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Spoiler Alert!
This article contains details about plotlines described in the anime.
Do not proceed unless you want to be spoiled.



Umi Sonoda is a main character in Love Live!. She was a second year student at Otonokizaka High School until she graduated at the end of Love Live! The School Idol Movie. She is the leader of lily white, a sub-unit under µ's. Her image color is deep blue.[2] Her solo album is called Umiiro Shoujo ni Miserarete (海色少女に魅せられて The Enchanted Ocean-Colored Maiden).

Background[]

Since she was young, Umi has been Honoka Kosaka and Kotori Minami's childhood friend, thanks to Honoka inviting her to play a game of hide-and-seek. She is also a member of the school's archery club, which she is quite good at. She believes Honoka is bossy and pushy, but also realizes the perks of having an adventurous friend. Among the members of μ's, Umi takes the role of being their physical trainer.

Umi has a far older sister who has already moved out.[3] Her father is a martial-arts trainer while her mother teaches traditional Japanese dance; as a result, Umi is expected to inherit the combined dojo of both. As the heiress to her line age's legacy, she is burdened with the responsibility of carrying on her family's traditional Japanese practices and techniques. She also is highly skilled in kyūdō (弓道), or the Japanese martial art of archery. Predictably, Umi's traditional upbringing is reflected in her personality and behavior.

Personality[]

Umi has the qualities of a yamato nadeshiko, or a proper and traditional Japanese lady. As such, she is generally shy when having to interact with unfamiliar people. Even with those she is comfortable with, she seems to act reserved by default unless provoked. She is highly intelligent and a very logical solution-seeker. Above all, she is extremely disciplined--nearly to a fault-- and as a result can often be hard on others. This is exemplified in Season 2 Episode 7 when she forces Honoka and Hanayo to do long training hours after they gain a bit of weight. However, this is never motivated by feelings of malice or dislike aimed at her friends. Umi is often overly strict towards her friends, but is the most unforgiving with/hardest on herself. She despises laziness, shortcuts, and/or cheating; she instead places a lot of value in hard work and perseverance.

As self-destructive as this may be, these qualities combined with Umi's strong will makes her well-suited to leadership, which she often utilizes by being one of the main organizers of logistical or business-related action items for µ's. Where her leadership skills lack in sociability, she makes up in organizational excellence. This, in tandem with Umi's inclination to stay in the background when she can, makes Umi the perfect second-in-command to Honoka's leadership in µ's. In this manner, the two operate perfectly as the primary leaders in µ's. Honoka establishes and maintains µ's core of friendship and love for both members and fans alike through her ability to unify, inspire, and motivate. Umi facilitates the less enjoyable, yet arguably more vital, aspects of their idol work.

The foil between Honoka and Umi's personalities affect areas outside of leading µ's. Honoka is more of a happy-go-lucky, modern day schoolgirl, which lead to her impulsive goal of becoming a school idol. Due to Umi's traditional values of proper ladylike behavior, Umi resisted Honoka's pleas for Umi to join her. Umi's strict moral compass made nearly all aspects of being an idol highly inappropriate and embarrassing for her. However, she is shown at times to entertain intrusive thoughts in which she acts entirely contrary to her code of proper behavior. One example of this is when in the middle of practicing archery, she imagines herself as a cheery and energetic idol saying (what will later become) her signature catchphrase "Love arrow, shoot!" (ラブアローシュート); Umi is greatly flustered and ashamed of even having such a thought. When she does eventually agree to becoming a school idol, she is at first uncomfortable with wearing short skirts and opts for pant shorts. However, she learns to get used to skirts as time goes on.

Despite her overall calm and collected personality, there are a few exceptions. In Season 1 Episode 10, the rest of µ's learns (the hard way) that Umi gets very grumpy and angry if she is woken up in the middle of sleeping. Season 2 Episode 5 reveals that Umi's moral aversion to dishonesty is also actually just a literal inability to lie: when playing Old Maid, Umi is painfully unable to keep a poker face. Any emotion she feels is immediately obvious by her facial expressions. In this way, Umi continually loses every game, which frustrates her, because she is entirely unaware of this behavior. Her persistence and determination causes her to repeatedly ask to play another game, but her unawareness of her emotive reactions does not relent.

Ultimately, although Umi is rather strict, especially towards Honoka, she is a genuinely kind person and a very loyal friend who does the best she can to help her friends. She's also well-mannered and always speaks politely, using "です" (desu), "ます" (masu), and other polite forms of speaking in her speech.

