Kagami is a recurring character of Japanese descent. She is introduced as Adrien's fencing partener and becomes directly involved with the two main characters platonically, romantically, and even as an enemy. Japanese culture is often explored through Kagami's character, both through her lifestyle and during akumatizations that are directly related to the plot. Kagami's general demeanor and lifestyle challenge the norm that Japanese girls are so often forced into due to the oversaturation of the the "kawaii" stereotype from Japan. Kagami serves to humanize Japanese women and critique the Japanese patriarchy all while celebrating and educating about her identity.

Due to jealousy over her crush, Kagami's negative emotions allow Hawk Moth to akumatize her into the villain Oni-Chan. Through this villian, the show explores Japanese culture. "Oni" are demon-esque monsters found in Japanese folklore. They are characterized as fierce and evil, which parallels with how Oni-Chan is portrayed in the show.  Most often, especially in western animated media, any mention of a Japanese character or concept immediately conjures images of "kawaii" culture that Japanese media has built up for itself. To see Kagami not only characterized as a normally acting person, but also to be shown in a darker, demonic light significantly challenges the stereotype that young Asian women face in western and eastern media. Her culture is used to expand her character, not to confine and conform it. Furthermore, Oni-Chan's name introduces the Japanese honorific system to the audience. "Chan" is used when referring to someone endearing, as Kagami was to Adrien before she became akumatized. Although not as culturally powerful as the akumatization, this moniker serves as a light introduction to the way that other cultures and languages function in contrast to western ones.

Kagami's mother is akumatized into the villain Ikari Gozen due to her anger over her daughter's behavior. She wields a bokken (traditional Japanese wood sword) and uses kendo (martial art) in her attacks. Martial art is very culturally significant to many Asian countries, especially Japan. To explore Japanese culture and ignore its deep and rich martial art history would be a blatant disrespect. Also, Kagami is granted the Miraculous of the Dragon to help defeat her mother. She transforms into Ryuko, a dragon-inspired superhero that can wield the elements. Dragons are integral parts of Japanese folklore and art and are still one of the country's most notable and recognizable artistic and historic symbols. Ryuko's manipulation of the elements parallels the importance of nature in Japanese folklore and Shintoism, the main religion of Japan. Kagami's role as Ryuko allows the show to delve deeper into her heritage and explore a fiercer side of her that uses aspects of her culture to challenge the long-established norms surrounding her identity.