Mayu Kuroe is a third-year high school girl who transfers to Kitauji High School in Kyoto from the powerhouse Seira Girls' High School in Fukuoka, famous for its top-level concert band. With her gentle, soft, and angelic vibe, she quickly stands out. She becomes a Euphonium player in the band, catching the attention—and concern—of current club president Kumiko Oumae, who sees her as both a kindred spirit and a rival. Mayu’s story is about friendship, music, kindness, and the struggles of fitting in while being deeply talented.
- Name: Mayu Kuroe
- Birthday: March 24
- Height: 155 cm
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Blood Type: AB
- Instrument: Euphonium
- Favorite Color: Milky White
- Hobbies: Taking photos of friends
- Special Skills: None
- Likes: Friends, club, music
- Dislikes: None
Mayu Kuroe has glossy dark brown hair that flows softly over her shoulders and chest.
She gives off a pure, graceful feeling, looking almost like a spring goddess.
In official events, she ties her hair into a high ponytail.
Her slightly droopy, expressive eyes and fair skin make her look gentle and kind.
Mayu is a bit shorter than Kumiko Oumae but is described as having an elegant back and soft curves.
Her shirt buttons sometimes struggle to hold at her chest, showing she has a slightly fuller figure.
Mayu is calm, gentle, and a bit airheaded, always acting kindly and soft-spoken.
She often tilts her head or blushes shyly, which makes others let their guard down.
She doesn’t like drawing attention or stepping forward, often being modest or hesitant about praise.
However, when it comes to what she believes in, she can be stubborn and stays true to herself.
She enjoys capturing fun and happiness with her friends, showing a bright, childlike smile when having fun.
Mayu can also be very practical, sometimes expressing opinions that sound a bit logical or even cold, despite her soft appearance.
She always tries to keep things friendly and avoid making people sad, carrying regrets from her past about friendship and conflict.
Mayu grew up moving around Japan because of her father’s job.
She is an only child, raised lovingly by parents who taught her to find good in others and to focus on kindness.
Her family is close and well-off, taking trips together, including overseas vacations.
Mayu never felt lacking and always received the things she wished for.
Even with many moves, she doesn’t use local dialects, but she learned simple Hakata words from friends in Fukuoka.
Her nickname, “Mama,” started when a classmate accidentally called her that in elementary school, and it stuck because of her caring aura.
Mayu is very skilled at Euphonium, having been chosen two years running for the top band at Seira Girls’ High School, a nationally famous school for band competitions.
While she always tried her best just to make it into the central team, her experience at the highest level shows in her playing.
Her sound is described as soft yet bright and round, making a strong impression on listeners.
Mayu can quickly adapt her playing style to match different songs and situations, showing deep musical knowledge and intuition.
She is also strong physically: she can hold perfect posture and walk long distances while still playing beautifully.
Her Euphonium is a shiny YAMAHA YEP-621S, bought as a junior high schooler.
Mayu's Transfers and Early Life
Because of her father's job, Mayu lived in many places across Japan.
She learned to make new friends easily, though this also meant goodbyes happened often.
In sixth grade, a misunderstanding with a friend named Ruriha led to Mayu being ignored by her group for a while.
Through that tough time, she learned to prioritize the happiness of others over her own actions, hoping everyone could get along in the end.
Life at Seira Girls’ High School
At Seira Girls’, Mayu became friends with another Euphonium player.
When Mayu was chosen for the main band and her friend wasn’t, the friend quit, causing Mayu pain and making her anxious about outshining others.
Transferring to Kitauji High School
In her third year, Mayu moved to Kyoto and chose Kitauji High School because the band seemed fun.
She joined the Euphonium section, quickly making friends like Tsubame Kamaya and Hazuki Katou.
Mayu’s main goal is to have a fun time with friends, not just to win competitions.
Because of her modest, easygoing personality, she keeps some distance from others even as she supports and helps them.
Trouble Within the Band
Mayu is chosen as the soloist over Kumiko Oumae for an important contest.
This causes tension; Kumiko is anxious about losing her position, and some in the club are unsure how to welcome Mayu.
Through her own efforts and support from friends, Mayu is eventually accepted by everyone.
Working With Kumiko Oumae
Mayu admires Kumiko and wants to be close friends with her.
She often tries to show care, even stepping back from the soloist spot to give Kumiko the chance to shine.
This creates mixed feelings because Kumiko sees Mayu as both a friend and a rival.
Graduation and Beyond
After the contest season, Mayu studies hard for her dream university in Tokyo.
She succeeds, celebrates her graduation, and participates in a special band performance in Okinawa.
Even after moving, Mayu hopes to keep finding happiness, love, and meaningful friendships.
With Kumiko Oumae
Mayu calls her “Kumiko-chan.”
She deeply likes Kumiko, wanting to become friends and always supports her.
Mayu tries to help, even giving up opportunities for Kumiko’s sake.
Sometimes, this makes her feel left out, but by the end, they find true friendship and harmony together in music.
With Kanade Hisaishi
Mayu calls her “Kanade-chan.”
Kanade is wary of Mayu at first but later makes peace with her.
They start building a nicer relationship after their big performance together.
With Kaho Hariya
Mayu helps Kaho, a beginner Euphonium player, offering gentle teaching and encouragement.
They often have fun in their club, especially with their other friends.
With Tsubame Kamaya
Tsubame is Mayu’s very first close friend at Kitauji High.
They support each other both in and outside the club, sharing many joyful moments.
With Hazuki Katou
Hazuki is one of Mayu’s welcoming classmates who helps her join the band.
Hazuki’s lively personality often moves Mayu into action.
With Sapphire Kawashima
Mayu admires Sapphire’s confidence.
They become good friends, sharing dreams and cheering for each other.
With Reina Kousaka
Mayu works together with Reina in the band and respects her music talent.
She sometimes feels envious of Reina and Kumiko’s closeness.
With Shuuichi Tsukamoto
Mayu knows Shuuichi and Kumiko are a couple and admires their relationship from afar.
Mayu’s nickname is “Mama,” given to her by accident but stuck because of her gentle presence.
Her favorite hobby is taking pictures of her friends, using her father’s old film camera.
She doesn’t like having her own picture taken and feels awkward in photos.
Mayu often makes her own lunch since her mom isn’t a morning person.
She likes sweet foods, even putting marshmallows and honey on takoyaki at parties.
She carries a small sewing kit in her bag, always ready for clothing emergencies.
She chose Kitauji High School simply because the band looked fun, despite having other options.
- “Everyone should be happy. If I can help, that’s enough for me.”
- “Kumiko-chan, I just want to be your friend.”
- “I think, in the end, it’s better to have lots of people you like.”
Mayu was created as a “hidden boss” for Kumiko Oumae by author Ayano Takeda.
The name “Kuroe” comes from “Chloe” in the music piece “Daphnis et Chloé.”
Mayu is seen as a mirror to what Kumiko used to be—showing growth and change through their contrast.
On March 22, 2020, a special fanbook for “Sound! Euphonium: Oath’s Finale” explained that Mayu was designed as “the other Kumiko,” showing the struggles Kumiko herself once faced.
An official character illustration shows Mayu in her dark blue school uniform, holding a film camera, giving a gentle, warm smile perfect for her role in the story.
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