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Nico Niiyama

Nico Niiyama (新山 仁子, Niiyama Niko) is one of the main characters in the anime, manga, and novel series Kiznaiver. She is one of the seven individuals selected to participate in the Kizna System, a government experiment designed to connect people by sharing their pain in order to foster mutual understanding.

Nico is associated with the sin of Greed, and in the modern context of the Kizna System, she is labeled as “The Eccentric Headcase”. Her pain identification code within the experiment is D-6. Known for her vibrant personality and quirky behavior, Nico adds an unpredictable yet heartfelt dynamic to the group, often masking deeper emotional layers behind her eccentricity.

Background

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Appearance in Anime

Nico’s upbringing in a wealthy household is briefly referenced throughout the series. While she often acts unpredictably, her background hints at a girl who once lived under restrictive norms. Her eccentricity may have developed as a rebellion against a rigid, high-society upbringing or as a way to express a side of herself that was suppressed in the past.

Her involvement in the Kizna System forces her to confront both her internal contradictions and her relationships with others. As the series progresses, Nico’s depth becomes more apparent, and she proves to be an emotional anchor in several key moments.

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Appearance

Nico’s appearance is vibrant and unmistakably whimsical. She dresses in a style inspired by Fairy Kei, a pastel-colored Japanese fashion subculture known for its childlike and fantastical aesthetic. Her colorful clothing, accessories, and exaggerated gestures all contribute to her standout presence. Nico often wears her hair in playful styles and incorporates bright makeup, giving her a look that aligns with her eccentric personality.

Personality

Nico Niiyama is portrayed as an eccentric, animated, and childlike individual who brings a burst of energy and color to the Kiznaiver group. She embraces a flamboyant and whimsical demeanor, often reacting dramatically to situations and expressing herself in an overly enthusiastic and feminine way. Her distinctive fashion sense, inspired by Japanese Fairy Kei, reflects her desire to stand out and be seen as unique, both in appearance and behavior.

Beneath her vibrant and seemingly scatterbrained exterior, Nico is surprisingly observant and perceptive, a trait that often catches her companions off guard. Despite her tendency to act impulsively or whimsically, she demonstrates moments of unexpected insight, showing that she is more emotionally intelligent than she initially appears.Nico Niiyama is portrayed as an eccentric, animated, and childlike individual who brings a burst of energy and color to the Kiznaiver group. She embraces a flamboyant and whimsical demeanor, often reacting dramatically to situations and expressing herself in an overly enthusiastic and feminine way. Her distinctive fashion sense, inspired by Japanese Fairy Kei, reflects her desire to stand out and be seen as unique, both in appearance and behavior.

Though she rarely displays it outwardly, Nico comes from a wealthy background, and it is implied that she was raised with a certain level of refinement and grace. This upbringing occasionally reveals itself in her more polite and ladylike manners, suggesting a layer of composure hidden behind her carefree façade.

Relationships

Hajime Tenga
Nico Niiyama develops romantic feelings for Hajime Tenga, which begin to subtly emerge around Episode 5 and become more prominent after Episode 7. Although her attraction is never fully explained beyond her own admission of having a “weird taste in guys,” it is evident from her energetic and excited behavior whenever she interacts with Tenga. Her demeanor around him noticeably shifts, reflecting a deeper affection hidden beneath her usual cheerfulness.

During the Storm Arc, Nico’s feelings for Tenga are inadvertently exposed, leading to her embarrassment and discomfort. Although she knew that Tenga harbored feelings for Chidori, she secretly hoped he would choose her instead. Despite being unable to voice these feelings openly even when the Kiznaivers were connected and sharing their inner thoughts Nico’s emotional vulnerability is made clear.

While Tenga appears to overlook Nico’s confession at first, the series suggests he cares for her in his own way, displaying protective behavior and occasional signs of secondary attraction. The two share similar temperaments, often agreeing and working together harmoniously. Though the Storm Arc leaves their dynamic unresolved, later episodes imply that Tenga had given considerable thought not only to Chidori, but also to Nico’s feelings. In the finale, Nico declares that she hasn’t given up on Tenga, stating her intention to continue pursuing him. Tenga, in turn, acknowledges that he never explicitly rejected her, leaving the nature of his feelings open-ended.

Noriko Sonozaki
Nico’s relationship with Noriko Sonozaki is notably strained. Among the Kiznaivers, Nico is one of the most vocal in disapproving of Noriko’s cold and manipulative actions. Unlike others who sympathize with Noriko due to her tragic past, Nico remains critical and distant, making it clear that she does not care for her.

However, by the final episode, Nico demonstrates a desire to move past her initial judgments. In a display of her inherent kindness and sociability, she makes an effort to befriend Noriko by inviting her to take pictures with the other Kiznaivers. This gesture reflects Nico’s optimistic nature and her wish to connect with others, even those she once disapproved of.

Trivia

    • The name Nico (仁子) is composed of the kanji 仁 (ni), meaning “compassionate”, and 子 (ko), meaning “child.” Her name reflects her warm and caring nature, which is often masked by her eccentric behavior.
    • Her surname Niiyama (新山) is made up of 新 (nii), meaning “fresh” or “new”, and 山 (yama), meaning “mountain” or “hill.” This may symbolize her role as a vibrant and unpredictable force within the Kiznaiver group, always bringing a sense of renewal and unpredictability.
    • Within the thematic framework of Kiznaiver, Nico is associated with the Deadly Sin of Greed (avaritia), representing a desire for connection, attention, and emotional fulfillment.
    • By the end of the series, Nico symbolically transforms and comes to embody the Heavenly Virtue of Charity (caritas), showing genuine kindness, empathy, and a willingness to give without expecting anything in return.