Remu Tachikawa is a 29-year-old star keirin racer from Tachikawa Velodrome. She has achieved major international success, including back-to-back victories in the World Championships Individual Pursuit. Remu is known for her logic-driven, strict dedication to training, setting her apart from her more instinctive rival and best friend, Tsutsuji Kurume. While she was always strict with others and did not easily accept disciples, her attitude towards mentoring changed after witnessing the struggles of newcomers like Nana Hiratsuka and Ai Kumamoto. Remu’s brilliance, drive, and sometimes harsh words have inspired many athletes around her.
- Height: 164 cm
- Age: 29
- Remu has a strong and athletic build, reflecting the years of strict training and competition.
Remu is cool-headed and logical, always thinking through any situation with careful analysis. She is incredibly hard on herself and holds others to high standards. While her words can sound strict, she truly wants the best for those around her. She can be warm and encouraging when she sees potential, thoughtfully giving advice to others. Remu is not easily impressed, but she pays close attention to talent and effort.
Remu’s home track is Tachikawa Velodrome. From a young age, she poured her energy into keirin, quickly becoming a top racer both in Japan and on the world stage. She is part of a legendary trio with Tsutsuji Kurume and Miyako Mukomachi, known as the “Domestic Big Three” among fans. Remu’s strict and persistent approach is different from Tsutsuji Kurume, who relies more on natural talent and intuition.
Remu is known for her calculated racing tactics and exceptional endurance. Her victories in the World Championships Individual Pursuit two years in a row prove her skills at the highest level. Coaches and fans respect her for her deep technical knowledge and her ability to analyze both her own races and those of her rivals.
Remu’s closest rival and best friend is Tsutsuji Kurume, with whom she shares an intense friendship and rivalry. She is also close to Miyako Mukomachi, forming the core of Japan’s three top female racers. Though many want to become her disciples, Remu has always been selective, looking for more than just talent, but real drive and spirit.
Recognizing Talent in Nana Hiratsuka
Remu first notices Nana Hiratsuka during a summer test ride for aspiring racers. She interrupts the test, impressing everyone with her speed and technique on a wet track. Remu approaches Nana, quietly acknowledging her background and welcoming her with genuine excitement. This marks a rare moment where Remu openly shows interest in a new athlete.
Training Camp with Tsutsuji Kurume
During the national team’s training camp, Tsutsuji remarks, “Another golden cap girl is pretty good, huh?”
Remu responds with, “Yeah, she’s good. But not quite there yet. She has potential, though.”
This shows that Remu not only keeps high standards, but also carefully judges the progress of others, offering honest and thoughtful feedback.
Accepting Ai Kumamoto as Her First Disciple
Ai Kumamoto gets dismissed from training due to constant overwork and slow times, and leaves the school in tears. Remu arrives by car, offers her sunglasses to help hide her crying, and, after a quiet moment, calmly tells her, “I’ve decided to make you my first disciple.”
This sudden change surprises many viewers, since Remu never accepted disciples before. Earlier in the episode, Nana asks Remu if she was ever offered early graduation, and Remu replies, “Yes, but there’s still someone more talented than me at school, so I decided to wait three more months.”
After Nana looks worried, it’s clear that she told Remu about Ai Kumamoto’s struggles and asked if Remu could take her in if she got dismissed, leading to Remu’s decision.
Remu’s Impact on Tsutsuji Kurume
In the manga “Rinkai! Azalea”, which covers her early career, Remu is second only to Tsutsuji Kurume in importance. She was offered early graduation as the first female trainee ever, and even as a pro, Remu made the Grand Prix finals in her first year. Unlike Tsutsuji, who had natural talent but struggled to focus, Remu was frustrated with Kurume’s lack of effort. One day, she boldly tells Kurume, “If you lose the next race, I’ll retire in your place!” This shocks Tsutsuji, who later finds new motivation, cries, and finally rises to match her true potential.
Remu is called “the genius of effort,” focusing on discipline and analysis, while Tsutsuji is known as a “natural genius.”
She’s most famous for her tough love and for choosing her first disciple only in special circumstances.
Despite her strict approach, she deeply cares for newcomers and their success.
She is a legendary figure in the world of women’s keirin.
- “Yeah, she’s good. But not quite there yet. She has potential, though.”
- “I’ve decided to make you my first disciple.”
- “If you lose the next race, I’ll retire in your place!”
- Date of Birth: October 17
- Home Velodrome: Tachikawa Velodrome
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