Nene Sakurada is a five-year-old classmate and friend of Shinnosuke Nohara (Shin-chan) in the Sunflower class. She actively participates in the Kasukabe Defense Organization alongside Shin-chan and their friends. Her personality reflects her mother's, marked by bossiness and a hot temper. Nene positions herself as a sweet girl but exhibits a strong desire to dominate, particularly during her favored "real omamagoto" ("real house") game. She consistently compels the boys—Shin-chan, Masao Sato, Toru Kazama, and Bo Suzuki—to participate, assigning roles like a weak or unsuccessful salaryman husband, often targeting Masao. When frustrated, she hits a stuffed bunny or vents her irritation on Masao. She views Ai Suotome as a rival and reacts negatively when boys prefer Ai over her.

During the events of "Crayon Shin-chan: The Legend Called: Dance! Amigo!", Nene encounters the konjaclone crisis. After facing clone versions of their mothers, Nene, Masao, and Bo flee to a local park. They plan to return home but agree to regroup at the park if threatened. While Kazama is captured by his clone, Nene, Masao, and Bo evade their maternal clones and reconvene at the park, later rescued by Jackie and the Nohara family.

Nene cares deeply for Shin-chan, shown by her distress when he faced potential relocation. Her friendships within the group are complex; she frequently displays impatience with Shin-chan's antics yet seeks his company. She also exhibits jealousy when other girls interact with Kazama or when boys show interest in Ai instead of her. She has a fondness for cats and enjoys watching "Magical Girl Moe-P". Her family includes her parents and a sister, Nike Sakurada.