Maekawa Miku
A while ago, I couldn't handle it at all! Ah... Being treated like that... is the first time... meow... You~ have to take responsibility well☆ Come on, let's train you to become a top idol in the future meow☆
Maekawa Miku (前川みく, Maekawa Miku) is a catgirl idol in BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment's social game The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls. Her fan nickname is "Miku喵" (みくにゃん), and her voice actress isTakamori Natsumi.
Basic Information
| Chinese name | Maekawa Miku | Date of birth | February 22 (Pisces) |
| Japanese name | 前川みく | age | 15 years old |
| Luo's name in Pinyin | Maekawa Miku | blood type | Type B |
| Nickname | Miku-nyan, Maekawa-san | height | 152CM |
| gender | female | weight | 45KG |
| Place of birth | Osaka Prefecture | Measurements | 85/55/81 CM |
| Appearances | The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls | interest | Visit a cat cafe |
| First appearance | November 28, 2011 | voice actress | Takamori Natsumi |
Overall election ranking
| 1st | No. 28 | 7th | No. 27 |
| 2nd | No. 33 | 8th | No. 30 |
| 3rd | No. 22 | 9th | No. 25 |
| 4th | No. 2 | 10th | No. 22 |
| 5th | No. 8 | Stage for Cinderella 2022 | 11th place in Preliminary Group A |
| 6th | No. 19 |
Introduction
🎯 Initial Appearance and Character Setting
Miku Meakawa debuted on November 28, 2011, as the BOSS character of the "Harajuku" area and a tutorial guide, challenging Producers with her competitive spirit. After being defeated in battle, she joins the agency, gaining immense popularity as the "first rival." She is a high school girl cat-type idol, affectionately nicknamed "Miku-nyan" by fans, with her representative song being "Onedari Shall we~?".
🐱 Appearance and Styling Features
Body Type: Height is 152 cm, she is petite but boasts an impressive figure with measurements B85/W55/H81, estimated to be an F-cup, making her bust notably prominent among characters.
Style Variations: She usually sports medium-short straight hair; during performances, she often wears twin bow cat ear accessories and styles her hair into a curly single ponytail. Later card illustrations also feature her with straight hair and no ponytail.
🗣️ Personality and Voice Traits
Speech Quirk and Kansai Dialect: She has a "nya" (にゃ) speech quirk that she finds hard to break. Although she claims to be from Osaka, she initially couldn't speak the Kansai dialect nor was good at retorts. However, in later stories, she naturally uses Kansai dialect and becomes a recognized "retort master," leading to speculation that this is part of her character development.
Fun Contrasts: As a cat-type idol, she dislikes fish but loves taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes).
📖 Background Story and Development
Agency Experience: In "Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage", it's revealed she was previously with another agency but left due to disagreements with their methods.
Management Focus and Cross-Media Activities: Regarded as one of the franchise's "face characters," she is highly prioritized—evidenced by "becoming SR within just one and a half months of debut," "CD debut," "anniversary SR cards and voices," and "selection for the second-anniversary event." She is also active in merchandise, CD releases, and crossovers, even appearing as a guest idol in the main "The Idolm@ster" series. Some fans unofficially refer to her as the "Fourth Member of New Generations."
Cat girl
Miku Meakawa is meticulously designed around a "cat" motif, having chosen the "cat girl" idol path herself. From her speech quirk and style to her behavior, she is imbued with strong feline elements.
📍 Core Settings
Speech Quirk and Style: Naturally adds "nya" to the end of her sentences; always wears cat ears and a tail during performances, fully embracing the cat theme.
Loves Cats but with Twists:
Adores cats and enjoys visiting cat cafés because "they are free," but cannot keep pets at home.
Is not good with fish or mice.
Dietary preferences:
Dislikes fishes: Dislikes fish but can accept bonito flakes and fish paste products (e.g., fish cakes), suggesting the issue lies with fish retaining their original form. Fried fish is also a no.
Real preferences: Prefers meat and sweets, especially hamburger steak, as seen in her song lyrics and drama tracks.
Origin of Speech Quirk:
She uses "nya" to "not forget the feeling of understanding cats from childhood."
It has become second nature, even in monologues. However, her voice actor notes that "nya" decreases off-duty, indicating it's also a deliberate performance as an idol.
🎬 Interesting facts and Story Appearances
Professional Challenge: In "Cinderella Girls Theater", she was once in a difficult situation because of the dubbing work, she was required to not use "meow" in every line, which showed the deep connection between the character and the habit of speaking.
Calling habits: She often adds the word "nyan" when calling other characters, for example: Maoyuenyan, Shibuya, Miyo, etc.
Cat Ear Promotion: Her cat ear accessories even come in winter and summer versions, and she often encourages other idols to try wearing cat ears or using the Meow Mouth Fetish.
Cat Group: Formed the "Meow·Meow·Meow" group with Anastasia (Ah Meow) and Gaofeng Noah (Noah Meow).
🎤 Performances and Interactions
- Styling Choices: Removed cat ears for the "Nothing but You" event and 5th Live Fukuoka to match the song's mood but wore them again at SSA.
- Fun Contrast Interactions: Since 2018, official content increased interactions with Asari Nanami, who loves fish, creating an "anti-fish cat girl × fish-loving companion" dynamic.
📌 Easter Eggs and Anecdotes
Birthday Easter Egg: Her birthday, February 22, is Japan's "Cat Day," cleverly tying her to cats.
Childhood Trace: Anime episode 11 shows a childhood photo of her wearing cat ear hairbands at a theme park.
Cat God's Blessing: According to Yoda Yoshino, she seems blessed by the cat god, making her a cat idol even recognized by feline deities.
Rumor
- It's said that in her room, there's a cat-ear-shaped wardrobe containing childhood photos with cats.
