Character Overview
Mai Ouzuka is a high school student with partial European heritage (one-quarter Nordic), which explains her striking blonde hair and blue eyes. She is the daughter of Renée Ouzuka, the CEO and designer of the fashion brand Queen Rose, and has modeled for her mother since her early years. This gave her immediate recognition as the school’s “supermodel” and earned her the nickname Miss Perfect.
- Height: 167 cm
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Eye Color: Blue
- Occupation: Student, model
- Notable Alias: Super Darling, Miss Perfect
Personality Traits
On the surface, Mai appears confident, kind, and sincere, carrying herself with grace and elegance. She often impresses her classmates with her charm and caring nature, especially Renako, the story’s protagonist. However, beneath this polished exterior lies a deep sense of insecurity. Mai sometimes doubts her own worth, questioning if her popularity is due to her own efforts or her family’s influence.
Her assertiveness in romance makes her both appealing and controversial. While she can be affectionate and protective, she also shows jealousy and a reckless disregard for boundaries when pursuing Renako.
Role in the Story
Mai’s confession of love to Renako sets the story’s main conflict in motion. Renako, shy and unsure, wishes to maintain their friendship, while Mai insists on something more. This results in a playful but emotionally charged dynamic between the two.
A unique storytelling device highlights their relationship: when Mai wears her hair down, she is in “lover mode,” while tying it up signals “friend mode.” This visual cue symbolizes the blurred line between friendship and romance in their story.
Abilities and Influence
Though she doesn’t possess supernatural powers, Mai’s greatest strengths lie in her beauty, charisma, and ability to influence those around her. As a model and fashion icon, she sets trends and inspires admiration. Emotionally, she challenges Renako to confront her own feelings, pushing the story forward.
Voice and Anime Adaptation
- Voice Actress: Saori Ōnishi
- Anime Studio: Studio Mother
- Season: Summer 2025 (premiered July 7/8)
Mai’s elegant voice acting and stunning on-screen portrayal solidified her as one of the most memorable figures in the anime adaptation of Watanare.
Popularity and Reception
Mai Ouzuka is one of the most polarizing characters in the series. Fans adore her beauty, boldness, and emotional complexity, while critics point out her pushy romantic advances as problematic. Some even described her as “creepy” or “arrogant,” though her later character development, especially by Volume 4, earned praise and softened opinions.
Fan Reactions
- “Mai just became straight up creepy and disrespectful towards Renako…”
- “Her constant boundary-pushing feels problematic, but she’s still fascinating to watch.”
- “By Volume 4, Mai shows incredible growth and makes a fantastic trio with Renako and Ajisai.”
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Mai’s clockwork-like personality shift is symbolized by her hairstyle changes.
- Despite her confidence, she secretly fears being left behind or unloved.
- Her popularity in polls places her consistently among top characters in Watanare.
Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Glamorous model, main love interest of Renako |
| Personality | Charming, elegant, but insecure and sometimes reckless |
| Conflict | Pushes romantic advances despite Renako’s hesitation |
| Growth | Shows significant maturity and emotional development in later volumes |
| Reception | Mixed—admired for beauty and complexity, criticized for pushy behavior |
Final Thoughts
Mai Ouzuka is a character who embodies the tension between perfection and vulnerability. While her confident exterior dazzles fans, her insecurities and aggressive pursuit of love spark debate. This duality makes her one of the most compelling—and divisive—characters in Watanare. For some, she is a symbol of bold romance; for others, a reminder of the messy, imperfect side of love. Either way, Mai remains unforgettable.