Kokona Hayakawa is a high school student at the idol training academy in the anime Idol Memories. She was inspired to become an idol by her great-grandmother, a former stage actress, and has studied abroad in China, giving her a broader cultural perspective. She appears cheerful and adorable, fitting the typical idol image, but she harbors a strong ambition to surpass everyone else, a competitive drive she keeps hidden behind her smile. Her main motivation is to achieve success as an idol and honor her great-grandmother's legacy. Kokona is a member of the idol unit StarRing alongside Lin Vivi and Hattori Sena, and she serves as the group's main vocalist, known for her powerful singing voice. Her role in the story involves participating in the competitive idol league, training rigorously, and performing with her team. She maintains close bonds with her unit members and also interacts with rival groups at the school, learning from competition and collaboration. Throughout the series, Kokona faces the challenges of balancing intense training with her studies, but her determination remains steadfast, and she continues to develop her skills and confidence as a performer. Her notable abilities include her vocal talent, her hidden strategic ambition, and the adaptability gained from her time abroad. She evolves from a seemingly sweet girl into a more assertive and focused idol, while still retaining her friendly and approachable demeanor.