When "The Quintessential Quintuplets" Nakano Ichika Enters Reality: How Does Hinatazaka46's Takeuchi Kirari Portray This Charming Eldest Daughter?
In today's world where anime and idol culture intertwine, the connection between 2D characters and 3D idols always sparks enthusiastic discussions among fans. Among them, the combination of the eldest sister Ichika Nakano from the super popular romantic comedy "The Quintessential Quintuplets" and the new-generation idol group Hinatazaka46 member Kirai Takeuchi is an excellent example. When the virtual national初恋 steps onto the real stage, interpreted by a promising idol, what kind of sparks have flown between them?
Deconstructing the Charm: Who is Ichika Nakano in "The Quintessential Quintuplets"?
"The Quintessential Quintuplets" is created by manga artist Negi Haruba, and the story revolves around poor high school student Fuutarou Uesugi, who is hired as a tutor for the Nakano family's quintuplet sisters. The eldest sister, Ichika Nakano, stands out among the quintuplets with her signature pink short hair and right ear earring.
Ichika's character is multi-layered. On the surface, she is a cheerful, teasing, devilish older sister type, but beneath her mature and charming exterior, she also harbors the dream of becoming an actress. As the eldest sister, she often acts as a mediator among her younger sisters, keenly observing the people and things around her. However, behind the glamour, Ichika has a sloppy and lazy side at home, and this gap moe makes her character more three-dimensional and human. In her interactions with Fuutarou, she gradually develops deep romantic feelings from an initial partnership, experiencing complex inner struggles between love and family bonds.
Rising Star on Stage: Hinatazaka46's Kirai Takeuchi
Kirai Takeuchi is a fourth-generation member of the Japanese female idol group Hinatazaka46, officially joining the group after passing the audition in September 2022. She was born on February 20, 2006, in Hiroshima Prefecture, and is the first member from Hiroshima in the group. After joining, with her cute image and relentless effort, she quickly gained popularity and even has her own named program in her hometown Hiroshima. In the eyes of fans and members, she is a rising star full of potential.
When Ichika Meets Kirari: The Perfect Combination on Stage
In March 2025, the highly anticipated stage play "The Quintessential Quintuplets" officially premiered, with the important role of Ichika Nakano played by a member of Hinatazaka46's fourth generation. The production team adopted a W (double) and Triple rotation system, with Nanami Konishi and Kirai Takeuchi jointly playing the role of Ichika.
For Kirai Takeuchi and other fourth-generation members, this stage play is a brand new challenge and an opportunity to realize their dreams. In an interview, Kirai Takeuchi expressed that while everyone feels nervous, they are also very excited and hope everyone can enjoy the process together until the very end. This performance is not only a test of their acting skills but also presents the beloved story of "The Quintessential Quintuplets" to the audience in the form of a musical. Conveying Ichika's combination of mature older sister-like qualities and playful girlish charm through real performance is an important challenge for Kirai Takeuchi, and this cross-over collaboration has successfully brought new surprises and emotions to fans of both fields.
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