- She supposedly carries a brush for removing cat hair.
- She reportedly loves birthdays but dislikes horoscopes.
Fun Facts
Image Color:red.
- High EQ and Control:Miku has high emotional intelligence and keen observation, often assigned the "retort role" officially. Despite claiming not to be good at retorts, she is a master at controlling situations, often with wide-eyed "deeply unsettling" expressions.
Witty Interventions:
When Munakata Aimi attempted a prank, Miku quietly called Aimi's nemesis, Yanagi Kiyora, on speaker, intimidating Aimi with just the voice.
In "Starlight Stage" "Cinderella Mail" story, when Tada Riena mistakenly ate Clarice's pudding, Miku deduced Clarice's distress by observing reply times and urged Rieha to apologize properly.
Voice actress interaction: Voice actress Takamori Natsumi is also skilled at MC control during concerts, reflecting the character's image.
Famous fans: Musician Hoshino Gen is a famous "Miku P" (Miku's Producer). On her 2023 birthday, his cover of "Koi" was implemented in "Starlight Stage", with illustrator Tounyu drawing related art beforehand.
CD debut
Debuted on August 8, 2012, with the second "CINDERELLA MASTER" release, alongside Kanzaki Ranko, Moroboshi Kirari, Josaki Mika, and Shimamura Uzuki.
Voice actress Ms. Takamori Natsumi, a longtime "Idolm@ster" series Producer, originally auditioned for Kirari and also tried out for Miku, ultimately landing the role.
The CD interview produced famous (or infamous) quotes like: "This is a nya-n rights violation nya!", "Miku will never change herself nya!", "Miku's raison d'être is in crisis nya... well, whatever," "Eh... isn't that going too far? (real intent)." Her "cute but often mistreated" image is deeply ingrained
The included SR card is commemorative, but after awakening, it offers decent attack and low cost, performing well in fan accumulation tasks.
The pre-awakening card uses the CD cover illustration; post-awakening, she wears matching outfits with the other four debutants. Her lines express excitement about performing together and confidence in her singing.
Notably, the "matching outfits post-awakening" design principle was adopted for subsequent CD debut idols.
Solo Songs
Included in the CDTHE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 007 前川みく, released on August 8, 2012, also one of the second character CDs released by "The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls".
Included in the CDTHE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER 02 Tulip》, released on May 18, 2016.
Included in the CDTHE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS STARLIGHT MASTER R/LOCK ON! 11 メモリーブロッサム》, released on December 14, 2022.
Participating songs
Moba Game cards
Original R card
Obtainable after completing the tutorial; a second copy can be acquired by clearing areas. Its easy availability made it ubiquitous, even the Voice actress noted it's "the one R card everyone knows."
Her performance is typical of early cards and, inexplicably, couldn't be converted into rare medals. Once maxed on intimacy, it's often used in free trades or as material for training stronger idols, earning her the fan nicknames "Miku-nyan Senpai" and "Everyone's Fodder."
In the new tutorial, she, New Generations, and Chigusa Chihiro have new voice lines.
Sexy cat (セクシーキャット)
Became the second idol to receive an SR on January 19, 2012 (excluding those who debuted as SR).
As an early card with defensive stats, its value has dropped significantly, easily obtainable even for free players.
Pre-awakening card shows her picking fish out of her bento with a sad face; post-awakening shows her touched by fan letters, tearing up.
If set as leader pre-awakening during gift events like Valentine's, she tearfully offers chocolate with chopsticks—worth trying for interested Producers.
CD debut
SR released on August 6, 2012, commemorating her first song.
Charming Cat (チャーミングキャット)
New SR for the first anniversary on November 27, 2012. The first card to "include voice upon release," alongside New Generations (Rin, Uzuki, Mio) getting voice additions for existing cards.
Pre-awakening illustration is a studio scene where she attempts to charm the Producer with her voice. But with cat ears hindering headphones and adding "nya" without permission in “Cinderella Girls Theater” #53, she stays true to character.
Post-awakening, she's surrounded by cats during a photoshoot, blissful. She wants to purr with the Producer and get head pats, amplifying her cat traits.
Worry arises about her exposed skin getting scratched by cat claws.
This outfit appears in Anime Episode 11 as her stage costume, with minor differences like removed arm accessories for microphone handling.
Performance-wise, it's an attack-leaning balanced type. Easy-to-use skill and high practicality, combined with great art and voice, made it popular—even the VA reportedly spent heavily to get it.
Now stable in regular gacha and cheap to trade, accessible for light or free players. Useful as both vanguard and reserve, it's Miku's most representative SR card.
Seaside Cat（シーサイドキャット）
Appeared in "Swimsuit Paradise 2013 Gacha" on July 31, 2013.
Pre-awakening: vacationing at a southern beach; post-awakening: swimsuit performance on a seaside stage at sunset. Both retain cat ears.
In "Cinderella Girls Theater" #138, she appears with Anastasia, who also got an S rarity. Pre-awakening background shows Anastasia wearing cat ears—Miku's attempt to "catify" her, planning to make her say "Nya!" when flustered.
Lines like "feels like another me" show their close friendship.
Whenever a cat-themed character or cat-eared idol appears, it often sparks rumors and concerns about an "existential crisis," but she has clearly stated that she welcomes the increase in cat-eared idols and even declares herself as "number one."
Despite fish aversion suggesting sea dislike, she enjoys splashing and invites swimming (but seems afraid of deep water). Only the sea smell dampens her mood—likely due to fish association.
Performance is "debuff type," with balanced high attack/defense stats.
The debuff is practical, and with relevant event benefits, it's affordable and user-friendly like "Charming Cat."