Clubs and Hobbies[]

As the daughter of an Iemoto (家元, Head of Music & Arts School) mother and a Shihan (師範, Martial Arts Inspector) father, Umi excels in Kendo, Nagauta, archery, calligraphy, and traditional dance. Starting in the second season, she becomes Otonokizaka High School's new student-council vice president, taking over the role from Nozomi Tojo. She likes reading as well.

Umi becomes the group's main lyricist, and writes the song "START:DASH!!", along with most of the rest of their songs. She also trained the members of the group before Eli Ayase took over the role. She either created the dance steps for START:DASH!! or aided Kotori in coming up with the choreography.[4]


Appearance[]

Umi has a slim build. She has long dark blue hair that she splits into three bangs and hazel eyes.

Other Data[]

Umi's Diary (December 2010)[5]
Umi Dengeki G's Mag Dec 2010

Even during rest days--- the time when I wake up doesn't change.
5:30am in the morning.
Opening the door of the dojo, taking a stance with my bow--- All by the cold light of the thin-blue sky, before the sun has even fully risen.
A quiet morning.
The temperature has been dropping recently, the cold air prickling my skin feels good---.
My feet brought me to the range naturally.
My house is a school of Japanese dance, there's a large rehearsal hall on the estate, but there's another section--- Another practice area, built for the training of other martial arts such as kendo, the naginata and also archery.
Normally used as a dance stage, starting from the building's northern wall's in-built tall structure, and stretching towards the wide open southern wall--- Where the targets stand upright.
I can feel my chest full of fresh air.
Being a daughter of the Sonoda family--- of course I am laden with training in Japanese dance--- But if you'll allow me to state my personal preference, I think my favorite has to be archery.
The quiet feeling that permeates my entire body as I slide my feet apart and take a stance with the bow.
After that, I notch an arrow, and feel the tension of drawing the bow to its limit--- And once the tension builds to its limit, it's released in an instant, and at that moment when the arrow is fired--- A sense of openness as though one was being sucked into the wide open sky---.
Being here in this intense moment--- staring at the target on this morning.
It feels as though if I notch my heart on this arrow--- it'll be able to fly anywhere.
No matter where, off into the distance and without end---
Wholeheartedly.
If I send this arrow flying towards that which I seek, and it flies on no matter where--- Someday, the two will definitely meet.
I don't know yet--- where the thing that I seek is.
That's why for now, at least let me train myself. For the sake of that day which will definitely come.

Secret Short Cuts Cut 2: Umi & Kotori (August 2013)[6]
Secret Short Cuts Cut 2 (Scanlated)
Secret Short Cuts Cut 9: Umi & Rin (April 2014)[7]
Secret Short Cuts Cut 9 (Scanlated)
Vital Statistics[1]
Studies: ★★★★★

Reflexes: ★★★★★
Aggressiveness: ★★
Conformity: ★★
Modesty: ★★★★★

~μ's Member Q&A~
What's your favorite four-word idiom?[8]

Asked by スイッチさん from Aichi Prefecture

Of course that would be--- The Five Confucian Values (仁義礼智信)! Ah. That exceeds by one word though--- Oh well, that's fine, right! It's also written on the board that's hung within the dojo. These are 5 important virtues to humans, let's all hold true to them in our lives, okay?♡

Are there any books that Umi-chan loves to read?[8]
Asked by ぽんきちさん from Aichi Prefecture

Ever since childhood I was raised reading the Minamishuokina Testament so--- sometimes, the words come to mind when I'm spending time casually. Other analects too--- Ah, I also surprisingly like historical readings. Just earlier, I read an Oda Nobunaga-themed historical mystery book. My heart danced with joy while reading it.

Were there any times when you found having to do both your family's training and μ's practice tough?[8]
Asked by まみこさん from Shizuoka Prefecture

I've never really felt anything like that before. Right now, having both of them feels natural to me. Continued training becomes strength. If I had to say it--- it's only an increase in the number of showers I've had to take from all the exercise.

