Appearance in Anime

Rinko Echizen, formerly known as Rinko Takeuchi, is a dedicated attorney, a career that she had aspired to since her youth. Her calm and composed demeanor complements her strong sense of justice, making her well-suited for her profession.

She first met Nanjirō Echizen while playing tennis, during an incident where she injured herself while saving a young boy from an abusive tennis coach. Witnessing her selflessness and bravery, Nanjirō stepped in and avenged her by completely humiliating the coach in a match. This encounter marked the beginning of their relationship, eventually leading to marriage and the start of their family.

Rinko has shoulder-length dark blue hair and gentle yet sharp eyes, reflecting her intelligent and composed nature. She has a slender build and a calm, refined presence, often seen wearing casual yet elegant clothing. Despite her graceful and soft-spoken demeanor, she exudes quiet strength, which allows her to hold her own in a household filled with strong personalities like Nanjirō and Ryoma.

Rinko Echizen is a sweet-natured and compliant woman, but beneath her gentle demeanor lies a strong-willed and quick-witted individual. Unlike many others, she was never swayed by Nanjirō Echizen’s charm and instead found him to be brash and rude at times. However, her perspective of him changed after he saved her, leading to a deep bond between them.

Her intelligence and quick wit set her apart, and it is often noted that both Ryoga and Ryoma inherited these traits from her. Though she may appear mild-mannered, Rinko is resolute and firm when it comes to protecting her family and standing up for what is right.

In Prince of Tennis, Rinko Echizen plays a vital role as the grounding force in the Echizen family, balancing Nanjirō’s carefree antics and Ryoma’s highly competitive nature. While her husband constantly teases and challenges their son, Rinko ensures that their household remains harmonious and supportive, allowing Ryoma to grow both as a tennis player and an individual. She does not directly involve herself in Ryoma’s training, but her presence provides him with a stable and loving home environment, ensuring that his identity is not solely defined by his achievements in tennis.

Rinko also keeps Nanjirō in check, often subtly teasing or calling him out on his playful arrogance. While many people are intimidated by Nanjirō’s larger-than-life personality, Rinko is one of the few who can effortlessly counter his antics with a composed and witty demeanor. Her ability to handle her husband’s unpredictable nature proves that she is not just patient but also highly perceptive and intelligent.

Throughout the series, Rinko demonstrates unwavering patience and wisdom, making her one of the most mature and composed characters. Even though she is not actively involved in the tennis world, she plays a crucial role in providing emotional stability for her family. Her presence ensures that Ryoma has a well-rounded upbringing, allowing him to pursue his passion for tennis without losing sight of the importance of family and personal growth.

Nanjirō Echizen
Her husband, whom she loves despite his eccentric and carefree nature. While he constantly teases and flirts with her, she remains composed and always keeps him in check with her sharp wit and intelligence.

Ryoma Echizen
Her son, whom she supports without being overbearing. She allows Nanjirō to handle his training, but she provides the emotional and moral support Ryoma needs.

Ryoga Echizen
Although Ryoga is not her biological son, Rinko treats him with kindness and warmth, showing no difference in affection between him and Ryoma.

Nanako Meino
Her niece, who helps manage the household and support Ryoma, especially when Nanjirō is being too much to handle.