前川未來
Basic Information
- Name
- Miku Maekawa (前川みく / Maekawa Miku)
- Alias
- Miku-nyan, Maekawa-san
- Gender / Age
- Female / 15 years old
- Origin
- Osaka Prefecture
- Birthday
- February 22 (Pisces) — Japan's "Cat Day"
- Blood Type
- Blood type B
- Height / Weight
- 152 cm／45 kg
- Measurements
- 85 / 55 / 81 cm
- Hobby
- Visit a cat cafe
- Appearances
- The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls (November 28, 2011 – )
- Voice Actor
- Natsumi Takamori
- Image Color
- #e64a3f（紅色）
Overall election ranking
- 1st time
- 28th
- 2nd time
- 33rd
- 3rd time
- 22nd
- 4th Time
- 2nd Place
- 5th Time
- 8th Place
- 6th Time
- 19th Place
- 7th Time
- 27th Place
- 8th Time
- 30th Place
- 9th Time
- 25th Place
- 10th Time
- 22nd
- Stage for Cinderella 2022
- Preliminary Group A 11th Place
Introduction (Early Appearances and Character Setting)
Since the game's launch on November 28, 2011, Miku Maekawa has appeared as the BOSS character and tutorial guide of the "Harajuku" area, appearing before producers in a challenging manner. After losing a battle, she would join the office, giving her extremely high recognition, and her image as the "first rival" is deeply rooted. She is a high school girl cat-type idol, affectionately called "Mikunyan" by fans, and her representative song is "Onedari Shall we~?"
Appearance and Styling Features
Body Type and FigureShe is only 152 cm tall and petite, but has an excellent figure with measurements of B85/W55/H81, estimated to be an F cup. Her voluptuous bust is particularly prominent among many characters.
Appearance ChangesOn weekdays, she usually appears with medium-length straight hair; when performing on stage, she often wears a cat-ear hair accessory with double bows and ties her hair into a curly ponytail. In later card illustrations, new looks that keep her hair straight and do not tie it into a ponytail have also begun to appear.
Personality and Voice Traits
🗣️ Verbal Tic and Kansai Dialect
She speaks with a "nya" (にゃ) verbal tic that is hard to shake off. Although she claims to be from Osaka, she cannot speak Kansai dialect and is not good at tsukkomi, but in later episodes, Kansai dialect dialogue naturally slips out from time to time, and she becomes a recognized "tsukkomi expert," leading to suspicions that this is actually part of her character construction.
🐟 Fun Contrast
As a cat-themed idol, she dislikes eating fish, but has a special fondness for fish-shaped taiyaki.
Background Story and Development
Agency History: In the related story of "THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: Starlight Stage," it is revealed that she was once affiliated with another agency but chose to leave because she could not agree with certain practices of the original agency.
Management Focus and Cross-Media Activities: In the early stages, the management treated her as one of the "shop window girls" of the work, giving her more attention—from "receiving an SR version just one and a half months after appearing," "CD debut," "new SR card and voice lines added for the anniversary," to "being selected to participate in the second anniversary event," she has been active at all major milestones. She has also been favored in merchandise, CDs, and other media crossovers, and even appeared in the main "THE IDOLM@STER" series as "one of the guest idols at the Shiny Festa." Based on all this, although it is not an official setting, some fans call her "the fourth New Generations."
Catgirl setting
🐾 Core Setting
She voluntarily chose the "catgirl" idol path: her speech naturally ends with the "nya" verbal tic; on stage, she always wears cat-ear accessories and a cat tail, with her overall look tightly themed around cats. Although she absolutely loves cats (her hobby is visiting cat cafés, and her reason for liking cats is "because they are free"), pets are not allowed at home, she is bad with fish, and she is also helpless against mice.
🍱 Dietary Preferences
She dislikes fish, but can accept dried bonito flakes, and can eat fish paste products (such as fish cakes)—it is speculated that the issue lies in whether the ingredient retains the original form of the fish; by the way, fried fish is also a no-go. Her true preference is meat and sweets, especially hamburg steaks, which can be seen in song lyrics and drama CD remarks.