Umi-chan does a lot of training. Is there anything else you would like to try?[8]
Asked by ハラコーさん from Saitama Prefecture

Because I'm always surrounded by Japanese things--- If it's something I would like to try, I think something Western would be good. Violin, piano, English conversation--- Ah, cake-baking and bread-baking classes might be good too♡ If I bake a delicious cake, I'll be able to lure Honoka with the scent since she has no eye for Western confectioneries, fufufu♡

I want to train my body but it never lasts for long...... Please teach me the tricks that will let me continue on![8]
Asked by 森川凱彪さん from Aichi Prefecture

Every day, don't just limit yourself to your selected scope but do it earnestly--- Something like that? Don't search for excuses to not do it; once you've decided you are going to do it, then do it earnestly. Once it becomes a daily routine, that's when you've become strong♡

Does Umi-chan have any methods to enhance one's concentration?[8]
Asked by 森林茶屋さん from Chiba Prefecture

As expected, I think that closing your eyes in a quiet spot and lessening the stimulus around you is effective in enhancing your five senses. Before μ's stage performances, I do that alone and control my breathing, and finally--- it's a custom for everyone to gather in a circle, and put all their fighting spirit into shouting together♡ Please definitely try shouting "μ's Music Start!" with all your might too. It's effective♪

Audio[]

Does not work on iPad, or any medium that does not support the .ogg audio format.
No. Songs Duration Audio
01 Hajimemashite -Sonoda Umi[9] 3:11
02 Anata to Kurisumasu -Umi Sonoda-[10] 0:59


Songs[]

The songs featuring Umi are:

Chronology[]

NOTE: Due to its separate continuities, Both the Anime and Manga's stories are not canon to each other unless otherwise specified.