Anniversary Cat (アニバーサリーキャット)
On November 28, 2013, she was added in the second-anniversary event "Idol Training 2nd Anniversary." After completing the New Generations trio's jobs, she could be trained as the fourth idol. Following the game's convention, a "smiling version" variant card was also included.
Pre-awakening: exploring the city with New Generations. Spreading cat ears, the cat ear faction grows steadily. Also seriously participates in concert rehearsals, showing reliability.
Post-awakening: at the anniversary live. From singing, charm, to microphone performance, she excels.
In the "Idol Training" event, she enjoys the stage fully, with a bit of Kansai dialect audible.
After-party: distributes cat ears, puts them on others, plays cat wrestling, tosses the Producer high. Influenced by this, New Generations also got "2nd Anniversary・Cat Ears" variants.
Implies "as long as she and everyone working together are happy." Distributing cat ears also aims to create communication opportunities.
Miku states that continuing such fun activities is her dream.
Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム)
SR obtainable by exchanging 30 "Cinderella Dream Tickets" collected from events, starting April 23, 2014.
Stats same as Co-type Nitta Minami and Pa-type Takamori Aiko.
Rarely breaks her "pre-awakening short hair / post-awakening ponytail+cat ears" pattern: pre-awakening has loose short bob, post-awakening tied ponytail.
Pre-awakening lines mention motivation: "want to be a cute girl" "since the pinnacle of cute girls is idols, of course I must be one nya."
Highlights her love for cats, showing attention to cat ear angle, concern for spare cat ears, etc.
Serious/Kitten (マジメ／ネコチャン)
SR from "Sparkling Youth ☆ School Girl Gacha" on September 30, 2014.
Pre-awakening: commuting, waiting at station. No cat ears, switched to glasses serious mode. This design officially adopts the popular fan creation "Maekawa-san" meme.
Post-awakening: on variety show with Abe Nana. Wildly shouting "Full power love nya!", reportedly influenced by Producer's "offensive attitude is important" teaching. The seemingly chaotic cat mode is her embodying idol professionalism.
Haikara Sakura (ハイカラサクラ)
Debuted as R in "Cherry Blossom Dance Japanese Romance Gacha" on March 31, 2015—her first R since debut.
Same gacha had Futaba Anzu, Nitta Minami, and Jōsaki Rika as R, echoing "Cinderella Project."
Pre-awakening: for cherry blossom viewing, offers homemade bento with "Miku Neko-chan cute rice balls." Mentions extra rice balls going into Tada Rieha's bento, reflecting anime setting.
Post-awakening: wears Taisho Roman-style hakama, with cat ears and pose as usual.
Moon Night Cat（ムーンナイトキャット）
SR from "Moon Night Cat Limited Gacha" on July 22, 2015.
Pre-awakening: Reading together with a white cat friend in a night park, yet coaxing the Producer to stay with her.
Post-awakening: plays mansion owner, but...
"Nya, cat mansion...? That wording has a flaw nya!"
"Black cats are witches' familiars~ use mystical power to grant wishes nya♪"
—Anyone would call it a cat mansion...
In Theater #544 "Not Running Away Nya!", appears in park with Producer...
(Those unaware of "cat mansion" lore, search "Nekomata Mansion." If easily scared like Miku, better not.)
ASTERISK（アスタリスク）
New SR+ from "Fever Friday Night" login event on August 1, 2015. No pre-awakening, starts as + form.
Ambush Cat (まちぶせキャット)
SR from "Bittersweet・Ultimate Valentine Gacha" on January 31, 2016.
In Theater #649 "Work is Lover Nya", encouraged by Chigusa Chihiro selecting her for "Valentine CM," but worries:
"Need to act love scenes nya... Miku has little experience, no confidence..."
After asking Chihiro "What is love?" and receiving the answer "It's when you keep thinking about the other person all day long," Miku starts talking nonstop:
"Now Miku's work is lover nya~ like 'What work will P bring next nya?' 'Is P scheduling properly nya?'"
Chihiro retorts: "Aren't you always thinking about P?" Miku blushes.
Not Serious/Kitten (フマジメ／ネコチャン)
September 21, 2016: An SR card was added in the identically named Fantasy Chance Gacha.
Card name self-evidently parodies [Serious/Kitten].
Unlike the studious "Maekawa-san," this time she's a rebellious girl sitting on rooftop railings.
Post-awakening shows wild style: cat ears + earrings, chest cat tattoo, torn shirt, holding chains.
In Theater Episode 774 "Catch Me... Nya♪", after the Producer expressed concern about the danger, she agreed to come down from the railing. However, being unable to climb down by herself, she asked the Producer to catch her below. Although she landed safely, her overly bold leap led to suspicions that she could have actually gotten down on her own. Miku simply brushed it off with "Who knows? Neko-chan is capricious, nya♪" before leaving the rooftop.
Black Cat (ブラックキャット)
R from "Pride Focus Phantom Limited Gacha" on April 19, 2017.
Pre-awakening: checking teeth with hand mirror.
In Theater #888 "Restless Nya", tells Producer about tooth discomfort, hesitates when suggested dentist. When Producer offers to check, refuses out of shyness. Chihiro appears, says "Then I'll check," cutting off escape, urges dental visit. Miku resigns and goes with Producer. That day, just being called by nurse makes her shrink in fear.
Holy Night Cat（ホーリーナイトキャット）
Main SR from "6th Anniversary Christmas Gacha" on November 30, 2017.
Pre-awakening: drawing on fogged window; post-awakening: Christmas-themed outfit, cloak half-open.
Dramatic Kitten (ドラマチックネコチャン)
Ranking reward SR from "Aim for Kitten♪ Idol Challenge" on June 21, 2018. In cat musical, instructs co-stars Matsumoto Sarina and Nanba Emi on cat charm and poses.
