Kirara is Sango's nekomata companion, a youkai exterminator originating from a mountain village of other exterminators. Kirara typically appears as an adorable, small feline no bigger than a kitten, with cream-colored fur, black ears, various black markings, large red eyes, and two tails. However, her true form is that of a massive saber-toothed tiger-like youkai.
When InuYasha and his friends visit Sango's village, the birthplace of the Shikon Jewel, they discover that the jewel was created when the priestess Midoriko expelled her soul from her body during a fierce battle with a powerful demon. In the anime, there are hints suggesting that Kirara may have fought alongside Midoriko in ancient times.
