Pepper Taiyō is a 12-year-old human female idol from Sapanna, raised by lions in the jungle. Her upbringing limited exposure to human social norms, resulting in distinctive behaviors: she categorizes people by perceived animal traits and shows affection via "Licky-Sticky," marking respected individuals with saliva. Her adoptive lion parents reinforce animalistic instincts, including a preference for hunting, consuming meat, and favoring grilled meat.

Physically, she has tanned skin, pale olive eyes, and pale wheat-colored wavy hair styled just past her shoulders with curled ends. A beauty mark sits at her lower right mouth corner, and thick eyebrows hide beneath bangs. Her idol form refines her appearance with rounded eyes, slightly shorter hair, and a visible small fang. She often moves barefoot casually but wears closed-toe shoes for idol activities.

Her personality blends strategic thinking with impulsive tactics, driven by ambition for power, glory, or sensory pleasure. She exhibits leadership, mobilizing animals and people through force of will. Authority figures and folk wisdom earn her respect, as seen in her immediate admiration for Reona West, whom she identifies as a fellow lion. She perseveres long-term and assesses individuals' core nature swiftly, though wild inclinations surface, like attempting to dispatch a headhunter-aligned goddess.

Transitioning to human society, she enrolls at Paprika Private Academy as a first-grade student. Non Manaka acts as her school guide and NonSugar idol unit teammate, maintaining order by leveraging authority Pepper respects; Pepper perceives Non as a bunny. Her relationship with NonSugar member Chili Tsukikawa is complex: Pepper expresses genuine fondness, viewing Chili as a beautiful peacock, but Chili initially reacts with terror to Pepper's affection until reconciling later. The unit disbands in Episode 123 due to conflicts but reunites afterward.

As a Natural-type idol with Sunny Zoo, her performances feature animal-themed coords like feline-eared accessories and fur-textured outfits. Notable coords include Jungle King Coord (casual), NonSugar Soft Fur Coord (team uniform), Sunny Zoo Cyalume Coord, and Super Cyalume NonSugar Coord. Her manager Usacha shares mutual care with Pepper, who refrains from predatory urges toward her.

Her name reflects themes: "Taiyō" (太陽) means "sun," aligning with Sunny Zoo, while "Pepper" denotes a non-sweet spice, fitting NonSugar's naming. This contrasts Chili Tsukikawa, whose "Tsuki" (moon) establishes them as narrative opposites in visuals, personality, and idol type.

She appears in "Gekijōban PriPara: Minna de Kagayake! Kirarin Star Live!" during NonSugar's "Sugarless×Friend" performance.