to fight the ancient deity Orochi alongside her counterpart, the Lunar Priestess Chikane Himemiya. Her background begins in tragedy; orphaned young under mysterious circumstances after her parents' deaths, she endured unstable placements with various relatives. Some subjected her to abuse, leaving lasting emotional trauma and heightened sensitivity, particularly to her hair being touched. These experiences shaped her initially timid and self-doubting personality, characterized by frequent apologies and prioritizing others' needs above her own.

Physically, Himeko is distinguished by her waist-length honey-blonde hair, usually tied with a red ribbon, and violet eyes. She bears the solar emblem prominently on her chest, which can resemble a bruise or hickey. Her attire often includes a crimson school dress with black stockings and brown boots, or the traditional red-and-white hakama of the Solar Priestess. Later, she wears Chikane's lunar hakama during their confrontation.

Himeko's personality undergoes significant evolution. Initially portrayed as a shrinking violet with profound self-esteem issues, she questions why the admired Chikane would notice an "ordinary girl" like her. She maintains a small social circle, with her roommate Makoto Saotome as her primary early confidant. As external threats from Orochi's disciples intensify, Himeko gradually develops resolve and courage. This transformation culminates in her acceptance of her priestess role and her fully realized romantic feelings for Chikane.

Her relationships drive her development. She shares a profound, star-crossed bond with Chikane, long unaware of Chikane's unrequited love. Their connection is complicated by a love triangle involving Sōma Ōgami, Himeko's childhood friend for whom she harbors initial romantic interest. This fuels Chikane's jealousy, leading to a pivotal, traumatic incident where Chikane sexually assaults her. Despite this violation and Chikane's subsequent apparent betrayal by joining Orochi, Himeko's loyalty remains unwavering. She instinctively believes Chikane's actions conceal a deeper purpose, refusing to abandon hope for her redemption.

Himeko's abilities derive from her role as the Solar Priestess. She reincarnates across lifetimes, consistently appearing alongside Chikane to renew their battle against Orochi. In her current incarnation, she awakens her powers on her 16th birthday, gaining the capacity to pilot the divine mecha Ame no Murakumo, often alongside Sōma or Chikane. Her combat skills include wielding a sword, notably during her climactic confrontation with Chikane.

Key events define her arc. Moving into Chikane's mansion after her school dormitories are destroyed, she faces resentment from Chikane's peers, worsening her insecurities. The assault by Chikane and subsequent betrayal catalyze her emotional fortitude. In the finale, Chikane's true sacrificial motive to spare Himeko is revealed, forcing Himeko to kill Chikane in a heart-wrenching act of love. This deepens her resilience, though she briefly considers suicide afterward, prevented only by Chikane's dying intervention.

Reincarnation themes resolve her story across media. In the manga continuity, she and Chikane are reborn as twins, while the anime concludes with Chikane reincarnating into the same timeline as a stranger. Both versions emphasize their inevitable reunion, breaking the cyclical tragedy of their past lives. Himeko's final promise to wait for Chikane's return underscores her enduring devotion, and her later appearances confirm their renewed connection free from Orochi's influence.