💬 Origin and Essence of the Verbal Tic
She has said that using the "nya" verbal tic is "to not forget the feeling of being able to understand a cat's feelings as a child." This has become part of her true nature, naturally surfacing even in informal monologues. However, according to the voice actress, the "nya" at the end of sentences decreases when she is not working, showing that it is also a deliberate performance as an idol.
Fun Facts and Setting Easter Eggs
🎤 Career Challenges
In "Cinderella Girls Theater," she once struggled during voice-over work when asked not to include "nya" in any line, showcasing the deep bond between the character and her verbal tic.
🏷️ Addressing Habits
When addressing other characters, she often adds "nya": Uzuki Nya, Shibu Nya, Mio Nya, etc.
👑 Cat-Ear Promoter
Her cat-ear accessory even comes in winter and summer seasonal versions, and she often encourages other idols to try on cat ears or use the "nya" verbal tic. Together with Anastasia (Nya) and Noah Takamine (Noah Nya), she forms the "Nya Nya Nya" unit.
🎭 The Choice of Looks
In the "Nothing but You" event story and the 5th Live Fukuoka performance, she deliberately removed her cat ears to better express the song's mood; later, at the SSA performance, she restored the cat-ear look.
😼 Fun Contrast Interactions
Since 2018, the official team has deliberately increased her interactions with Nanami Asari, who loves eating fish, creating an interesting contrast of "a cat girl who doesn't eat fish × a companion who loves fish."
- Birthday Easter Egg: Her birthday, February 22, is Japan's "Cat Day," and her connection with cats is cleverly woven from settings to dates.
- Childhood Memories: In episode 11 of the anime, a photo of her wearing cat-ear headbands at a theme park during her childhood appeared, showing her long-standing love for cats.
- Blessed by the Cat God: According to Yona Yoshi's character, she seems to be blessed by the cat god—if true, she is a cat-like idol recognized even by the cat god.
Rumor: It is said that in the cat-ear-shaped wardrobe in her room, there are photos of her as a child with a cat; it is said she carries a brush for removing cat hair; it is said she likes birthdays but does not like zodiac signs.
High emotional intelligence, scene control, and a famous fan
🧠 High EQ Master of the Room
Miku Maekawa has high emotional intelligence and keen observation, and is often given the role of "straight man" by the official side. Although she claims she cannot do tsukkomi, she is actually a master of controlling the scene, often showing a "creepy" expression with her cat-like eyes wide open. Examples of her quick-witted rescues: when Manami Touna tried to play a prank, she silently called her nemesis Kiyora Yanagi and put her on speaker, intimidating the other party with just her voice; in the "Cinderella Post" storyline, because Riina Tada mistakenly ate Clarice's pudding, she pointed out Clarice's distress by observing the reply time, and also urged Riina to apologize sincerely.
⭐ Famous fan: Gen Hoshino
Musician Gen Hoshino is a famous "Miku-P" (producer of Miku Maekawa). On February 22, 2023, Miku's birthday, his cover of "Koi" was officially added to The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Starlight Stage; previously, illustrator Annin Doufu (character designer for this work) had also drawn related illustrations for it. There is also an illustration by Annin Doufu released in 2016, "Mikuri-style Mikunyan Koi Dance".
Voice actress interaction: Voice actressNatsumi TakamoriAlso skilled at hosting, she often emcees MC segments during concerts, echoing her character's image.
CD debut
On August 8, 2012, she debuted as part of the second wave of "CINDERELLA MASTER" alongside Ranko Kanzaki, Kirari Moroboshi, Mika Shiki, and Uzuki Shimamura. Responsible for voice acting.Natsumi TakamoriShe revealed that she was originally a producer of the "THE IDOLM@STER" series - when she initially participated in the audition for Kirari Moroboshi, she also tried out for Miku on the side, and ultimately was chosen for this role.
Many famous quotes (questionable quotes) were born in the CD's accompanying interview: "This is an infringement of cat rights nya!" "I will never distort myself in the future nya!" "The meaning of Miku's existence is in crisis nya... well, whatever" "Huh... isn't this too much? (true feelings)" Her character image of being "cute yet treated miserably" is deeply ingrained in players' hearts. The bonus SR card's performance was merely commemorative, but after awakening, with its above-average attack power and low cost, it performed excellently in tasks such as accumulating fans. The pre-awakening card art uses the same illustration as the CD cover, and after awakening, she wears a matching outfit with the four who debuted together - the design principle of "matching outfits after awakening" was also adopted by subsequent CD debut idols.
