Misaka

Misaka is a Japanese surname, commonly written with the kanji 御坂. It is relatively uncommon in Japan and is best known outside Japan for its association with characters in the Toaru majutsu no index / A Certain Magical Index franchise.

The most prominent bearer in popular culture is Mikoto Misaka, a central character in A Certain Magical Index and its spin-off A Certain Scientific Railgun. Mikoto is a student in Academy City and one of the most powerful espers depicted in the series, holding the rank of Level 5. She is renowned for her electromagnetism-based abilities, often demonstrated in combat through the railgun technique that gives the series its nickname.

Within the same franchise, the Misaka name is closely tied to a network of clones derived from Mikoto. This Misaka Network, also referred to as the Sisters, consists of numerous clones that share memories and experiences. Individual clones are identified by numbers (for example Misaka 10032), and they play significant roles in the Railgun storyline, illustrating themes of individuality, autonomy, and identity.

Outside of fiction, Misaka functions as a real surname in Japan, though it remains most widely recognized internationally through its association with the Toaru series. The name is typically transliterated as Misaka in English-language texts.