Nicole Saito

"Cuteness is justice. And that's why I want to be cute all the time. It doesn't matter who I am on the inside. I want to be whatever everyone wants me to be."

Nicole Saito (ニコル) is one of the members of 22/7 idol group and is a virtual YouTuber. She is also a member of 22/7 sub-unit Keikoto Saisei Keikaku. She was formerly voiced by Mei Hanakawa, and is now voiced by Uta Kawase.

Nicole's penlight color is blue.

Appearance
Nicole has warm blonde hair that reaches past her chin, just above her shoulders, and side bangs that cover her left eyebrow. She has green-blue eyes that can sometimes appear grey. Although it isn't that noticeable, Nicole has a braid running down the right side of her face. She wears a blue ribbon in her hair. In the anime, Nicole's skin tone has a pink hue.

Her character was designed by Kurehito Misaki.

Personality
Nicole is described as stoic and "The Idol". During her PV, it is said in the Magazine interview with Nicole, that Miu reads, that Nicole stood out as a "more professional member" since 22/7's debut. She is hardworking, has a clear image of her future and dreams and strives to become the ideal idol. Despite this, Nicole is bad at studying. Nicole can tend to be a little harsh and uptight, and is quite distant from her fellow members. She likes rabbits. Nicole hates people who apologise immediately.

In episode 2, it can be seen that Nicole is quite flexible. Nicole's specialty is playing the violin and piano. Nicole also enjoys collecting idol merchandise.

Nicole's favorite foods are vegetable sticks and sautéed chicken.

Biography
Nicole's hometown is Kanagawa. It is stated in her PV that she started learning dancing since she was in grade four, influenced by a performer called Rei Ayano in a popular TV show she watched.

In episode 11 of the anime, it is revealed that as a child Nicole was extremely shy and introverted, and had a complex about her stuttering which her classmates stated was "like a chicken." During this time, Miu had transferred to Nicole's second grade class of primary school. Nicole suffered bullying from her classmates, even forcing her to play the main role of a witch in a play of Snow White against her will. However, when her bullies attempted to sabotage Nicole during the play, it backfired when Miu started attacking them, which resulted in Miu transferring to a different school once again.

While Nicole never had the chance to thank Miu, Nicole gained courage from the incident and used it into wanting to become an idol.

Miu Takigawa
In Nicole's PV, it is shown that Miu look up to Nicole. However, as seen in Miu's PV, Nicole seems to be quite harsh with Miu, such as when she ignores Miu's greeting to her.

In the anime it was revealed that the two were acquainted when Miu transferred to Nicole's primary school for a certain amount of time, and Miu was actually the main reason that Nicole gained enough confidence to strive to become an idol. Despite reuniting when 22/7 was formed, Miu doesn't remember Nicole during their childhood.

Miyako Kono
In chapter 3 of the Manga, Miyako is frustrated when Nicole criticises Miyako's dancing, and Miyako snaps back by saying she would never understand how hard it was because Nicole was naturally talented. Although later Miyako finds out that Nicole is the one practicing the hardest of them all, and Miyako apologises and asks Nicole to teach her the dance. Once Miyako was able to do the dance, Nicole thought it was cute, although she wouldn't admit it.

Reika Sato
When Reika found out she was going to be 22/7's leader, Reika asked if Nicole would've been a better choice, although Nicole declines.

Yuki Tojo
While Nicole doesn't mind Yuki being tomboyish, Nicole wishes that Yuki was more cute when doing idol activities.

Cast Commentary
"Nicole is not just an idol, “cute is justice” is a particular thing she has when it comes to being an idol. She has a very clear vision for what she wants to be. I absolutely love her.""I play Nicole Saito, who is very stoic yet perfect at singing and dancing, and aims to be an idol. That's why she's a character that tends to hit the members strongly, but on stage I play the most idol-ish character out of everyone and the professional nature of trying to entertain the audience is very visible. I think she's a very professional character."

Discography

 * 1) Boku wa Sonzai Shiteinakatta
 * 2) Shampoo no Nioi ga Shita
 * 3) Rikaisha
 * 4) Nani mo Shiteagerarenai
 * 5) Muzui
 * 6) Kaze wa Fuiteru ka?
 * 7) Boku ga Motteru Mono Nara
 * 8) Kakusei

Etymology
Saitō (斎藤): Sai (斎) means "to worship" and Tō (藤) means "wisteria".

Videos
The Diary of Our Days PV= Anime Introduction PV= Nanaon Introduction PV=

Gallery
For more images of this character please refer here.

Quotes

 * "I don't care about you as much as you think." Nicole to Miu, episode 2



Trivia

 * Nicole introduced herself as being from France at the Warikirenai Live on 2018.02.27. But this was changed in Keisanchuu Episode 2, where her hometown was now Kanagawa.
 * Nicole's original design depicts her with soley green eyes, but her official illustration changed them to blue-green.
 * Nicole's motto and favorite quote is "Talent is given to those who can show effort."
 * Nicole resemblances Midori Tokiwa from Tamako Market.