Solo Songs
Participating songs
moba version card
Click the card name to expand the description.
Miku Maekawa (Original R Card) R・2011.11.28
You can get one by completing the tutorial stage, and another by clearing subsequent areas. Since everyone can easily obtain her, even her voice actress said, "This is the only R-rarity character everyone knows best." Her performance is at the regrettable level of early-game fate, and she can't be converted into rare medals. After maxing affection, she's often used for free trading or as training fodder, earning her nicknames like "Miku-nyan Senpai" and "Everyone's Food." In the new tutorial, she, along with New Generations and Chihiro Senkawa, is equipped with new voice lines.
Sexy cat (セクシーキャット) SR・2012.01.19
As the second idol in this game to become SR after Rin Shibuya. Due to being an early card with defensive stats, even current free-to-play players can easily obtain her. Before awakening, you can see her tearfully picking fish meat out of her lunchbox; if you set her as leader during gift events like Valentine's, she'll present chocolate with chopsticks while holding back tears—interested producers should definitely give it a try.
CD Debut SR・2012.08.06
An SR specially released to commemorate Miku Maekawa's first song. Before awakening uses the same illustration as the CD cover, and after awakening, she wears matching outfits with the four who debuted together, with lines brimming with excitement about the joint performance. This "matching outfits after awakening" design principle was also adopted by subsequent CD debut idols.
Charming Cat (チャーミングキャット) SR・2012.11.27
A first-anniversary new SR, the first card in this game to "come with voice from the start." Before awakening is a recording studio scene (cat ears hinder wearing headphones), and after awakening she's surrounded by cats, with her cat traits multiplied. This outfit also appears as a stage costume in anime episode 11. Performance-wise, she's an attack-leaning balanced type with high practicality, and it's rumored that even her voice actress spent a fortune to obtain her—making her the most representative SR card among Miku's cards.
Seaside Cat（シーサイドキャット） SR・2013.07.31
Debuted in the "Swimsuit Paradise 2013 Gacha." Before awakening is a southern beach vacation, and after awakening is a seaside stage swimsuit performance under the dazzling sunset, with cat ears retained in both. Appears in "Cinderella Girls Theater" episode 138 alongside Anastasia, who also became S-rarity at the same time. Although she's presumed to dislike the sea due to hating fish, she actually enjoys splashing water—only the smell of the tide dampens her spirits. Performance-wise, she's a "debuff type," with a well-balanced high offense and defense.
Anniversary Cat (アニバーサリーキャット) SR・2013.11.28
Debuted in the second anniversary event "Idol Training 2nd Anniversary." After completing the New Generations trio's jobs, she can be trained as a fourth character, with a "smiling version" alternate card art. At the celebration party, she distributes cat ears, plays meow wrestling, and tosses the producer high—behind it lies the sentiment that "as long as I and everyone working together are happy, that's enough."
Cinderella Dream (シンデレラドリーム) SR・2014.04.23
An SR obtained by collecting 30 "Cinderella Dream Tickets" from the event. Stats are the same as Co-attribute Minami Nitta and Pa-attribute Aiko Takamori. Rarely breaking the fixed design: before awakening, her hair is down in a short bob, and after awakening, she ties it into a ponytail. The pre-awakening lines mention her motivation to become an idol: "I want to become a cute girl" "Since the pinnacle of cute girls is idols, of course I have to become one, meow."
Serious/Kitten (マジメ／ネコチャン) SR・2014.09.30
"Sparkling Youth☆Schoolgirl Gacha" debuts. Before awakening is a commuting scene waiting on the platform: without cat ears, switching to serious glasses mode—this look is exactly the popular meme image of "Maekawa-san" adopted by the official from fan works. After awakening, she appears on a variety show with Anya, shouting "Love with all my might, meow!" in a wild manner, which seems playful but is actually her embodiment of idol professionalism.
Haikara Sakura (ハイカラサクラ) R・2015.03.31
First appearance as an R-rarity card since her debut in the "Sakura Dance Japanese Romantic Gacha." Before awakening, she presents a handmade lunchbox "Miku Cat-chan Cute Rice Balls," and after awakening, she wears Taisho Roman-style hakama and, as usual, dons cat ears and strikes a cat pose.
