Kinako Sakurakoji transfers from rural Hokkaido to Yuigaoka Girls' High School in Tokyo, fulfilling her dream of life in a big city. She navigates the challenges of urban living independently after initially getting lost on campus, where Kanon Shibuya discovers and recruits her into the school idol group Liella!. Though initially convinced she could never become a school idol, Kinako is moved by Liella!'s performance and decides to join.

She habitually refers to herself in the third person and ends sentences with "~ssu," a mannerism from her rural upbringing. Her family owns a ranch, and her time spent outdoors fostered a strong connection with animals. Kinako excels at understanding and communicating with them, holding a particular fondness for the Ezo red fox. She has multiple sisters, though the exact number remains unknown.

Academically and athletically average, she is a persistent hard worker. Kinako is kind, cheerful, and supportive, though she can also be shy, awkward, loud, and easily startled. Her blunt honesty occasionally leads to unintentionally insensitive remarks, such as once suggesting only Kanon or Ren were suitable for club president without realizing the comment might offend others.

Kinako becomes the student council secretary and later assumes the presidency after Ren Hazuki graduates. In Liella!, she is a member of the sub-unit 5yncri5e! and serves as a secondary lyricist for the group.

Her development involves overcoming self-doubt and physical challenges to become a dedicated idol. She forges bonds with other members, such as reaching out to a struggling Wien Margarete and participating in rigorous training to improve. Over time, Kinako grows more confident in her abilities and takes on greater responsibilities within both the student council and the idol group.