Pre-awakening: petting cats at cat café; post-awakening: performing as "Lucky Cat" in musical.
Baron the Cat (バロンザキャット)
SR from "7th Anniversary Baron Cumulative Gacha" on November 28, 2018.
Theater #1196 "Morning Jog" depicts her climbing a hill tree during a morning run, only to fall into a cat trap mid-way.
Japanese kitten (和ごころネコチャン)
SR from "Cherry Blossoms Scatter‧Spring Tea Party Exchange Ticket Gacha" on March 31, 2019.
Warm-hearted kitten (ほっこりネコチャン)
SR from "Autumn Tale...♪ Healing Bath Scent Exchange Ticket Gacha" on October 31, 2019. Same gacha SR: Sagisawa Fumika, Mukai Takumi; R: Mochida Arisa, Kirino Aya, Himekawa Yuki.
Dreaming Bride (ドリーミンブライド)
SR from "Happiness Delivery‧Wedding Story Surprise Gacha" on May 26, 2020.
Card name and illustration reuse SSR design from "Starlight Stage".
Sunshine Kitten (おひさまネコチャン)
SR from "Sunshine Kitten Phantom Chance Gacha" on April 19, 2021.
Heart-Connecting Nyavigator (心通わすニャビゲーター)
Ranking reward SR from "The 60th Producer Battle Carnival" on January 26, 2022.
Anniversary Nyaderful
11th Anniversary S Rare Miku gift campaign.
First login between November 28, 2022 ~ December 15, 14:59 JST gets 1st copy; sharing campaign page to Twitter gets 2nd copy.
Starlight Stage
settings
Debuted since early operation. Without "LIVE Battle," her joining reason differs from social game:
◆ Because her former agency demanded she transition into a "giraffe idol," she transferred here to maintain her cat image.
◆ Uses early R and SR [Sexy Cat] card art.
Added SR
- March 31, 2016 "Spring Sunshine After School Gacha": SR [Serious/Kitten]
- September 3, 2018 "Celebration! 3rd Anniversary Party Gacha": SR [Charming Cat]
- August 4, 2021 "Smiling・Blazing Summer Departure Yo-ho! Gacha": SR [Seaside Cat]
Main Story
Episode 6 "Cat Whisker Rhythm♪": Scheduled right after New Generations, highlighting Miku's exclusive privilege.
Starlight Stage Exclusive Card
Cat Party (キャットパーティー)
SSR added in "Platinum Gacha" on September 17, 2015.
Dreaming Bride (ドリーミンブライド)
Second SSR with Kanzaki Ranko in "Happiness Delivery・Wedding Story Gacha" on May 31, 2016:
- - 3D dress changed from sexy two-piece to cute cream one-piece & lace gloves.
EVERMORE
Event point reward SR from second "LIVE Parade" on November 30, 2016:
◆ Sings 5th anniversary song "EVERMORE" with Jōsaki Mika, Kanzaki Ranko, Ninomiya Asuka, Ichinose Shiki
◆ Pre-awakening: Visits "Maihama Amphitheater" (actual first live "WONDERFUL M@GIC!!" venue) with Ranko, Asuka
◆ Post-awakening: Sings at dome concert in Cinderella Dream dresses (card art can connect with the same period SR [EVERMORE] Jōsaki Mika)
Adventure・Château（アヴァンチュール・シャト）
Limited SSR (third) from "Cinderella Festival" on June 29, 2017:
At 15:30 on the same day, the system mistakenly sent a push notification, which leaked information in advance. The operation issued an apology and reopened as usual at 22:00.
◆ Second SSR in series with "Skill Boost," special skill "Coaxing Fingertips": High chance to enhance other members' skills every 8 seconds
◆ 3D stage outfit: red phantom thief style (echoing Sexy Cat theme)
Take me☆Take you
Event point reward SR (second after EVERMORE) from sixth "LIVE Parade" on July 31, 2017:
◆ Special story: Performs 5th general election song "Take me☆Take you" with Yoda Yoshino, Morikubo Nono, Satō Shin, Mifune Miyū, and receives documentary interview
◆ Pre-awakening: Wears cat ears with Nono, Miyū during recording
◆ Post-awakening: Greets fans on flower path with Nono (card art connectable with the same period SR [Take me☆Take you] Yoda Yoshino)
Event Easter Eggs:
- - Live map "Capital Area" includes Harajuku (homage to social game Harajuku area BOSS Miku-nyan)
- - Live goals include number 2 (にゃん pun)
- - "Kansai Area" "EX Area" include hometown Osaka (Miku does preview voice①)
Starry-Go-Round
Event point reward SR from eighth "LIVE Beat Full Power" on October 31, 2018:
◆ Special story: Selected for dome new song "Starry-Go-Round" with Otsuki Yui, Anastasia, Himekawa Yuki, Ninomiya Asuka; brings "commemorative cat ears" for interview
◆ Pre-awakening: Maid outfit displays souvenirs (background Anastasia and Asuka also wear cat ears)
◆ Post-awakening: Wears jacket with [Sexy Cat] outfit, performs with Yuki (card art connectable with the same period SR [Starry-Go-Round] Ōtsuki Yui)
Happy Nya Year (ハッピーにゃーイヤー)
Fourth SSR from "Fortune Welcoming Spring Kimono Gacha" on January 4, 2020
Nyanderful World (ニャンダフル・ワールド)
Fifth SSR from "Cinderella Festival Nocturne" on February 13, 2021
Whimsical Master (気ままなごMaster様)
Sixth SSR from "Love Overflowing♡Happy Maid Gacha" on May 4, 2022
The charming cat girl（艶猫娘々）
Seventh SSR from "All Ages East and West Theatrical Girl Gacha" on March 4, 2023
Full Miracle Adventure（全開ミラクルアドベンチャー）
Event medal reward SR from 13th "LIVE Carnival" on April 30, 2023
Summer Cat☆Rendez-vous (サマーキャット☆ランデブー)
Eighth SSR from "Summer Door Opening・Seaside Madonna Nya Gacha" on July 5, 2024
Heartbeat☆Kitten (ときめき☆ネコチャン)
Event reward SR from "Idol Training" on March 19, 2025. The event marks long-awaited co-performance with Tada Rieha.
