TV-Series
Description
Mari Nikaido debuts as a kindergarten teacher at Suminoe Kindergarten. She crosses paths with Kinnikuman during a monster attack, recognizing him as someone frequently defeated by monsters. Mari invites Kinnikuman and Alexandria Meat to visit her kindergarten. When the monster Franky attacks, Meat defeats it, prompting Mari to kiss Meat in gratitude – an act sparking jealousy in Kinnikuman.
She remains a recurring figure in Kinnikuman's early adventures, joining him on various outings like field trips with children, funfair visits, and beach excursions. At the beach, a monster rips her clothes off, though Kinnikuman shields her modesty with a towel. A rivalry ignites with Natsuko, who publicly accuses Mari of manipulating men, causing Mari visible distress.
During the 20th Chojin Olympics arc, Mari spectates matches and continues trading barbs with Natsuko, including visual puns based on Japanese terminology implying promiscuity. She celebrates Kinnikuman's victory and later bids him farewell as he leaves for an American tour.
Feeling overshadowed by Bibimbap's arrival, Mari ends her romantic pursuit of Kinnikuman and departs Japan to study overseas.
Years later in *Kinnikuman Nisei*, Mari returns to Japan having adopted a daughter, Rinko. She discovered Rinko as a baby on her doorstep and raised her from infancy. Flashbacks show their bonding through cooking lessons, three-legged races, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Mari now serves as principal of Suminoe Preschool and volunteers at Gakincho Orphanage, playing piano for the children and assisting with cooking.
In the Ultimate Chojin Tag Tournament arc, Mari becomes indirectly involved when Kinnikuman suffers from the Devil's Hourglass curse. Rinko notices Kinnikuman's pain lessens whenever Mari looks at a screen displaying him, suggesting Mari is the "Key Person" who can break the curse. Rinko and Bibimba plead with Mari in a park to help save Kinnikuman.
Mari agrees and is taken to Kinnikuman's dressing room. She attempts to break the curse by embracing him, but the curse resurfaces after a brief lapse. It emerges that Kinnikuman refused the embrace to avoid betraying his partner Bibimba, choosing instead to endure the curse. Bibimba thanks Mari for her willingness to help.
Mari's surname Nikaido means "upstairs, two-storied hall." Her appearance varies: the manga depicts her with black shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes, while the anime shows wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes, often in a red shirt and peach skirt. In *Kinnikuman Nisei*, initial scenes feature her with blue hair, a light blue button-up shirt, denim shorts, and red glasses.
She remains a recurring figure in Kinnikuman's early adventures, joining him on various outings like field trips with children, funfair visits, and beach excursions. At the beach, a monster rips her clothes off, though Kinnikuman shields her modesty with a towel. A rivalry ignites with Natsuko, who publicly accuses Mari of manipulating men, causing Mari visible distress.
During the 20th Chojin Olympics arc, Mari spectates matches and continues trading barbs with Natsuko, including visual puns based on Japanese terminology implying promiscuity. She celebrates Kinnikuman's victory and later bids him farewell as he leaves for an American tour.
Feeling overshadowed by Bibimbap's arrival, Mari ends her romantic pursuit of Kinnikuman and departs Japan to study overseas.
Years later in *Kinnikuman Nisei*, Mari returns to Japan having adopted a daughter, Rinko. She discovered Rinko as a baby on her doorstep and raised her from infancy. Flashbacks show their bonding through cooking lessons, three-legged races, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Mari now serves as principal of Suminoe Preschool and volunteers at Gakincho Orphanage, playing piano for the children and assisting with cooking.
In the Ultimate Chojin Tag Tournament arc, Mari becomes indirectly involved when Kinnikuman suffers from the Devil's Hourglass curse. Rinko notices Kinnikuman's pain lessens whenever Mari looks at a screen displaying him, suggesting Mari is the "Key Person" who can break the curse. Rinko and Bibimba plead with Mari in a park to help save Kinnikuman.
Mari agrees and is taken to Kinnikuman's dressing room. She attempts to break the curse by embracing him, but the curse resurfaces after a brief lapse. It emerges that Kinnikuman refused the embrace to avoid betraying his partner Bibimba, choosing instead to endure the curse. Bibimba thanks Mari for her willingness to help.
Mari's surname Nikaido means "upstairs, two-storied hall." Her appearance varies: the manga depicts her with black shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes, while the anime shows wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes, often in a red shirt and peach skirt. In *Kinnikuman Nisei*, initial scenes feature her with blue hair, a light blue button-up shirt, denim shorts, and red glasses.