Ep. Title
01 "Come True! Our Dreams!"
(叶え!私たちの夢―― "Kanae! Watashitachi no Yume")
157 S1Ep1
In Episode 1, after discovering that Otonokizaka High School is closing after all of the students graduate, student council president Eli Ayase and her friend Nozomi Tojo approach Kotori and her friends. They ask her if she ever heard her mother tell her anything about the school shutting down. When Kotori says no, Eli and Nozomi both excuse themselves. Honoka, Umi, and Kotori begin trying to think of a way to attract students to prevent their school from shutting down. Honoka then gets the idea to start an idol group with Kotori and Umi to save the school. However, Umi says to drop the idea. Later, Kotori shows Umi how Honoka is working hard on becoming a school idol and both of them join Honoka. They are set on becoming idols, even though their idea of a school idol club was rejected by Eli.
02 "Let's Start Becoming Idols!"
(アイドルを始めよう! "Aidoru wo Hajimeyou!")
286 S1Ep2
In Episode 2, after Honoka manages to book the school's auditorium for a concert, they realize they don't have a name for their idol group nor a song to work with. To settle the matter with the name, they decide to hold a contest for it. As for the song, Umi reluctantly takes the job of writing the lyrics, but in return, Kotori and Honoka have to exercise to get better stamina. Eli warns them that their plan could backfire and ruin the reputation of the school, however, the girls' class supports them, and they receive a name for their idol group: μ's. Honoka also gets a girl named Maki Nishikino to compose a song using Umi's lyrics, and Maki sends a CD to Honoka's home.
03 "First Live"
(ファーストライブ "Faasuto Raibu" )
209 S1Ep3
In Episode 3, it is the day before μ's first concert, and Umi starts to get more nervous about performing. To boost her confidence, Honoka and Kotori have Umi pass out fliers for their concert. When Kotori reveals the costumes μ's would be performing in, Umi gets more anxious because of how short the skirt is on the outfit. When it's finally time for the concert, nobody is there. However, before the girls gave up, a student named Hanayo Koizumi shows up to see the concert quickly followed by her best friend Rin Hoshizora. Despite the small audience, μ's performs the song "START:DASH!!," which attracts a small crowd. After the song finishes, Eli appears and walks down to the stage, asking them what they plan on doing since their plan has failed. Honoka replies that μ's will keep on performing until they can one day fill up the whole auditorium.
04 "MakiRinPana"
(まきりんぱな "MakiRinPana" )
178 S1Ep4
In Episode 4, Hanayo, from the previous episode, debates with herself whether or not to join μ's. Sometime later, Hanayo comes across Honoka's sweet shop, where Umi and Kotori also are and where they notice a video of their performance of "START:DASH!!" gaining views on the internet. The girls then ask Hanayo to join the club. Maki and Rin know about Hanayo's shyness, so they both give Hanayo a push, which then helps Hanayo agree to join μ's. Rin and Maki both decide to join, as well, thus making μ's have six members.
05 "Nico Attacks"
(にこ襲来 "Niko Shuurai" )
057 S1Ep5
In Episode 5, while in a fast food joint, trying to think of a place to practice during the rainy season, Honoka realizes that there's enough members to form an official club. However, the girls learn that there's already another Idol Research Club. It ends up, however, that a girl name Nico Yazawa is the sole member of the club. The girls ask her if they can merge their groups together, but Nico flatly rejects them, based on the fact that they don't have personas. After learning from Nozomi that Nico once tried, and failed, to become a school idol, Honoka comes up with the idea to join the Idol Research Club and have Nico teach them how to be proper idols. Nico happily accepts.
06 "Who'll Be the Center?"
(センターは誰だ? "Sentaa wa Dare da?" )
313 S1Ep6
In Episode 6, Nozomi films interviews with each member of μ's. When Honoka was being interviewed, Nozomi asked her why she's the leader when she does nothing for the group. It then leads to a singing and dancing contest to determine the leader. The member with the most points becomes the leader. However, in the end, everyone gets similar scores. Honoka then suggests that maybe μ's doesn't need a leader, causing everyone to agree with her, but also making them believe that she is the most worthy of becoming the leader. μ's performed the song "Korekara no Someday".
07 "Elichika"
(エリーチカ "Erichika" )
206 S1Ep7
In Episode 7, Hanayo tells μ's about the Love Live! tournament, a contest where the top 20 school idol groups compete in. Needing permission to enter, the girls then go over to the chairwoman for permission. Despite Eli's objection, the chairwoman tells them that they can enter, but only if they all pass the upcoming exams. Umi and Kotori help Honoka study, who generally has bad grades. Once the exams are done and everyone passes, everyone goes to the chairwoman's office, but overhear her telling Eli that the school would be shutting down next year.
08 "What I Want To Do Is..."
(やりたいことは "Yaritai Koto wa" )
328 S1Ep8
In Episode 8, following the events of the previous episode, the chairwoman clarifies to μ's that the school will shut down if the upcoming open day is received negatively. Umi suggests to the group to get Eli to teach them how to dance. Eli agrees to their offer and puts the group into intense training, but is surprised by their willingness to continue. Nozomi tells μ's that Eli wants to join, but believes she can't because of how she treated them in the past. μ's go to Eli and formally invite her to join. Eli becomes honest with her feelings and joins, along with Nozomi who reveals that she came up with the group's name: μ's, which refers to the nine goddesses of music. Coincidentally, there are nine members in μ's. The now complete group performs "Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE" at the open day to a pleased crowd, making the open day a success.
09 "Wonder Zone"
(ワンダーゾーン "Wandā Zōn" )
210 S1Ep9
In Episode 9, after discovering Kotori working secretly in Akihabara at a maid café, Eli assigns Kotori to write lyrics for a new song based on Akiba culture, because she knows Akiba best. However, Kotori struggles to write the lyrics. However, thanks to Honoka and Umi, she is able to create the song "Wonder zone" by recalling the feelings she gets whenever she works in Akihabara. After the performance, Honoka, Umi, and Kotori go pray at the Kanda Shrine for μ's success. Then, as they were leaving, they look up at the stars and promise to each other they'll be together forever.
10 "No Upperclassmen Allowed!"
(先輩禁止 "Senpai Kinshi!" )
254 S1Ep10
In Episode 10, μ's decide to go to Maki's beach house after getting permission from her parents. Eli creates a rule that no one is allowed to use the honorifics "senpai" for the duration of the trip, so they can break down the barrier between upper and underclassmen. The girls spend the whole day at the beach playing, but Nozomi and Eli are quick to notice Maki not participating. At night, Nozomi initiates a pillow fight, and all of μ's except Umi play. However, two pillows hit Umi while she was sleeping, causing her to get cranky and throw "supersonic pillows" at everyone, hitting Nico, Honoka, and Eli. Just as she was about to hit Hanayo and Rin, Maki knocks Umi out with a pillow, causing her to fall back asleep. The episode ends with all the members of μ's breaking down the barrier between upper and underclassmen, and holding hands while watching the sunrise.
11 "The Greatest Live Performance"
(最高のライブ "Saikō no Raibu" )
315 S1Ep11
In Episode 11, μ's has manage to reach rank #19 on the school idol ranking site, making them eligible to apply to the Love Live! tournament. This puts pressure on μ's to keep their position. However, Nico fails to win a lottery spin to use the auditorium, causing μ's to think of where to have a concert. Honoka comes up with the idea that they can use the rooftop to hold their performance, and the group hesitantly agrees. While training on the rooftop, Umi tells Honoka that she shouldn't be working herself too hard, but Honoka said that it's all right. When Umi asks Kotori to tell Honoka to stop, Kotori doesn't respond because she is in deep thought. After Umi snaps Kotori out of her daze, Kotori says that Honoka should do whatever she want, disappointing Umi and making Honoka happy.

