Mao Otoha, a first-year student at Seirei Private High School, has fair skin, dark brown eyes, a small beauty mark under her right eye, and jet-black hair typically secured with white double ribbons. Trained in classical ballet since childhood, she earned competition awards before quitting when her instructor relocated. Her ballet foundation enhances her dance skills and concentration. She enjoys sweets such as parfait, macaron, and cake, along with animals and cute things. Her name reflects her essence: "Otoha" blends "sound" and "feather," while "Mao" signifies "dancing cherry blossom."

After Meisa Hinata’s abrupt disappearance, Mao becomes the primary user of the virtual idol avatar Hana, initially concealing her identity. As Hana, Mao adopts light blonde hair in a dual ponytail with pink-purple highlights, round magenta eyes, and no signature hair accessory. Hana’s Dressia preferences shift from Flower (under Meisa) to Fairy and later Cafe under Mao, featuring Aurora Pegasus as her key Dressia. Contrasting Meisa’s distant portrayal, Mao’s Hana radiates friendly, bubbly energy. Mao debuts wearing a premium rare outfit, achieving instant success: her debut song "Golden Flower" tops charts, and her first solo live sells out in three minutes. She later obtains Pureful Phoenix, a second premium rare Dressia symbolizing rebirth after fully claiming Hana as her own.

Mao initially grapples with idol inexperience and pressure, nearly exposing her secret multiple times. She feels burdened by comparisons to Meisa and fears her inherited fame renders her successes hollow. Her growth stems from persistent efforts to redefine Hana authentically, culminating in a public identity reveal during a fan meeting to avoid deceiving supporters. This transparency, combined with victories like winning the Planet Princess Grand Prix, cements her legitimacy. She later establishes the Bloomy＊Cafe as an idol gathering space, showcasing increased initiative.

Key relationships shape her journey. Childhood friend Shiori Motoya, known since third grade, offers unwavering support, helping Mao embrace idolhood; Mao later aids Shiori’s own debut. Ruli Tamaki mentors Mao in fashion and posing, while Kyōko Umekōji (avatar: Beat) reassures her about staying true to herself. Mao deeply admires Ayumi Tsukishiro (avatar: Q-pit), who initially deems Mao a fraud capitalizing on Hana’s legacy. After observing Mao’s dedication, Meisa Hinata (avatar: Rose) views her positively rather than competitively. Mao also maintains friendships with classmates like Keito, whom she knew before high school.

Mao continues her activities in subsequent media, including establishing Bloomy＊Cafe and participating in further idol events as depicted in the film "Aikatsu Planet! The Movie."