Moon Night Cat（ムーンナイトキャット） SR・2015.07.22
"Moonlit Night Catgirl Limited Gacha" debuts. Before awakening, she reads with her white cat friend in the park at night and coaxes the producer; after awakening, she plays the role of a mansion owner—"Hey, cat mansion...? That phrasing is a bit... off, meow!" Anyone looking would only describe it as a cat mansion, right...? (Those who don't understand the "cat mansion" reference, please search for "Cat Mansion Tale"; if you're as afraid of ghost stories as Miku, it's best not to look it up.)
ASTERISK（アスタリスク） SR+・2015.08.01
New SR+ obtainable by logging in during the "Feverish Friday Night" event. No pre-awakening state; starts in + form.
Ambush Cat (まちぶせキャット) SR・2016.01.31
"Bittersweet·Ultimate Valentine Gacha" appearance. Encouraged by Chihiro Kawara's promotion to star in a "Valentine's Theme Commercial," yet worried about her "shallow romance experience"; after asking Chihiro "What is love?" she rambles on about her daily work, only to be teased, "Isn't that just constantly thinking about Mr. P?" and blushes instantly.
Not Serious/Kitten (フマジメ／ネコチャン) SR・2016.09.21
SR from the same-name Dream Chance Gacha, card name is a self-homage to "Serious/Kitten." Transforms into a rebellious girl sitting on the rooftop railing: cat ears + earrings, cat tattoo on chest, torn top, holding a chain. In theater episode 774, unable to climb down on her own, she asks the producer to assist; afterward, she only brushes it off with "Who knows? Cat-chan is capricious, meow♪" before leaving.
Black Cat (ブラックキャット) R・2017.04.19
"Pride Focus Dream Limited Gacha" appears at R rarity. In theater episode 888, she has tooth trouble but fears the dentist; Chihiro cuts off her escape with "Then let me check," and she resigns herself to going with the producer—that day, just being called by the nurse makes her cower.
Holy Night Cat（ホーリーナイトキャット） SR・2017.11.30
"6th Anniversary Christmas Gacha" featured SR. Pre-awakening, she doodles on a fogged window; post-awakening, she wears Christmas-style attire with her cloak half open.
Dramatic Kitten (ドラマチックネコチャン) SR・2018.06.21
"Aim for Cat-chan♪ Idol Challenge" ranking reward SR. In the cat musical, she guides co-stars Sarina Matsumoto and Emi Nanba in showcasing cat charm; pre-awakening shows a cat café petting scene, post-awakening shows her performing as the "Happiness Cat."
Baron the Cat (バロンザキャット) SR・2018.11.28
"7th Anniversary Cat Marquis Cumulative Gacha" SR appearance. Theater episode 1196 "Morning Jog" depicts her spotting a target atop a hill's treetop during her morning run, desperately climbing but accidentally falling into a cat trap midway.
Japanese kitten (和ごころネコチャン) SR・2019.03.31
"Cherry Blossoms Scattering·Spring Tea Party Exchange Ticket Gacha" SR appearance.
Warm-hearted kitten (ほっこりネコチャン) SR・2019.10.31
"Autumn Story…♪ Healing Soup Aroma Exchange Ticket Gacha" SR appearance. Same-banner SRs: Fumika Sagisawa, Takumi Mukai.
Dreaming Bride (ドリーミンブライド) SR・2020.05.26
"Happiness Delivery·Wedding Story Surprise Gacha" SR appearance. Card name and illustration both carry over the SSR design that appeared earlier in Cinderella Stage.
Sunshine Kitten (おひさまネコチャン) SR・2021.04.19
"Sunny Cat-chan Dream Chance Gacha" SR appearance.
Heart-Connecting Nyavigator (心通わすニャビゲーター) SR・2022.01.26
"60th Producer Battle Carnival" ranking reward SR.
Beautiful Cat's Anniversary (Anniversary Nyandafuru) S・2022.11.28
11th Anniversary S Rarity Gift Campaign (2022.11.28–12.15). First login grants the 1st character, sharing the campaign page to Twitter grants the 2nd character.
Starlight Stage
settings: Appeared since the early days of service. Since this game has no "LIVE Battle" mechanic, her joining the agency differs from the social game version—due to the original agency demanding a transformation into a "Giraffe Idol," she transferred here to maintain her cat-like image.
