Ichika Nakano
Ichika Nakano |
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| Kanji | 中野 一花 |
| Rōmaji | Nakano Ichika |
| Age: | 19-22 (movie finale) |
| Birthday: | May 5, 2000 |
| Height: | 165 cm (5’5″) |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Kana Hanazawa |
| English | Lindsay Seidel |
Ichika Nakano (中野 一花, Nakano Ichika), is one of the main heroines of The Quintessential Quintuplets (5-toubun no Hanayome). She is the eldest of the Nakano quintuplets, serving as a motherly figure to her younger sisters: Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki Nakano. Despite her easygoing and playful nature, Ichika struggles with insecurities regarding her career, responsibilities, and love life. She is also one of Futaro Uesugi’s main love interests, with her story arc focusing on her ambitions as an actress and her internal conflict between love and sisterhood.
Background

Appearance in anime
Born as the eldest of the Nakano quintuplets, Ichika naturally assumed a leadership role within her family, acting as the big sister who looks after her younger siblings. Unlike her sisters, she pursues a professional career early on, aiming to become a successful actress while still managing her studies.
Despite her initial indifference toward academics, Ichika joins Futaro’s tutoring sessions with her sisters. As she spends more time with him, her admiration for his determination grows, leading to conflicted feelings of love. However, her pursuit of romance causes tensions with her sisters, forcing her to confront her desires and responsibilities.
Appearance
Ichika has short, pale blonde hair that reaches just above her shoulders, with long side bangs framing her face. She has light purple eyes and a beauty mark under her left eye, making her distinct among her sisters.
Her casual style is mature and fashionable, often consisting of off-shoulder tops, skirts, and stylish accessories. She prefers a laid-back and elegant aesthetic, reflecting her cool and confident persona.
In contrast, her school uniform consists of a green blazer, a white blouse, and a pleated skirt, like her sisters.
Personality
Ichika is charming, playful, and easygoing, often teasing her sisters and acting flirtatiously toward Futaro. She presents herself as mature and responsible, but underneath her composed demeanor, she harbors insecurities and doubts about her choices.
Her casual style is mature and fashionable, often consisting of off-shoulder tops, skirts, and stylish accessories. She prefers a laid-back and elegant aesthetic, reflecting her cool and confident persona. In contrast, her school uniform consists of a green blazer, a white blouse, and a pleated skirt, like her sisters.
As the story progresses, Ichika’s flaws become more apparent—she becomes jealous, manipulative, and even deceitful to win Futaro’s affections. However, she later regrets her actions, realizing that her bond with her sisters is more important than selfish desires.
Role in the Story
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Early Interactions with Futaro
At the beginning of the series, Ichika, like her sisters, is unwilling to study under Futaro, seeing him as an intrusive and overbearing tutor. However, she is the first sister to acknowledge his efforts, showing appreciation for his persistence and dedication. She also quickly forms a teasing dynamic with Futaro, flirting with him playfully while keeping a mature and relaxed attitude toward their interactions. -
Pursuing Acting and Love
Ichika is the first among the sisters to pursue a career, balancing her school life with acting auditions. However, her developing feelings for Futaro cause conflict, as she struggles to choose between love and her professional aspirations. As tensions rise, Ichika attempts to sabotage her sisters’ chances with Futaro, disguising herself as Miku to manipulate his perception. This creates strain among the quintuplets, leading to a turning point in her character arc. -
Redemption and Moving Forward
After realizing her mistakes, Ichika chooses to prioritize her career over romance, ultimately letting go of her pursuit of Futaro. Though she still harbors feelings for him, she accepts his final decision, returning her focus to acting and reconciling with her sisters. Her character arc highlights the themes of self-discovery, ambition, and the importance of family bonds.
Relationships
Futaro Uesugi
Ichika develops romantic feelings for Futaro, admiring his dedication and sincerity. Unlike her sisters, she teases him frequently, creating a playful yet intimate connection. However, her manipulative actions strain their relationship, leading her to ultimately accept that they cannot be together. Despite her heartbreak, Ichika respects Futaro’s final decision and continues to support him from afar.
Nino Nakano
Ichika and Nino have a strained relationship, especially after Ichika’s deception is exposed. However, they reconcile, and Ichika acknowledges Nino’s growth.
Miku Nakano
Ichika and Miku share a strong sisterly bond, but Ichika’s betrayal creates conflict. In the end, Miku forgives her, and they rebuild their relationship.
Yotsuba Nakano
Yotsuba supports Ichika’s dreams, often offering her advice and encouragement.
Itsuki Nakano
As the youngest sister, Itsuki looks up to Ichika, though she disapproves of her past actions.
