Hotaru Ichijō is a fifth-grade elementary school student who transfers to a rural school after her father's work relocates them from Tokyo. Born May 28 with blood type O, she stands 161 cm tall. This significant height and physical development often cause others to mistake her for an older teenager or adult. She notably towers over peers like Komari Koshigaya (approximately 136 cm) and Natsumi Koshigaya (155 cm), easily overpowering Natsumi despite being younger. She is nearing her mother's height. Outwardly, Hotaru appears calm, responsible, and empathetic around classmates, often mediating conflicts and prioritizing others' needs. Privately, especially at home with her parents, she displays a more capricious and excitable side. She freaks out easily during stressful situations, like getting lost with her dog Pechi or facing unexpected outdoor challenges. Hotaru harbors a strong admiration for Komari Koshigaya, frequently expressing a desire to pat Komari's "little head" and crafting numerous handmade Komari plushies, which she initially hides. This fixation sometimes leads to protective actions, like defending Komari from teasing. Academically capable and observant, Hotaru adapts to rural life with curiosity, developing interests in nature and farming. She is skilled in sewing, primarily creating Komari plushies, even mechanizing one into a "Koma-doll" robot. Her cooking abilities are also noted. Though not athletic, she possesses surprising strength. She remains unfazed by insects or reptiles that unsettle peers and privately enjoys mahou-shoujo anime like "Twinkle Sisters." Over time, Hotaru matures gradually, integrating more into village life. Her relationships extend beyond her core friends to include others like Konomi Fujimiya and Kaede Kagayama, though her bond with Komari remains central. In later story arcs, her screen time diminishes slightly. She continues navigating challenges, such as anxiety during nighttime hikes or emotional distress when Komari is absent, balancing her mature demeanor with moments of vulnerability.