Additional SR Appearance：March 31, 2016 "Spring Breeze After-School Gacha" ［Serious / Kitten］; September 3, 2018 "3rd Anniversary Party Gacha" ［Bewitching Catgirl］; August 4, 2021 "Blazing Summer Sets Sail, Meow! Gacha" ［Seaside Catgirl］.Main StoryEpisode 6 "Whisker Rhythm ♪": She was scheduled for a job right after the New Generations trio, highlighting Miku's exclusive privilege.
Cinderella Stage Card
Click the card name to expand the description.
Miku Maekawa (Original Card Art) R・2015.09.03
Uses the mobamas R card art.
Miku Maekawa (Sexy Cat) SR・2015.09.03
Uses the mobamas SR card art.
Cat Party (キャットパーティー) SSR・2015.09.17
Additional SSR in the "Platinum Audition Gacha".
Serious/Kitten (マジメ／ネコチャン) SR・2016.03.31
SR from the "Spring Warm After-School Time Gacha".
Dreaming Bride (ドリーミンブライド) SSR・2016.05.31
In the "Happiness Delivery・Wedding Story Gacha", simultaneously becomes a second SSR with Ranko Kanzaki: the 3D dress changes from a sexy two-piece to a cream-colored one-piece dress with lace gloves in a cute style.
EVERMORE SR・2016.11.30
"LIVE Parade" 2nd event point reward SR: Singing the 5th anniversary song "EVERMORE" together with Mika Shijou, Ranko Kanzaki, Asuka Ninomiya, and Shiki Ichinose. Before awakening, visits "Maihama Amphitheater" with Ranko and Asuka; after awakening, performs the dome concert with Shiki (card can be connected with the simultaneous SR "EVERMORE" Mika Shijou).
Adventure・Château（アヴァンチュール・シャト） SSR・2017.06.29
Limited SSR from "Cinderella Carnival" (3rd). The second SSR in the entire work to have "Skill Boost", with the special skill "Spoiled Fingertips" having a high chance every 8 seconds to enhance other members' skill effects; the 3D stage outfit is a red phantom thief style (echoing the Sexy Cat theme). On that day, information was leaked early due to a system mis-sent push notification, and after the management apologized, it opened as usual.
Take me☆Take you SR・2017.07.31
SR reward from the 6th "LIVE Parade" event points: performing the 5th General Election song "Take me☆Take you" with Yoshino Yoda, Nono Morikubo, Kokoro Sato, and Miyu Mifune. After awakening, greets fans on the flower path with Nono (card can be connected with the simultaneous SR Yoshino Yoda). Event easter egg: Harajuku appears on the performance map "Capital District" (a tribute to the social version Harajuku BOSS Mirai Nyan), and the target includes the number 2 (nyan pun).
Charming Cat (チャーミングキャット) SR・2018.09.03
SR from the "Celebration! 3rd Anniversary Party Gacha".
Starry-Go-Round SR・2018.10.31
"LIVE Groove Dance Burst" 8th event point reward SR: Selected alongside Yui Otsuki, Anastasia, Yuki Himekawa, and Asuka Ninomiya for the lineup performing the new dome song "Starry-Go-Round", posing with "Commemorative Cat Ears" for an interview. After awakening, wears a jacket with the "Sexy Cat Girl" outfit and performs on stage with Yuki (card can be connected with the simultaneous SR Yui Otsuki).
Happy Nya Year (ハッピーにゃーイヤー) SSR・2020.01.04
4th SSR from the "Lucky New Year Kimono Gacha".
Nyanderful World (ニャンダフル・ワールド) SSR・2021.02.13
5th SSR from the "Cinderella Carnival Nocturne".
Seaside Cat（シーサイドキャット） SR・2021.08.04
SR from the "Blooming Smiles・Blazing Summer Departure Yoho! Gacha".
Whimsical Master (気ままなごMaster様) SSR・2022.05.04
6th SSR from the "Overflowing Love♡Happy Maid Gacha".
The charming cat girl（艶猫娘々） SSR・2023.03.04
7th SSR from the "Past and Present, Theater Girl Gacha".
