Kotori Minami, a second-year student at Otonokizaka High School, co-founds the school idol group μ's and shares a lifelong bond with childhood friends Honoka Kosaka and Umi Sonoda, forming an inseparable trio since kindergarten. Her mother’s role as school director remains separate from her contributions to the group. Radiating gentle warmth, Kotori instinctively prioritizes others’ emotions, often bridging divides between Honoka and Umi with calm sensibility during disagreements. Though soft-spoken, she meticulously balances studies, hobbies, and idol duties through structured schedules, driven by an unwavering work ethic. While indecision leads her to seek guidance from Honoka and Umi on major choices, she asserts creative vision as μ's primary costume designer, partnering with Nico Yazawa to craft outfits celebrating each member’s uniqueness. Her double life as "Minalinsky," a beloved Akihabara café maid admired for kindness and soothing voice, initially stirs personal conflict before evolving into a bonding point within μ's. She joins the student council to support her friends, highlighting her adaptability and commitment to teamwork. Passionate about baking, crafting sweets, and quilting, Kotori adores cheesecake and embraces all things fluffy, often tending to the school’s alpacas and delighting in their plush coats. Yoga and stretching sessions showcase her flexibility, while her imagination spins whimsical costume concepts—from Harry Potter themes to Attack on Titan aesthetics—though the group playfully resists these ideas. A childhood surgery on her left knee left scars that once fueled self-consciousness. Confiding in Umi transforms this insecurity into resilience, deepening their friendship and fueling her dedication to μ's. Later, in *All Stars*, she mentors emerging idol groups, sharing fashion expertise and collaborating on events, reflecting her growth into a guiding figure beyond her original circle. Kotori’s appearance features long grayish-brown hair in a side ponytail with a delicate loop, hazel eyes, and a slender frame. She embraces outfits blending practicality with whimsical charm, often accented by pastels or sparkles. Memorable quirks—like photobombing the anime’s opening or her comedic "Minalinsky" disguise—solidify her status as a visually iconic, meme-worthy presence. Her diaries and side stories unveil an introspective nature, emphasizing her belief in crafting "small miracles" through meticulous preparation. Though aspiring to design for a fashion show, she treasures μ's above solo ambitions, declaring their collective stage moments ignite her deepest joy.