Kanae Maekawa

Kanae Maekawa serves as the vice-commander of the civilian Antarctic expedition 'Antarctic Challenge,' having previously collaborated with Takako Kobuchizawa and Gin Toudou on earlier polar missions. With a professional background in corporate sales, her exceptional communication and negotiation skills allow her to complement the team's reserved leader by handling external liaisons and discussions. Throughout the journey to Antarctica, she guides the four young girls—including Shirase—with a warm yet steady presence, making her an indispensable coordinator and decision-maker within the expedition.