Honoka Kurosaki, a middle school student, meets Aoi during the group’s ascent of Mount Tanigawa. Attending a local high school in Takasaki, she is one grade above Kokona. Her passion for photography drives her to document scenic vistas during hikes, naturally assuming the role of the group’s photographer.

Her family, including older brother Taiki Kurosaki, instilled a deep connection to outdoor activities. She joins the main characters for celebratory gatherings, such as Kokona’s birthday dinner, and offers Aoi guidance on a significant childhood promise linked to their mountain-climbing past. This exchange unfolds during an overnight excursion, where the group reflects on shared adventures before witnessing a sunrise together.

Later arcs see Honoka more entwined with the group’s dynamics, joining climbs to locations tied to Aoi and Hinata’s history. Her camera work reinforces the series’ thematic focus on preserving nature’s beauty. Promotional teasers for upcoming seasons hint at her growing narrative significance. Though residing outside the core group’s town, her nearby home enables consistent involvement in their expeditions, where her calm observational skills enhance group interactions.