Later on, during a phone call, Umi asks Honoka if she ever noticed Kotori acting weird. When Honoka said that she didn't, Umi changes the subject by telling her to go straight to bed instead of exercising, then calls Kotori. Kotori then explains the reason why she's been down lately to Umi, but the audience do not get to hear the conversation.

While getting ready for the concert, Umi asks Kotori if she was fine with her decision, to which Kotori says yes and that she'd tell Honoka about it. Despite the rain, the girls perform "No brand girls". However, afterwards, Honoka faints, surprising both μ's and the audience.

12 "Friends"
(ともだち "Tomodachi" )
Ep12 00181
In Episode 12, following the events of the previous episode, μ's go to Honoka's house to check on her. They discover that she's still recovering and has a sprained leg. They sadly tell Honoka that they dropped out of the Love Live! tournament, meaning their ranking was removed. Honoka blames herself for the incident, but μ's tell her that it's everyone's fault, instead. Everyone gets depressed from this event, but Honoka the most. On the rooftop, Maki, Hanayo, and Rin announce that the school has been saved, thus the group decides to have a celebration. At the party, however, Umi and Kotori are noticed to not be in jolly spirits. Umi then reveals to μ's that Kotori is moving to a fashion boarding school for the rest of her high school career. Everyone is surprised by the announcement, but Honoka gets angry at Kotori for not telling her earlier. Kotori explains to her that she wanted to tell them but couldn't, and runs away.

The next day, on the rooftop, μ's reveals that they're planning to do a final live with everybody before Kotori leaves. But Honoka tells them that it was her fault and that none of this would've happened if it wasn't for the accident. The members tell her to stop saying that, but Honoka then says that the school is saved, therefore there's no reason to keep on performing and that it's impossible to go against a group like A-RISE. Honoka tells them that she quits, but before she leaves, Umi slaps her cheek, saying that she didn't think that she's that kind of person and that she's the worst there is.

13 "μ's Music Start!"
(μ'sミュージックスタート! "Myūzu Myūjikku Sutāto!")
Ep13 00145
In Episode 13, following the events of the previous episode, Honoka and Umi still don't speak to each other. Eli decides to put μ's on a hiatus. However, Nico disagrees with Eli, saying that she wants to continue being a school idol. Umi visits Kotori and asks her if she really is going to study aboard. Kotori sadly tells her that there's nothing they can do about it at this point, which saddens Umi.

At school the next day, Honoka is at the stage where she, Kotori, and Umi performed "START:DASH!!" Umi comes into the auditorium because she was invited by Honoka to come. Honoka apologizes to Umi, but Umi laughs and tells her that she has always been a nuisance. She then tells her that Honoka brought her and Kotori on a long ride, taking them to places they didn't have the courage to go before. Umi then sings the first verse of "Susume→Tomorrow," Honoka the second, and Kotori, who is at the airport, the third.

Afterwards, Honoka brings back Kotori from the airport and μ's performs "START:DASH!!" in the auditorium, despite wearing their school uniforms, and this time with the auditorium filled with people. Honoka then tells the crowd to say "μ's Music Start!" and μ's are in the school idol ratings again.

Ep. Title
01 "Love Live! Once Again"
(もう一度ラブライブ! "Mōichido Rabu Raibu!")
S2Ep01 00163
In Episode 1, Principal Minami announces that Otonokizaka will still accept student applications for next year. After the announcement, the podium is then passed on to the succeeding student council president, Honoka Kosaka, to deliver her speech. Honoka managed to introduce herself but had forgotten the contents of her speech.

At the student council room, Umi scolds Honoka for forgetting her speech that they wrote together then places a large amount of student council work in front of her. Eli arrives at the student council room together with Nozomi to check on the trio.

