Mei

Mei is an ogre girl who was being protected in Kyoto under the care of Kyoya Oiranzaka.

She does not attend school and is so sheltered that she does not even know what or where the famous Kiyomizu Temple is.

She lost both of her parents in a battle against the Momotaro forces, leaving her in deep despair and emotional withdrawal.

Her life changes when she talks with Shiki Ichinose, whom she affectionately calls “big brother.”

Despite her trauma, Mei is inspired by Shiki’s determination to cheer on her future with all his strength.

Moved by his attitude, she regains the will to move forward and decides to face her life positively.

When Shiki goes to fight Tsubakiri Momomiya, the Momotaro responsible for her parents’ deaths, Mei sends him passionate support from the sidelines.

Her cheers during Shiki’s battle against her parents’ killer highlight her emotional growth and courage.

After the battle in Kyoto ends, Mei sees Shiki and his friends off as they return to Rasetsu Academy.

She does so with a completely transformed, radiant smile, a moment often pointed out as a must-see scene in the story.

At first, Mei is crushed by grief and is almost completely shut down emotionally.

She feels that she has lost everything after her parents’ deaths and cannot imagine a future for herself.

Through Shiki’s unwavering support and encouragement, she begins to believe that her own future can still be bright.

She develops a brave, forward-looking mindset, determined not to let her life end in despair.

Mei is affectionate and quickly forms emotional bonds, shown clearly in how she calls Shiki “big brother.”

Her gratitude toward him is open and honest, and she expresses it in direct, heartfelt words.

Despite her young age and sorrow, Mei has a strong sense of resolve about how she wants to live from now on.

She decides to work hard so she can one day tell her parents, when she meets them again in heaven, that she was truly happy.

Mei serves as a symbol of the innocent victims caught between ogres and Momotaro.

Her situation shows the human (and in-universe, ogre) cost of the ongoing conflict.

Her relationship with Shiki Ichinose is central to her arc.

Shiki does not just protect her; he commits to cheering on her future with all his might, which becomes the catalyst for her recovery.

Mei’s decision to cheer for Shiki as he fights Tsubakiri Momomiya is a key emotional turning point.

Instead of being paralyzed by hatred or fear, she chooses to trust Shiki and support him, transforming her grief into hope.

The farewell scene in Kyoto, where she smiles brightly while sending Shiki and his friends back to Rasetsu Academy, marks the completion of her initial character development.

That moment emphasizes how far she has come—from a withdrawn, despairing child to someone who can smile and move forward.

Mei expresses that she always felt a day like this might come, showing a quiet, resigned awareness of the dangers around her.

Because of that, she tells Shiki not to worry or blame himself, trying to ease his burden.

She resolves to work hard from now on so that when she meets her father and mother again in heaven, she can tell them she lived a happy life.

This line captures her new determination to live positively despite the pain of her loss.

When she sees Shiki off after the Kyoto battle, she thanks him with a bright “Big brother, thank you!”

This short phrase encapsulates her gratitude for the hope and courage he gave her.

In the original work, Mei is voiced by Kotori Koiwai, who brings out both her fragility and her growing strength.

Her performance emphasizes Mei’s journey from a quiet, broken child to a hopeful and determined girl.

On stage, Mei is portrayed by Rikka Okada and Keiko Iwamoto in a double cast.

Their interpretations further highlight Mei’s emotional shifts, especially in her scenes with Shiki Ichinose and Kyoya Oiranzaka.