Nyanderful · Diva（ニャンダフル・ディーヴァ）
Ninth SSR from "Blank Carnival Gacha" on August 27, 2025. Pre-awakening background is Harajuku, returning as the Harajuku BOSS.
Animation
2nd Anniversary PV
Appeared in the game's second-anniversary animated PV, starting the animation trend.
TV Anime Core Role
Miku Meakawa is a core member of the "Cinderella Project" in the 2015 TV anime “The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls”, depicting her growth from a competitive rookie to a professional idol.
🎯 Initial image and positioning
First Appearance: Background cameo in Episode 1, officially debut from Episode 2, portrayed as "the member with the most burning idol dream."
Personality: Combines Kansai-born cheerfulness with strong competitiveness, also showing considerate side, e.g., caring for unconfident Ogata Chieri, stopping Jōsaki Rika et al.'s over-the-top performances, demonstrating professionalism. Famous line reveals her essence: "I won't change myself!" (みくは自分を曲げないよ!)
🎤 Growth and Conflict Arc
Episode 3: New vs Old Generation Rivalry
Dissatisfied with New Generations' priority debut, Miku challenges them three times out of dissatisfaction, but loses all.
Her tsundere cheering earned her the fan nickname "Provocative Cat," seen as referencing her tutorial BOSS role.
Episode 5 Protest Storm
Seeing New Generations, Love Laika, etc., debut, anxious Miku leads Jōsaki Rika and Futaba Anzu to occupy the company café in protest.
Key turning point: Producer admits "debut planned but details undecided," Miku opens up and apologizes sincerely, showing growth.
- Episode 11: ＊ (Asterisk) Formation and Conflict
Miku forms duo "＊ (Asterisk)" with Tada Riina, but clashes over concepts:
Miku: Insists on cute cat ear idol style.
Riina: Advocates hard rock route.
First success: At a impromptu event, they put aside differences, co-write lyrics in 48 hours, successfully sing "ØωØver!!" (co-created by VAs Ms. Takamori Natsumi and Ms. Aoki Ruriko in reality).
Unit officially named "＊ (Asterisk)" due to Chigusa Chihiro's misunderstanding.
Daily banter includes "disbanding" as running gag; they host radio “Magic Hour”, taking over from Jogasaki Mika.
After Episode 13, host regular shows, reviewed as "awkward but sincere."
Crisis, breakthrough and ultimate sublimation
Episodes 15-16: Project Survival and Idol Essence
Facing Mishiro Executive Director's dissolution threat, Miku leads data room organization and proposes plan, blueprint for later "Cinderella Dance Party."
Co-performing with Abe Nana, moved by Nana's "stick to bunny role" belief. When company policy wavers, Miku cheers for Nana from the audience, supporting her and declaring: "Miku won't betray her own nya!"
Episode 19: Trust Trial and Unit Upgrade
Feels guilty over partner Riina's distance; after stage incident, they break down in tears. Miku admits: "Not your fault, I wanted to bear too much..."
Unit accepts Kimura Natsuki, forming "＊ (Asterisk) with Natsunana," singing ending theme "Wonder Goes On!!".
Episodes 24-25: Pinnacle Stage and Conclusion
Encourages Uzuki: When Uzuki returns, Miku wears cat ears, encouraging: "Idols shouldn't skip without reason!"
Cinderella Ball: Breaks department barriers, teams with Abe Nana for spectacular animal-themed show.
Finally, ＊ (Asterisk) with Riina and Natsuki show rapport of evolution. Like initial New Generations, Miku and Riina part ways in spring for individual growth, meaning "parting to meet at higher ground," but their unit never disbands.
TV animation "Cinderella Girls Theater"(2017)
- Classic Scene Revival
PV twice recreates "original #53 door-breaking famous scene": impactful shot of Miku "slamming door open" in BGM, even reused in previews, becoming series signature gag. - Key Episode Appearances
| Episodes | Corresponding Original |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Episode 58 |
| Episode 3 | Episode 53 |
| Episode 18 | Episode 551 |
| Episode 36 | Episode 544 |
| Episode 41 | Episode 490 |
- Ending theme song(Season 4, April ED)
Ichinose Shiki, Otokura Yūki, Shiina Noriko, Munakata Aimi <Throbbing・Heartbeat・MAX!〉（きゅん・きゅん・まっくす）.
In-Game Theater “Tuesday Cinderella Theater”(火曜シンデレラシアター)
Episode 14 (corresponds to original #389)
Anime “Cinderella Girls Theater" Extra Stage》(2020, in-game only)
Episode 43 "The Price of Staying Up Late"
Comics
New Generations
In the manga version of "New Generations" serialized in GANGAN JOKER, she appears as a senior at the agency to the three main characters—Uzuki, Rin, and Mio. From the very first chapter, she finds herself in the predicament of having her work cat-ear props taken without permission, fully embodying the role of a comic relief character.
U149
Guest stars in Chapters 44-47 (Koga Koharu's arc) of “Cycomi” manga “U149”.
She belongs to a different agency from the main Third Production Dept., and like previously appearing Yoshizumi Sachiko, is active in variety shows.
As regular host of web program "Animal Committee," she leads with rich expressions and reactions, handling live situations calmly—a professional model.