Full Miracle Adventure（全開ミラクルアドベンチャー） SR・2023.04.30
SR reward from the 13th "LIVE Carnival" event medal.
Summer Cat☆Rendez-vous (サマーキャット☆ランデブー) SSR・2024.07.05
8th SSR from the "Summer Door Opens・Seaside Madonna Nyan Gacha".
Heartbeat☆Kitten (ときめき☆ネコチャン) SR・2025.03.19
SR reward from the "Idol Training" event. This event marked a long-awaited joint performance with Riina Tada.
Nyanderful · Diva（ニャンダフル・ディーヴァ） SSR・2025.08.27
"Blank Carnival Gacha" 9th SSR. Before awakening, the background is Harajuku—returning to the old place as the Harajuku BOSS.
Animation
Second Anniversary Commemorative PV: Appeared in the anime commemorative PV for the game's second anniversary, sparking the opportunity for anime adaptation.
TV Anime Core Role: In the 2015 TV anime "THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls," as a core member of the Cinderella Project, her complete journey from a competitive newcomer to a professional idol is depicted. She first appears in Episode 1 as part of the background crowd and officially debuts from Episode 2 onward, portrayed as "the member with the most fervent idol dream"; combining her innate Kansai cheerfulness with a strong competitive spirit, she also shows a delicate, considerate side—looking after the insecure Chieri Ogata and curbing the over-the-top performances of Rika Jougasaki and others. Her signature line also reveals her essence: "Miku will never bend herself!" (みくは自分を曲げないよ!)
- Episode 3 The Old vs. New Generation Clash—Dissatisfied with New Generations debuting first, she challenges them three times out of fierce defiance, only to fail each time. Her tsundere cheering demeanor earns her the nickname "Provocative Cat" from the audience, believed to be a nod to the original game's tutorial boss.
- Episode 5 The Protest Storm—Seeing other idols debuting one after another, an impatient Miku leads Rika Jougasaki and Yui Futaba in occupying the company café in protest. This incident becomes a pivotal turning point: the producer admits "there is a debut plan but details are undecided," and Miku also lets down her guard and offers a sincere apology, showcasing her character growth.
- Episode 11 The Birth and Conflict of the *(Asterisk) Unit—Forming a duo with Rieko Tada, they clash over differing ideals (Miku championing a cute cat-ear idol style, Rieko favoring hard-edged rock). In their first collaboration, they set aside their differences and successfully co-write the lyrics within 48 hours, performing "ØωØver!!" (a song co-created in real life by voice actresses Natsumi Takamori and Ruriko Aoki). The unit is officially named "*(Asterisk)" due to a misunderstanding by Chihiro Senkawa.
- Episodes 15-16 The Survival of the Project and the Essence of an Idol—Facing the dissolution crisis instigated by Executive Mio, she leads everyone in organizing the data room and submits a proposal that becomes the blueprint for the subsequent "Cinderella Ball." During her joint performance with Nana Abe, she is moved by Nana's conviction to "stay true to her bunny persona," and amid the company's wavering policies, she cheers Nana on from the audience, declaring: "I will never betray my own 'meow' in the future!"
- Episode 19 A Test of Trust and Unit Evolution—Consumed by self-blame over the estrangement from her partner Rieko, the two break down in tears and open their hearts after a stage accident: "It's not your fault, I just tried to shoulder too much..." The duo accepts Natsuki Kimura into the fold, forming the new unit "*(Asterisk) with Natsunana," and performs "Wonder Goes On!!"
- Episodes 24-25 The Pinnacle Stage and Its Conclusion—When Uzuki Shimamura returned, she wore cat ears and sternly encouraged her: "An idol shouldn't be absent without reason!"; at the Cinderella Ball, she teamed up with Nana Abe for a wonderful animal-themed show. ＊(Asterisk) With Riina and Natsuki, she showcased their evolved chemistry on stage. Like the original New Generations, Miku and Riina parted ways in spring to grow individually — "parting is to meet again at a higher place," but their unit will never disband.
THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS Theater (2017)
- Classic Scene Revival: The teaser PV twice recreated the "banishment scene from original Chapter 53" — the impactful image of Miku "slamming the door open" to the BGM was even repeatedly edited into the main previews, becoming a signature running gag of the series.
