TV-Series
Description
Kokona Aoba is a cheerful and friendly 13-year-old second-year junior high school student who becomes one of the main characters in Encouragement of Climb. She first appears on the slopes of Mount Takao, where she had gone hoping to see dwarf flying squirrels. Her outing is interrupted when the sole of her shoe tears off, and she is helped by Aoi Yukimura and Hinata Kuraue, leading to a lasting friendship. Because both of her parents work, Kokona has learned to be independent and is highly capable at housework and cooking, skills that often impress the other girls and earn her a reputation for having the highest feminine touch in the group.

Kokona is warm, approachable, and has an innocent, dreamy nature. She loves cute things, especially animals, and has a particular fondness for horses and horse-themed mascots such as Muuma-kun and Gunma-chan. She is prone to daydreaming and occasionally gets lost in thought, but she is also intelligent and knowledgeable for her age, often sharing trivia that amazes her friends. Despite her delicate appearance and small stature, Kokona possesses surprising physical strength, good endurance, and dexterity, making her a capable hiker and climber. She is modest and gentle, but not shy; she actively engages with others and brings a bright, caring presence to the group.

Her initial motivation stems from a love of nature and animals, and she quickly embraces mountain climbing as a way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with her new friends. Over the course of the series, Kokona grows more confident in her abilities and becomes a reliable member of the climbing circle. She plays a steady role in the group, often contributing through her cooking during outdoor trips and her willingness to try new challenges. She also develops a close bond with Honoka, a middle school photographer, as they are similar in age; Kokona’s outgoing personality helps draw out the quieter Honoka, and the two share special experiences such as visiting power spots together.

Kokona’s relationships with the other main characters are warm and supportive. She looks up to the older members, Hinata and Kaede, while forming a particularly easygoing friendship with Aoi, who initially thought she might be troublesome but quickly grew fond of her. Kokona is also shown to be close with her family, especially her mother, who gives her hiking boots and supports her outdoor activities. An episode focusing on her perspective, Kokona’s Big Hanno Adventure, highlights her curious and slightly fairy‑tale‑like view of the world as she explores her hometown on her own.

In terms of abilities, Kokona stands out for her homemaking skills: she is an excellent cook and is adept at sewing and other domestic tasks. She also has notable physical stamina and a knack for climbing, sometimes outpacing friends who underestimate her. Her knowledge of trivia and nature adds a thoughtful dimension to the group’s adventures, and she often surprises everyone with facts about animals and the environment. Overall, Kokona brings a blend of gentleness, competence, and quiet determination that complements the personalities of the other girls and enriches their shared experiences on the mountains.