However, when faced with Koharu who seemed to only focus on enjoying her work without regard for the on-site situation, she - though aware she was meddling in another agency's affairs - sternly pointed out, "We are no longer just audience members." She even momentarily spoke harshly, criticizing Koharu's producer for inadequate supervision. Ironically, these words were taken by both as an opportunity to reexamine themselves, and they expressed gratitude for it.
Later episodes show her witnessing Koharu's rapid growth, offering future expectations and encouragement post-recording.
She also appears in Chapters 49-52 (Ryuuzaki Kaoru's arc). While observing her on holiday, she notices Third Production members. Despite being scolded by her agency for the earlier incident, she observes the troubled Producer. Note: As it's her day off, she's in "Maekawa-san mode."
In episode 53 (Kaoru arc extra), she's about to greet other idols but sees Sudo Ao cooking fish with Oikawa Shizuku, immediately turns away—witnessed by Igarashi Kyōko.
Relationship with other idols
* (Asterisk)
Duo with Tada Riina formed in TV anime Episode 11. Later joined by Miku's admired idol Abe Nana and Riina's admired Kimura Natsuki, forming quartet "＊ (Asterisk) with Natsunana."
Cat Best Friend
Kamijo Haruna: Fellow cat lover, Miku calls her "Haru-nyan." From Haruna's lines, she's also close with Wakui Rumi.
Influenced by Haruna, Miku often promotes cat ears at agency: "Come on come on~ wear cat ears nya?" (まぁまぁネコミミどうぞにゃ).
Anastasia (アナスタシア): Known as "A-nyan" (あーにゃん) by Miku.
In "Dream LIVE Festival," they form cat ear unit "Nyan・Nyan・Nyan" with Takamine Noa. Mikucomplained: "Feels intentional nya..." as Noa once wore cat ears maid outfit, Anastasia was "arranged" choice.
In event, Natalia's S Rare card background shows Anastasia recommending sushi, Miku turns pale with fright, not just surprise.
New Generations
Close interactions, often gives them cat ears during co-performances:
- Shimamura Uzuki: Called "Uzu-nyan" or "Uzuki-chan." Miku consults her when in trouble, describes Uzuki as "gentle American Shorthair."
Shibuya Rin: Called "Shibu-nyan." Miku thinks Rin "seems ordinary but mysterious," similar to herself, like "elegant Maine Coon."
Honda Mio: Nickname "Nyan-mio." Miku often gets led by Mio, e.g., tail pulled during anniversary, used as microphone for imitation, forced into role-play, like "energetic stray cat."
Cross-Unit Interactions
Futaba Anzu: In dramas, often acts as Anzu's "babysitter," but being mild (unlike Moroboshi Kirari's forcefulness), gets led by Anzu instead.
Paw Pals: Teams with Ogata Chieri, Abe Nana for "cute attributes"; bonds with Jōsaki Rika, Ichihara Nina over "paw preferences."
Natural Enemy Idols:
Asari Nanami: Nagano area's "fish lover," tries to promote fish dishes every co-performance, met with Miku's strong resistance. Their battles dubbed "Nanamiku" by fans.
Ichinose Shiki: Miku worries she "might steal my raison d'être," calls Nagano area "has a grudge against Miku-nyan?"
Tsujino Akari (Gunma area's Yamagata apple idol): The two formed "Miku-Nyan-Goro" (みくにゃんご), becoming peer best friends. They instantly clicked personally, and at work Akari actively relies on her senpai Miku, who in turn provides careful guidance.
Miku's ways of addressing other idols are mainly divided into two types, reflecting her closeness to them:
Regular: ○○-chan, e.g., "Uzuki-chan," "Mio-chan."
Cat-style: ○○-nyan, for close ones:
| Japanese Nickname | Translation | Idol |
|---|---|---|
| しぶにゃん | Rin-nyan | Shibuya Rin |
| はるにゃん | Haru-nyan | Kamijo Haruna |
| のあにゃん | Noa-nyan | Takamine Noa |
| あーにゃん | A-nyan | Anastasia |
| うづにゃん | Uzu-nyan | Shimamura Uzuki |
| にゃんみお | Nyan-mio | Honda Mio |
Participating Units
Participating Units
【An Mew and Mirai Mew (あーにゃんみくにゃん)】 – Anastasia, Mirai Maekawa
【＊（Asterisk）】 – Mirai Maekawa, Eina Tada
【＊（Asterisk） with Natsu Nana（＊（Asterisk） with Nana Nana）】 – Mirai Maekawa, Rina Tada, Natsuki Kimura, Nana Abe
[Hunting Comrade (Comrade Hunting)] – Rika Kinosaki, Nina Ichihara, Mirai Maekawa, Honoka Ayase
【鱼鱼美猫(ギョギョっとニャンだふる)】 – Maekawa Mirai, Asari Nanami
Pun: "fish (ギョ)" + "cat (ャン)" - a cat-fish battle
[Shining Laboratory, Housework Robot (きらりんラボ, Household Robot)] – Mirai Maekawa, Nana Abe, Miho Kohinata
[Girls Next Door Gang (Kinsho's Nakaliang Niangniang)] – Ogata Tomoeri, Morohoshi Kirari, Maekawa Mirai
[Beauty under the Moon, Dark Night] – Tomoe Murakami, Takumi Mukai, Fumika Sagizawa, Mirai Maekawa, Shuko Shiomi
【Summer Paradise (サマーパラダイス)】 – Anastasia, Maekawa Mirai, Aiba Yumi
The Melancholy of an Apostle Trainee [Part 1, Devotion of an Apostle Trainee] – Chie Sasaki, Kyoko Igarashi, Mirai Maekawa
