Nina Ichihara is one of the youngest idols in the Cinderella Girls franchise, being nine years old at the time of the story. She is small in stature with long orange hair and yellow eyes, and she is almost always seen wearing animal-themed kigurumi or costume outfits, which she collects as a hobby. Her background reveals that her parents are often busy and somewhat neglectful, leaving her to spend much of her time alone. This loneliness drives her to seek attention and companionship, and she dislikes being by herself. She often talks to other children in her neighborhood and looks to the producer to stay by her side and take care of her.

Personality-wise, Nina is perky, naive, and full of energy. She has a peculiar way of speaking and can sometimes imitate the harsh tone she unconsciously picks up from her parents. Despite being hardworking and capable, she is still a little girl and frequently acts her age, displaying a childlike innocence and a need for reassurance. Her motivation to become an idol stems from a desire to draw attention to herself and avoid feeling lonely; wearing bright costumes helps her feel noticed and safe.

In the anime The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls U149, Nina is a main character and a member of the third entertainment department, alongside other young idols such as Haru Yuuki, Kaoru Ryuzaki, and later Chika Yokoyama. She forms close bonds with these peers, sharing the challenges of growing up as a young performer. Her relationship with the producer is especially important to her, as she relies on him for guidance and emotional support. Over the course of the story, Nina develops by learning to channel her loneliness into her performances, gradually gaining confidence and independence while still holding onto her playful, loving nature. Her notable abilities include a strong work ethic and a talent for energetic stage presence, and her love for costumes often inspires her creative expression as an idol.