*Monokuma* (Japanese:) is a fictional identity adopted by several characters in the Danganronpa series, serving as the mascot and main antagonist of the series. Monokuma first appears in Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc as a disguise used by "despair sisters" Mukuro Ikusaba and Junko Enoshima during their killing game in the fictional school of Hope's Peak Academy. Monokuma was created by scenario writer Kazutaka Kodaka and designed by Rui Komatsuzaki. The identity is used primarily as a disguise for the masterminds of each game to conceal their identities while overseeing and organizing killing games, and as such has been voiced by several actors. The character has often appeared in popular culture since its inception, referenced in film and television as well as spawning a series of action figures and merchandise.