Cinderella's Dream – Mirai Maekawa, Rina Tada, Airi Touji
[Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム)] – Mirai Maekawa, Rina Tada, Takumi Mukai, Miho Kohinata, Aiko Takamori
[Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム)] – Mirai Maekawa, Rika Kinosaki, Kanade Hayami, Akane Hino
[Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム)] – Yuki Himekawa, Yuka Nakano, Minami Nitta, Mizuki Kawashima, Mirai Maekawa
Cinderella's Dream – Mirai Maekawa, Chieri Ogata, Ryo Matsunaga, Akane Hino, Shuko Shiomi
[Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム)] – Akane Hino, Mirai Maekawa, Rina Tada, Ryo Matsunaga, Yuki Himekawa
Cinderella's Dream – Mirai Maekawa, Miria Akagi, Nono Morikubo, Jinna Ichihara, Airi Totoki
Note: This series is a different lineup from the event "Cinderella Dream"
[Soul Corruptor (ソウル, デバウアー)] – Hoshikiko, Kanzaki Ranko, Maekawa Mirai
[The timid cat hiding in the cave (Cave 隠れの灌りにゃんこ)] - Miku Maekawa, Ayase Honoka, Saki Yukimi
[The big sister who studies and the wayward kitten (読书お sisterさんと気まぐれ猫チャン)] – Sagizawa Fumika, Maekawa Mirai
【Meatball Animals (にくきゅうアニマルズ)】 – Mirai Maekawa, Rika Kinosaki, Nina Ichihara
[Meow Sisters (にゃんセスタ)] – Mirai Maekawa, Natalia
[Charming Meow Meow (にゃんともラブリー)] – Yukimi Saki, Mirai Maekawa, Haruna Kamijou
【Meow・Meow・Meow（にゃん・にゃん・にゃん）】【Meow, Meow, Meow Night! (にゃん・にゃん・にゃんNight!)】 – Mirai Maekawa, Anastasia, Noah Takamine
[Friends of the Human Realm (Human World のオトモダチ)] [Friends of Humanity (ニンゲンのオトモダチ)] - Mirai Maekawa, Mirin Ohara
【Cat, Lion, Lion】 – Miku Maekawa, Sae Kobayakawa, Nina Ichihara
Nekome Sisters (Catmere Sisters) – Honoka Ayase, Mirai Maekawa, Reiko Takahashi
【Party Cat Night (パーティー☆キャットナイト)】 – Mirai Maekawa, Chie Sasaki, Shinobu Kudo
【Modern Sakura (ハイカラサクラ)】 – Nitta Minami, Futaba An, Maekawa Mirai
Hacker Group CAT-ch – Maekawa Mirai, Wakui Rumi, and Yagami Makino
[Spring Dream Drunk Flower (Spring Dream Drunk Flower)] – Nitta Minami, Maekawa Mirai, Totoki Airi
【Valentine's Day Lover】 – Ninomiya Asuka, Maekawa Mirai, Kinosaki Rika
【Phantom Cat（Fファントムキャッツ）】 – Mirai Maekawa, Risa Toba
[Inhabitants of "Mysterious Forest" ("ふしぎな Forest"に西まうもの)] – Tachibana Alice, Otokura Yuki, Kiba Manami, Maekawa Mirai, Ujie Mumu
【Puffy Dolls（ふわふわのぬいぐるみたち）】 – Haru Yuki, Nina Ichihara, Kanako Mimura, Mirai Maekawa
[Holy Sardines With Mirai (ホリーサーディンwithみく)] – Mirai Maekawa, Nanami Asari, Shino Hiiragi
[The Diamond (Majestic Diamond)] – Saionji Koto, Momoi Airi, Maekawa Mirai
【Demon Cat and Maid (Demon Cat Tome)】 – Mirei Hayasaka, Mirai Maekawa, Honoka Ayase
[Future Cat Fruit (みくにゃんご)] – Tsujino Juri, Maekawa Mirai
【ミミミミ☆ミミーズズミミミミ☆ミミーズ】【ナナ&みくfrom PM】 - Nana Abe, Mirai Maekawa
[Everyone’s Spring Song Story (みんなで春歌故事)] – Maekawa Mirai, Laila, Natalia, Aiba Yumi
[Residents near the forest (Morori no close residents)] - Maekawa Mirai, Shiomi Shuko, Pimyota, Apple Lang
[The beauty under the moon at the hot spring hotel (Yujuku no beauty under the moon)] – Takumi Mukai, Fumika Sagizawa, Mirai Maekawa
[Rival School Chorus Club Scouting Team (Rival School Chorus Club Scouting Team)] – Maekawa Mirai, Yagami Makino
[Rika, Rin, Mirai (on a business trip) (Rika, Rin, Miku (out of Zhangchu))] – Rika Kinosaki, Rin Shibuya, Mirai Maekawa
[Classmates who take care of Apple Lang (リンゴロウさんをcuteがるstudent)] – Maekawa Mirai, Oishi Izumi, Matsubara Sayaya
[Delinquent Girls in the Back Alley (Delinquent Girls in the Road)] – Mirai Maekawa, Yuki Kitami, Shinobu Kudo
Groove☆Whim – Hayasaka Mirei, Sunazuka Akira, Tsujino Juri, Maekawa Mirai, Yume Rim
【Happy 7.27】 – Minami Nitta, Mirai Maekawa, Kirari Morohoshi
Paradise Trippers – Ichinose Shiki, Maekawa Mirai, Nonomura Sora
【SAKURA＊SAKU】【SAKURA＊SAKU～People of Heaven～（SAKURA＊SAKU～People of Heaven～)】 – Rika Kinosaki, Mirai Maekawa, Noriko Shiina, Minami Nitta
397 Cherry (a homophone of Mirai Nana Chieri) – Mirai Maekawa, Chieri Ogata, Nana Abe
【C5】 – Futaba Anzu, Maekawa Mirai, Shimamura Uzuki, Kohinata Miho, Abe Nana
【NEX-US】 – Anastasia, Nao Kamiya, Yuka Nakano, Mirai Maekawa, Teruko Hoshi
【Ember last】- Ryo Matsunaga, Aki Yamato, Yuka Nakano, Yuki Himekawa, Mirai Maekawa
【（Marinba）まりんぱ】 – Nanami Asari, Mirai Maekawa, Nina Ichihara, Ai Munakata, Kaoru Ryuzaki
【はぴのす】 – Nanami Asari, Nana Abe, Mirai Maekawa
【Innocent Hotel】 – Yuka Nakano, Kanako Mimura, Aki Yamato, Mirai Maekawa, Nagi Hisakawa
Derivative Works
"Poor Miku-nyan" Phenomenon
1. Definition and Origin
"Poor Miku-nyan" is a secondary creation tag in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls targeting the character Miku Maekawa (nicknamed Miku-nyan), primarily used to label derivative works where the character encounters pitiable situations.
