The Motivation and Shadow of Becoming a Drummer: Decrypting "BanG Dream!"'s Rikki Shiina and Her Never-Appearing Sister

In 'BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!!', drummer Shiina Rikki left a deep impression on viewers with her sharp words, extreme seriousness about music, and near-obsessive protection of vocalist Takamatsu Tomori. However, to fully understand Rikki's personality and behavioral patterns, one must mention a key figure who never formally appears in the anime but profoundly influences her—her older sister, Shiina Rikki's older sister.

The Mysterious Sister: Shiina Maki

Shiina Rikki's older sister is named Shiina Maki. Although she never appears on screen, her presence permeates the entire story. In the anime, viewers can only glimpse her existence through character dialogue and a doorplate bearing the name 'MAKI.' According to official sources and game story supplements, Maki is four years older than Rikki and is an exceptionally talented musician. She was the band leader of the prestigious Hanasakigawa Girls' Academy's wind ensemble club and even led a regional orchestra to win a competition championship, making her what many would call a genius.

Shadow and Inferiority Under the Genius Halo

Precisely because her older sister was too brilliant, Rikki grew up under immense pressure and constant comparison. No matter how hard she tried, she always seemed to be labeled as 'Maki's younger sister.' This long-term comparison planted deep-seated feelings of inferiority and competitiveness in Rikki's heart. To escape her sister's shadow, she chose not to advance directly to Hanasakigawa High School's upper division, instead entering Hanasakigawa Girls' Academy, attempting to carve out a path entirely her own.

This sense of inferiority is also reflected in her attitude towards music. Rikki holds herself to exceptionally strict standards in composition and performance, which is both an expression of her love for music and her desire to prove herself and surpass her sister. During her time in the CRYCHIC band, she felt inferior to Toyogawa Saki's compositional abilities, and in MyGO!!!!!, she struggles with self-doubt when she cannot create arrangements that surpass those of her sister and Saki.

Seeking Recognition: Obsession with Takamatsu Tomori

Rikki's complex feelings towards her older sister also explain her obsession with Takamatsu Tomori. Initially, Toyogawa Saki invited Rikki to join CRYCHIC precisely because she knew Rikki had an amazing older sister. But for Rikki, Tomori's singing voice is unique—a raw and pure cry. She believes Tomori's talent is something even her perfect, genius older sister cannot compare to.

Therefore, composing songs for Tomori and forming a band where Tomori could sing freely became the best way for Rikki to prove her own worth. Protecting Tomori's music was equivalent to protecting the meaning of her own existence. This also explains why she exhibits such strong aggression when she believes someone (like Chihaya Anon) might harm or fail to respect Tomori's talent.

In summary, Shiina Rikki's older sister—Shiina Maki—is an indispensable background for understanding Rikki's character. She is both the goal Rikki wants to surpass and the source of her inner conflict and inferiority complex. It is precisely this shadow named 'genius older sister' that shaped Rikki's personality and became the powerful driving force behind her pursuit of musical excellence and her desire to protect the light within her heart.

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