Hell as well as her love interest (and occasional pet peeve). Koji is Sayaka's partner in the battle against Dr.
She never questions his advice when in battle, showing a high level of trust and often berating Koji for when he doesn't listen to Prof. The whole reason she became a pilot is because she wanted to spend more time with him. Sayaka is very close with her father in spite of how much time he spends on his job. She also felt responsible from when Koji was injured in a fight with Bazuson M1 since she refused to assist him and even tried to make up for it by piloting Mazinger Z.
This happens again when Aphrodite is destroyed and Sayaka is greatly depressed to the point of hallucination. During this time, she expressed that she wanted to stop fighting because of this until Prof. Sayaka also has a vulnerable side, seen when the public turned against the Photon Lab harassing her and Koji with Sayaka's father getting hurt. She is also lonely as most people in her life are either busy or just like her for her achievements. Beneath her tough exterior is a calm and compassionate person often comforting Koji whenever he is injured or distraught. Similar to Koji, she is hot-blooded and does not run from a fight when something is at stake despite the danger. However, she is not as reckless and takes advice from her father compared to the act first, think later disposition of Koji. Sayaka is very straightforward, brave, prideful and independent often physically abusing Koji whenever he says or does something insulting to her such as his sexist claims like "go back to the kitchen". However, she doesn't seem interest in getting involved in relationships until she mets Koji. In the manga, Sayaka was rather popular in her class, especially with Boss. Sayaka was raised by her father Gennosuke Yumi after her mother passed away but since he was so embroiled in his work, Sayaka decided to assist in his projects including being Aphrodite A's pilot.Ĭompared to most female characters in 1970s manga and anime, Sayaka is a bit hot-tempered and tomboyish rather than the Yamato Nadeshiko concept in most media of the time.