μ's talked about the news about Love Live! being held once more. They were hesitant at first because of the thought that they have to compete against A-RISE for the preliminaries, but after Umi stated that it was too early to give up, they all agreed to give it a shot, except for Honoka who told them that it's okay for them not to enter Love Live!. All of them were shocked at Honoka's statement and asked her if there was anything wrong with her but she said that she was happy just being able to sing and dance with everyone. Honoka then suggests that they all hang out together after school for a change of pace.

That night, the members of μ's, except for Honoka, talked about Honoka's weird behaviour. Nozomi told them that the regular dance practices and sessions may be enough for Honoka.

The next day, Nico challenges Honoka to a race to decide whether the group enters Love Live! or not. During the race, Honoka finally understood the meaning of Yukiho's words, as at that time, Eli, Nozomi, and Nico will graduate and no longer be school idols, making this year's Love Live! the last opportunity for μ's to perform together as a group of nine.

Everyone told Honoka their feelings about entering Love Live! making Honoka state her true desire to enter Love Live! as well. They all sang "Susume→Tomorrow" and Honoka told them that they will aim for victory.

02 "Aim for Victory"
(優勝をめざして "Yūshō o Mezashite")
032 S2Ep2
In Episode 2, Hanayo tells everyone that only unreleased songs are allowed to be performed at Love Live!, meaning they can't use any of their existing songs. Eli tells them that they have no choice but to make a new song and decides to go on a camping trip.

They were amazed that Maki's family had a vacation house even at the mountains. When they were about to leave the train station and head for the bus, Rin told them that they might be forgetting something. They forgot about Honoka who was still sleeping on the train.

Everyone was amazed yet again when they saw the house and the things inside. They found out that Maki still believed in Santa when they were talking about the fireplace. Nico was about to laugh and mock her for it but the others prevented her from doing so, claiming that it was a serious crime to say it. After settling down, Maki, Umi, and Kotori proceeded to doing their jobs upstairs while the others proceeded to doing some basic drills outside.

While in the living room, Honoka noticed that Maki wasn't anywhere near the piano and decides to take the tea that Hanayo made to the girls upstairs. Honoka opens the door to where Umi was staying but found no one inside, finding a note on the table stating "Please don't look for me" instead. Panicked, Honoka proceeded to Kotori's room and found no one inside as well, finding a picture on the wall with the words "Help me" instead. Honoka soon noticed that there was cloth tied by the window that leads outside. She looks outside and finds the three sighing.

The others found out that the three were in a slump because of the pressure and decides to split the work to all of them. They decided on forming three groups, with the first group consisting of Kotori, Hanayo and Honoka to work on the costumes, the second group consisting of Umi, Rin and Nozomi to work on the lyrics, and the third group consisting of Maki, Nico, and Eli to work on the music. There was no progress for the first few hours but after hearing some encouraging words from their group mates, the three who're originally assigned for the tasks met on the house and was able to finish everything that night. The others found the three of them sleeping in the living room with their finish products and decided to let them sleep for a while. They immediately started practicing as soon as the three woke up and continued to practice hard even after returning from their trip, aiming to win Love Live!.

03 "The Door to Our Dreams"
(ユメのトビラ "Yume no Tobira")
S2Ep03 00317
In Episode 3, Honoka, Hanayo, and Eli were browsing the Love Live! site. They saw the different stages prepared for the preliminaries. Hanayo told them that because of the number of groups that will enter the preliminaries, they are allowed to perform anywhere other than the concert halls. After practice, μ's talked about the mechanics of the contest. Four groups will be able to move on to the final round of the preliminaries. They also concluded that there will only be three spots to compete for, knowing that A-RISE will get a place for sure. Honoka suggests that they use their school as their stage so that they can perform comfortably. Nico and Hanayo told Honoka that she was naive and that they only have one shot at it. They needed something original to stand out and catch everyone's attention. But before they can decide the place, they still needed to practice being on air so they asked the broadcasting club for help. Honoka, Umi, and Hanayo were the ones who tried out the mic. The results wasn't what they really wanted but at least it was very μ's-like.

After that, μ's decided to look for a place to hold their live but it turns out that they're out of new stages. They looked elsewhere and ended up in front of the UTX building. The group saw A-RISE's promotion and Honoka says that they won't lose. Just then, A-RISE's Tsubasa Kira appeared in front of the second year trio. Tsubasa hushed Honoka before others could see her then she grabbed Honoka's arm and ran, dragging her inside the building. Hanayo and Nico noticed that Tsubasa was there, running with Honoka and chased after them.