- Ending theme performer (Season 4, April ED): Performed "Kyun・Kyun・Max!" (きゅん・きゅん・まっくす) together with Shiki Ichinose, Yuki Otokura, Noriko Shiina, and Narumi Munakata.
- In-Game Theater “Tuesday Cinderella Theater”: Episode 14 (corresponding to original manga Chapter 389).
Extra Stage(Limited in-game broadcast in 2020): Episode 43, "The Price of Staying Up Late."
Comics
📖 《New Generations》
In the manga serialized in GANGAN JOKER, she appears as a senior at the office to the 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 bringing out her comedic character.
🖌️ 《U149》
In "U149" serialized in Cycomi, she appeared as a guest character in episodes 44–47, which centered on Koharu Koga. As a regular host of the "Animal Committee" web program, she kept the mood lively with her expressive face and handled live broadcast situations with composure — a true professional. Facing Koharu, who was just enjoying the work, she sternly pointed out, "We're no longer the audience," and even criticized Koharu's producer for insufficient oversight — remarks that the two instead took as a chance to re-examine themselves. She also appeared later in episodes 49–53, which focused on Kaoru Ryuzaki (including the "Maekawa mode" on a day off and immediately turning away at the sight of fish dishes).
Relationship with other idols
Rieka Tada Riina Tada
In episode 11 of the TV anime, the duo "*(Asterisk)" was formed — Miku insisted on a cat-ear cute idol style while Rieka championed hard-edged rock; after their creative clash, they reconciled during 48 hours of collaborative lyric writing. In the second season, the group expanded to a four-member lineup. In their daily interactions, the duo's "breakup" has become a signature running gag.
Natsuki Kimura Kimora Natsuki
Joined when the unit upgraded in episode 19, and together they sang the ending theme "Wonder Goes On!!"
Anna Abe Nana Abe
An idol she looks up to. In episodes 15–16, moved by her belief in "sticking with the bunny role," she cheered her on from the audience as company policy wavered. The two also have many other units together, such as "397 Cherry" and "Ear Ear Ear Ear☆Animal Ears."
Kamijo Haruna Kamijo Haruna
A fellow cat-loving friend; based on Haruna's dialogue, she is also acquainted with Rumi Wakui. Influenced by Haruna, Miku often promotes cat-ear culture at the office, with a catchphrase: "Come on, come on~ Put on the cat ears, meow?"
Anastasia Anastasia
Called "An-nyan-nyan" by Miku. In the "Dream Live Festival," she formed the cat-ear duo "Nyan Nyan Nyan" with Noah Takamine. During the event, when a scene appeared in Natalia's S-rank card background where Anya recommended sushi, Miku was visibly "shocked and turned pale" on the spot.
Takamine Noa Takamine Noa
After the debut of a new cat-eared character, she once faced an "existential crisis" due to overlapping roles, but Miku clearly stated she welcomes more cat-eared idols and even claims to be "the number one herself."
Uzuki Shimamura Uzuki Shimamura
Interacts closely with the members of "Shining Nova," often putting cat ears on them during joint performances. When Miku encounters difficulties, she always consults Uzuki, describing her as a "gentle American Shorthair."
Rin Shibuya Rin Shibuya
Miku thinks Rin "seems ordinary yet mysterious," and sees similarities with herself, such as being an "elegant Maine Coon."
Mio Honda Mio Honda
Miku is often led around by Mio: during anniversary events she gets her tail pulled, is used as a microphone impersonation, or is forced into role-play such as a "lively stray cat."
Futaba Anzu Futaba Anzu
In drama CDs, she often acts as Anya's "babysitter," but because of her gentle personality (unlike Kirari Moroboshi's assertiveness), she ends up being led around by Anya.
Nanami Asari Asari Nanami
The "fish lover" of the Nagano area tries to push fish dishes at every co-performance, triggering fierce resistance from Miku, who doesn't eat fish. Fans jokingly call their battles "Nanami Miku" (nanamiku).
Shiki Ichinose Ichinose Shiki
Miku worries that she "might steal her own presence," and directly asks the Nagano area, "Do you have a grudge against Miku Nya?"
Akari Tsujino Tsujino Akari
A Yamagata-area apple idol. The two hit it off privately and formed "Miku Nyango," where Akari actively relies on senior Miku during work, and Miku also carefully guides her.
