Marie Takigawa, known as Eri Takigawa in the original Japanese series, is a prominent volleyball player introduced with the Sunlight Players. Recognized for her exceptional skills as both a setter and an attacker, she achieved selection for the Japanese national team at age 13 and competed in the Olympics before the series' main events. Her technical mastery and calm demeanor establish her as a key rival to the protagonist, You Hazuki. Their dynamic evolves from intense competition to mutual respect and eventual friendship.

Her background includes familial ties to volleyball; her mother is a former renowned player, influencing Eri's dedication and early success. Throughout the series, she consistently demonstrates high-level strategic play and leadership, particularly against You's teams. Moving beyond rivalry, she later joins You on the professional Seven Fighters team and ultimately becomes her teammate on the Japanese national team preparing for the Seoul Olympics.

In the 2008 sequel series, her narrative focus is reduced, and she exhibits a notably different personality. European adaptations localized her name as Marie Takigawa (French) and Kaori Takigawa (Italian), maintaining her core attributes as a top-tier player and pivotal figure in You Hazuki's athletic journey without adding new lore or altering her history.

Her entire arc centers on her athletic career, interactions with fellow players, and developing camaraderie, concluding as a key member of the national team alongside You Hazuki and Nami Hayase.