A-RISE revealed to μ's that they've been watching and keeping an eye on the group for quite a while. They thought that μ's was going to be their biggest rivals during the last Love Live!. Tsubasa, Erena, and Anju then revealed each of μ's members' good points. Anju and Tsubasa commented on how Maki has a wonderful talent for songwriting and how it beautifully makes a perfect combination with Umi's honest lyrics. Eli asked them why they knew so much and Tsubasa answers that it was because it was rare to see a group with a caliber like μ's and that they didn't want to lose to μ's. Honoka also states that they won't lose either and says thank you to them. Tsubasa then offers to perform with μ's on the same stage, which is their school's rooftop, to which Honoka immediately agrees, surprising the rest of μ's members.

The day of the preliminaries came, A-RISE's Tsubasa and μ's Honoka agreed to give it their all and shook hands. Alisa and Yukiho are shown watching with a laptop at the Kosaka residence. Alisa was worried but Yukiho assured her that they will be fine. A-RISE performed their new song, "Shocking Party". Seeing A-RISE perform, most of μ's members were starting to feel that they can't win. Honoka immediately disagreed and cheered everyone up. Some of there schoolmates came and cheered them on as well. μ's found a new hope and was ready to perform. μ's performed their new song, "Yume no Tobira" and received good responses from their audience.

04 "No. 1 Idol in the Universe"
(宇宙No.1アイドル "Uchuu Nanbā 1 Aidoru")
S2Ep04 00203
In Episode 4, Hanayo checks the site for the results of the preliminaries. When the results came out, µ's was delighted to discover that they have qualified for the next round. Everybody ran out of the room to spread the good news, except for Umi who was left covering her ears. Umi just learned the results from the broadcast.

At the rooftop, Eli announced that only one of the four teams that made it out of the first round will make it to Love Live!. They decide that they have to do their best. Umi then stated that she'd like to start morning practices an hour earlier than usual and they'll have review sessions on Sundays. Eli adds that they need to have focused and well-designed practice sessions. When Honoka was about to say "µ's music start!", she was cut off by Kotori because she feels that they're missing someone. They then realized that Nico was not among them.

They caught up and called out to Nico who was about to go home. Nico said that she's going to have to skip practice because she has other things to do and left. The others decided to follow Nico secretly because she was acting suspicious, but Nico spotted them and was able to escape.

While the others were wondering why Nico was desperate to escape, Hanayo saw a little girl who looks a lot like Nico. They then learned that she was Nico's little sister, Cocoro. While Cocoro was leading them to their home, they learned that Nico told her siblings that she was the center of µ's and the others were her backup dancers. After arriving at the Yazawa residence, they met Cotaro, Nico's little brother who also believed that they were backup dancers. There, they saw the posters of µ's that were edited to make it look like Nico was the center in all of them.

After some time, Nico arrived and they chased after her once again. Nico wasn't able to escape this time because her other little sister, Cocoa, met her in front of the elevator. Nico apologized and explained that she was skipping practice to look after her siblings and that she's been telling them that she was a super idol from the beginning.

On the way home, Nozomi tells the others that Nico was telling her siblings all that even after she failed to become a super idol in her first year because she didn't want their vision of her to be destroyed. After hearing this, the girls arrange for Nico to give a special performance for her siblings, claiming it to be her last performance as a 'solo idol' before joining her fellow idols as equals in μ's.

05 "A New Me"
(新しいわたし "Atarashī Watashi")
S2Ep05 00184
In Episode 5, µ's prepares for a performance in a fashion event on the weekend, however, the second years are on their school trip in Okinawa and both Eli and Nozomi are busy taking care of student council work, leaving the other four to practice with themselves. Rin thought that the second years must be having a blast with their trip, but in reality, they weren't enjoying much because of the storm.

Honoka received a call from Eli about the event. Eli told her that they needed a temporary leader and that Rin was perfect for the role.

While playing cards, Honoka, Kotori, and Umi were told that their flight got canceled because of the bad weather, making them unable to participate in the performance.

On the day of the event, the group arranges for Rin to wear the dress whilst everyone else wears groom outfits, feeling it fits her the most. Rin was still in denial at first but Hanayo and Maki encouraged her with their feelings. Rin finally accepted and wore the dress, receiving some compliments from the audience. The six members then performed the song "Love wing bell" and the event turns out to be a huge success. Rin then decides to be more confident with expressing her femininity and decides to wear a skirt for practice making everyone happy for her.

