Misaki Okusawa, a third-year student at Hanasakigawa Girls' High School, acts as DJ and composer for Hello, Happy World! while performing as the mascot Michelle. Her band involvement started when Kokoro Tsurumaki discovered her in the bear costume during part-time work, recruiting her into a dual role as performer and behind-the-scenes organizer.
Initially considering the band a burden due to her chaotic bandmates—privately dubbed "sanbaka"—Misaki preferred tranquility and met their antics with sarcastic exasperation. Nevertheless, she diligently managed logistics like booking shows, translating Kaoru’s abstract phrases, and shaping Kokoro’s hums into songs, downplaying these vital contributions.
Her dual identity sparked recurring tension: Kanon Matsubara recognized Michelle as Misaki, but Kokoro, Hagumi, and Kaoru treated Michelle as a separate sixth member. Misaki’s repeated attempts to clarify the truth were dismissed, leaving her frustrated yet resigned to being the band’s "straight man" against their eccentricity.
Her duties grew to include creative direction and songwriting. She orchestrated Hello, Happy World!’s skydiving concert, which devolved into chaos when Kaoru fainted mid-air and Michelle’s parachute malfunctioned. Similarly, Kokoro commissioned "Michelle Land"—an amusement park conceived by Misaki’s improv—where Misaki, lost among identical mascots, watched another Michelle exit with her bandmates.
Relationships emphasized her stabilizing role. She bonded closely with Kanon, her sole confidant, and connected with Arisa Ichigaya over managing unpredictable friends. Beyond the band, she maintained first-name-basis friendships with Rimi Ushigome and others.
A pivotal moment came when the band acknowledged, "It’s thanks to Misaki that Hello, Happy World! exists," cementing her commitment to supporting them as both herself and Michelle. Her growth culminated in performing unmasked at "To Those Who Depart," embracing her dual identity and value beyond the costume.
Outside music, Misaki crafted felt gifts for her sister and played tennis, crediting the heavy Michelle costume for improved smash strength. She favored family-style dishes, avoided coriander, and instinctively hid from children in costume, reflecting Michelle’s ingrained persona.
Titles
Michelle/Misaki Okusawa