Despite having ample SR/SSR cards, fan community's "tease Miku-nyan" culture and official encouragement solidified her unique "pitiable character" position. Note: Such works may discomfort some; use related memes (especially "losing Miku" derivatives) cautiously.
II. Development History and Key Events
Early Pitiable Attributes
Initial R card poor performance
Only card initially not convertible to rare medals, often used as enhancement material ("fodder")
Character Trait Reinforcement
Fish-hating setting: The pre-awakening card art of the S Rare "Sexy Cat" shows her crying while picking out the grilled fish from her bento.
This setting has become a classic creative routine, often arranging the future cat to encounter difficulties because of fish.
(Note: Real cats shouldn't eat fish/seafood often; unclear if setting reference this)
Community Classic Quotes
"I'm utterly disappointed in Miku-nyan. I'm un-fanning." became mobile board popular phrase
Identity Crisis
New cat idol Takamine Noa ("Noa-nyan") debut caused role overlap
Though forms "Nyan・Nyan・Nyan" with Noa, Anastasia, story implies Miku's doubts
Later card shows her frightened by Anastasia bringing sushi
Card Event Controversy
April 2014 S Rare "[Cinderella Dream] Miku Meakawa"
Had top attack and Dream Festival effect, but no Dream Fest held between implementation and effect expiry
After adjustment, effect only activated once, famous opreation mistake
3. Summary of the phenomenon
Miku's "teased" image is continuously reinforced through story and community works. Unlike other "pitiable characters," it formed a unique creative ecology—a paradox of "being shaped as pitiable because loved," a notable derivative culture case.
Maekawa-san
This refers to the popular "Class President" image of Miku Meakawa in derivative works, later officially adopted.
Class President Image Origin
Started from an edited image showing Miku with glasses, arms crossed, serious—contrasting her lively idol persona. Paired with school dialogue:
Girl A: "Maekawa at school? This..."
Girl B: "Totally different from TV."
Girl C: "Yeah, noisy on TV, quiet at school. Speaks less, right?"
Girl A: "Uses honorifics with everyone. So the idol persona is a character setting..."
The contrasting charm was highly praised, spawning "I'm utterly disappointed in Miku-nyan, un-fanning to become Maekawa-san's fan." Many Producers reportedly attracted by this image were disappointed it wasn't in-game.
Official Recognition
On September 30, 2014, the game implemented a new card [Serious/Kitten] Maekawa Miku through the "Sparkling Youth ☆ School Girl Gacha". In the card art, she is dressed in a uniform, wearing glasses, and carries herself with dignity, exactly matching the derivative work image. The setting further adds that "she seals her cat speech in front of others (such as at school)", perfectly recreating the derivative work setting.
This shocked Producers familiar with the edit; those unaware were surprised by the new image. Related “Cinderella Girls Theater” #388 directly titled "Maekawa-san."
On September 21, 2016, a self-referential card [Not Serious/Kitten] was released, showcasing a contrasting image with a summer uniform and no glasses.
Cross-Media Development
Petit Cinderella
Includes line "Miku is serious at school... but it's a secret because she's an idol!", confirming setting.Lives
At 2015 "LisAni! LIVE-5," VA intentionally didn't wear cat ears to maintain character aura, hailed as "real Maekawa-san."Anime
Episode 11 shows commuting and school scenes with glasses, showcasing strong competitiveness and serious nature. States "cat ears are work tools," confirming this as true self. Shows summer and winter uniforms as story progresses.Modeling
At the 2015 "Cinderella Ball" event, the prototype of the summer uniform design was unveiled.Starlight Stage
2016 implementation of the [Serious/Cat Sauce] card
Appeared as the vice president of the student union in the 2018 school drama
The 2019 exclusive plot clearly demonstrates the professional spirit of "maintaining professional distance during school"
He maintained this image in many private scenes, and even attracted the attention of other characters because of his "different atmosphere from usual".
Overall Review
Among the distinctive "Cinderella Girls" characters, Maekawa Mirai stands out with her classic, cute, cat-like personality. Her image as a "pure, serious girl with glasses" has been widely praised both in the official game and in fan fiction. This trait is crucial because it's incredibly rare in the game. If she can capitalize on this unique advantage, her future is limitless.
While the dignity of the original cat characters who insisted on "never changing themselves" is worth cherishing, contemporary idols must be more determined to carve out a niche market. This perfect balance of dual images is precisely what makes Maekawa Mirai so captivating.
The future will change itself!
This is a secondary creation based on the classic line "I will never change myself in the future!" from the character Mirai Maekawa from "The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls". The original line has been used by the official many times.
While Mirai, as a cat character, always displays unwavering perseverance, she occasionally changes her mind due to external factors. This expression is used when Mirai faces the need to "change herself."