Chieri Ogata・Nana Abe Ogata Chieri & Nana Abe
Teamed up with Chieri Ogata and Nana Abe for their "cute attribute."
Rika Jougasaki, Nina Ichihara Jogasaki Rika & Ichihara Nina
Bonded with Rika Jougasaki and Nina Ichihara through a shared love of paw pads.
Participating Units
Derivative Works
💧 The "Poor Miku-nyan" Phenomenon
A fan-created tag and community culture surrounding Miku Maekawa's pitiful situations—despite her relatively abundant card resources, the fan community's "teasing Miku-nyan" culture and official encouragement have shaped her unique "pitiful character" positioning.
👓 Maekawa-san
The "class president" image popular in derivative works: a pure and serious girl with glasses and a stern expression. Later officially adopted into the formal setting, becoming another facet of this character's charm.
"Poor Miku-nyan" Phenomenon
Definition and origin: Mainly used to mark derivative works depicting the character in pitiful situations. Note that such creations may cause discomfort for some audiences; when using related memes (especially derivative content involving "losing Miku"), special caution should be exercised.
Development history: The early pitiful attribute came from the poor effectiveness of her initial rare card abilities; as the only card at the time that could not be exchanged for rare medals, she was often used as enhancement fodder (jokingly called "feed"); the fish-averse setting was strengthened through the pre-training card art of the S Rare "Sexy Little Cat," becoming a classic creative trope. Community classic quote: "I'm utterly disappointed in Miku-nyaa. I'm quitting being a fan."
Identity Crisis: After the new cat-type character Noah Takamine appeared, their positioning overlapped; although they formed "Nya Nya Nya" together, related stories hinted that Miku-nyaa had reservations about this arrangement, and later card art even showed her being startled by sushi.Card Event Controversy：The S Rare card "［Cinderella Dream］ Miku Maekawa" from April 2014 had top-tier attack power and a Dream Festival effect advantage, but from its release until the effect deadline, the official side held no Dream Festival events at all, so the effect only actually took effect once, becoming a famous case of an operational blunder.
Maekawa-san
Origin: Originally from a leaked edited image—Miku wearing glasses with a serious expression and arms crossed, showing a pure and serious "class president" aura completely different from her idol image. Combined with circulating school dialogues ("loud on TV, but quite refined at school" "uses honorifics with everyone"), it gave rise to the catchphrase "I'm utterly disappointed in Miku-nyaa; I'll quit being a fan and become a fan of Maekawa-san instead."
Official recognition：On September 30, 2014, a new card ［Serious / Kitten］ was added to the game—uniform with glasses, well-mannered, exactly matching her fan-art image, and the setting even added that "she seals her cat-speak in front of others"; 《Cinderella Girls Theater》 episode 388 was directly titled 《Maekawa-san》. In 2016, a self-homage ［Not Serious / Kitty-chan］ was released.Cross-media: "Deremas" includes the line "Miku is serious at school... but since she's an idol, it must be kept secret!"; at "LisAni! LIVE-5" in 2015, the voice actress deliberately did not wear cat ears to maintain the character's atmosphere, praised by fans as "the real Maekawa-san"; the glasses look in episode 11 of the anime bluntly states "cat ears are a business tool"; the 2015 Cinderella Ball publicly revealed the summer uniform model prototype; the 2018 school drama event featured her as the vice president of the student council, and this image has been maintained in private scenes since.
Overall Review: Her "glasses-wearing, pure and serious girl" image is well-received in both official and fan works, with the key being the high scarcity of this attribute in this work. The perfect balance between the "persisting never to change oneself" dignity of the first-generation cat-type and the dual image of "pioneering a niche market" is precisely the most charming allure of Miku Maekawa.
Overall Review
"Miku will change herself!"
— Adapted from the classic line "Miku will never change herself!" as a derivative meme; the original line has been used officially multiple times. When Miku occasionally changes due to external factors, this expression is used.Among the distinctive characters of "Cinderella Girls," Miku Maekawa stands out with the classic cat-like moe attributes: born on Cat Day, swearing by "nyaa," evolving from the initial rival in the tutorial stage to the face of the franchise across games, anime, manga, and countless units. Her persistence and contrast, her pride and "pitifulness," together form the most complete picture of this cat-type idol "recognized even by the Cat God."
