Laura Matsuda

Laura Matsuda is a Brazilian fighter introduced in *Street Fighter V* (2016), and the sister of Sean Matsuda from *Street Fighter III*. Unlike her countryman Blanka, she does not channel actual electricity—her attacks feature electricity-like visual effects only. In English, she is voiced by G.K. Bowes; in Japanese, by Yoko Hikasa. In live-action, Natascha Hopkins portrayed her in the web series *Street Fighter: Resurrection*.

The character was conceived after Capcom’s Brazilian branch asked director Takayuki Nakayama for a new Brazilian representative beyond Blanka. Nakayama wanted a “cheerful girl,” while producer Yoshinori Ono—inspired by a 2011 visit to Rio de Janeiro’s Brazil Game Show—envisioned a beautiful woman with capoeira-inspired moves, reflecting a Japanese idealized view of Brazilian women rather than a realistic one. Art director Toshiyuki Kamei built the design around “Brazil” and “Jiu Jitsu.”

Early concepts included a male soccer player (scrapped for resembling Capcom’s Roberto from *Rival Schools*), a “Wild Rapunzel” with long hair used for attack and defense, and a tall dreadlocked fighter. Several designs were overtly sexualized: one featured bandages that exposed skin with stronger attacks; another, “Clumsy Cutie,” had clothes that tore off during battle. Nakayama wanted Laura’s buttocks exposed, believing Brazilian women develop larger posteriors through exercise, but Capcom Brazil objected, leading to black tights under the final pants. Her name, originally “Lala,” was chosen for its Portuguese feel.

The final design shows Laura at 5’9” (175 cm), wearing a green sleeveless jacket tied under the bust, matching doji pants, sandals, and a black belt. The color scheme highlights “Brazilian femininity” and Jiu-Jitsu. Her hair—long and flowing on the right, cornrowed on the left—and “voluptuous” body aim for a South American look. Alternative outfits include hotpants, swimsuits, a Christmas costume, and one based on Gloria from *Devil May Cry 4*.

Reception was mixed. Critics praised her gameplay and moveset but faulted her story and lack of character. Her design drew criticism for being overly sexualized, accused of pandering to the male gaze, including from Brazilian audiences. Academic analysis echoed these concerns, though some viewed her as a positive expression of sensuality and Brazilian culture.