Mei Nakatsugawa is a new first-year student at Motosu High School and the best friend of Ema Mizunami since middle school. She loves adventure, owns a fluffy Samoyed dog named Hanpen, and has a warm, friendly personality. Mei dreams of starting something new in high school and quickly becomes interested in road bikes after a chance encounter with Aoi Inuyama. Her enthusiasm for new hobbies sometimes gets her into tricky situations, but she always does her best with a bright attitude. She works part-time to support her hobbies and is known for her large ribbon. Mei also enjoys going on camping trips with friends, through which she learns more about both herself and the people around her.
Mei Nakatsugawa is a high school girl who is easy to spot thanks to her signature big ribbon.
She often carries a cheerful look and dresses like a typical student.
She has a bright and open style that shows her active personality.
Mei is friendly, curious, and very willing to try new things.
She is adventurous and honest, but also gets worried when things become hard.
Ema Mizunami once teased her, saying she is "falling into expensive hobbies with both feet"—and it’s true!
Even when she struggles, Mei remains positive and doesn’t give up easily.
Ema Mizunami has been Mei’s friend since middle school.
She is also friends with Aoi Inuyama, who inspired her to get into road bikes and join the Outdoor Activities Club.
Her mother works at the "Zebra" supermarket, where Aoi also works part-time, making their families more connected.
Mei is known for raising her Samoyed dog Hanpen, who even appears on the popular "Hanpen Biyori" internet channel loved by Nadeshiko Kagamihara.
First Meeting and Bike Club Challenge
Mei first appears in episode 73 of the original manga.
After entering high school, she decides she wants to try something new.
One day, her bike's tire goes flat while she is commuting to school.
Aoi Inuyama helps her while riding her own road bike.
This meeting excites Mei about road bikes.
She soon uses her money (from returning her train pass) to buy one for herself.
Mei tries joining the high school's bike club but realizes the club's training is much too hard since it's filled with serious athletes.
She quickly gives up.
Joining the Outdoor Activities Club
Feeling lost, she runs into Aoi again, who invites her to join the Outdoor Activities Club instead.
Mei happily accepts.
Cycling and Camping Adventure
In episodes 81 to 86, Mei goes on a fun cycling and camping trip with Aoi.
They ride along the Fujikawa and Fuefukigawa rivers, exploring nature and camping together.
Part-Time Job Life
During their trip back home, Mei, Aoi, and Mei's mother meet by chance.
Aoi and Mei's mother realize they both work at the "Zebra" supermarket.
After being told by Ema that both road biking and camping are costly hobbies, Mei decides to help with expenses.
She starts a part-time job at the "Komori" hardware store, which is located near the multipurpose facility where Chiaki Ōgaki and Aoi work.
Mei's dog Hanpen is a Samoyed and very popular online.
Mei’s desire to try new things sometimes gets her into trouble, but she always finds a way to bounce back.
Mei’s mother knows many of Mei’s friends because of her job.
The town of Minobu is small, so everyone seems to know each other.
Mei Nakatsugawa is a cheerful and adventurous new member of the Outdoor Activities Club.
She always tries her best, and her big ribbon makes her stand out in a crowd.
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