06 "Happy Halloween"
(ハッピーハロウィーン "Happī Harouīn")
S2Ep06 00325
In Episode 6, Eli told the other members about µ's and A-RISE being invited to the Halloween event. Nico then declared that they should make a stronger impact than A-RISE.

µ's tried changing their outfits in search for the impact they're looking for but it didn't work out. They tried impersonating each other next but it didn't work out as well. Eli then suggested that they try not to present themselves as idols, resulting to µ's sporting a rock look, which didn't work out as well. Principal Minami even called them to her office because of it.

On the day of their performance, Honoka thinks that they don't need to change themselves, as they already have quite varied members themselves, and they perform together with their natural abilities. µ's performs the song "Dancing stars on me!" and aims to win Love Live!.

07 "We Have to Do Something!"
(なんとかしなきゃ! "Nantoka Shinakya!")
S2Ep07 00193
In Episode 7, Honoka finds out that her weight increased dramatically. Umi scolds Honoka saying that she lacked discipline and letting her face reality by making Honoka wear the costume from their first live. Umi then puts Honoka on a diet.

In the club room, Hanayo brought out a big rice ball to eat. Hanayo offered some to Honoka after seeing her stare at the rice ball before being stopped by Umi. The three first years then finds out that Honoka is on a diet. Hanayo already ate half of the rice ball when Rin and Maki told her that she's been gaining weight lately as well.

Umi made a diet plan for Honoka and Hanayo. The two of them were consoling each other when a group of three first years appeared and asked them for autographs. A first year complimented Umi's figure, the other complimented Kotori's, while the last one complimented Honoka's energy instead.

After returning to the student council room, Honoka was surprised by the amount of work piled on the table. Just then, a member of the Art Club handed over a budget request to them with Kotori unknowingly placing the paper on the box for approval.

While climbing the stairs to the shrine, Honoka and Hanayo found it harder to reach the top than before. Nico told them that it was because of the extra weight. Later, Umi found out that Honoka and Hanayo were sneaking off during their runs to eat rice. After letting them explain themselves, Hanayo was told that she regained her past weight while Honoka's weight did not change at all.

Honoka and the others soon found out that the Art Club's budget request was approved before the budget meeting. They tried to talk to the girl from the Art Club but it did not work. Eli and Nozomi offered to help but Honoka said that it was their mistake and that they should fix it themselves.

After working hard to fix everything and making a budget plan for all the clubs, Honoka, Kotori, and Umi managed to end the budget meeting well. During the process of fixing everything, Honoka told everyone that she forgot to eat and managed to regain her old weight. Nozomi and Eli are then left assured that the student council is in good hands.

08 "My Wish"
(私の望み "Watashi no Nozomi")
337 S2Ep08
In Episode 8, Honoka announces during an interview that µ's will definitely win Love Live!. Everyone was amazed and surprised at the sudden declaration of victory.

Nico asked Honoka why she said that all of a sudden. Maki told her that since they're really aiming to win Love Live!, it shouldn't be a problem. Umi agreed and said that A-RISE did say that the last round of the preliminaries would be as competitive as the Love Live! itself. Eli then told everyone to decide on which song they want to perform with. Nico suggested that they go for a new song . Nozomi then suggested that they make it a love song which surprised everyone. Hanayo told them that love songs are necessary for idol groups but µ's has yet to sing one. They asked Umi why there haven't been any love songs for µ's and Nozomi answered that it's because Umi has no romantic experience yet. Maki told them that it's too late to make a new song anyway but Eli disagreed and said that she thinks it's too early to give up. Though everyone wonders how they'd write a love song, Nozomi thought of an idea. They tried practicing giving gifts but the idea didn't help.

On the way home, Maki told them that she still thinks it's better if they don't take the risk. Umi agrees and believes that they should focus on perfecting what they already have instead. Most of the members agreed as well but Eli said that she still thinks that a love song would be powerful and that Nozomi's predictions are usually spot on. Honoka then said that they think about a little more.

While at Honoka's house, everyone tried to come up with ideas once again. Kotori suggested that they watch a romance movie for reference, however Maki says that these halfhearted efforts to write a new song will lower the quality of their performance. After finally deciding on using the songs they already have, they decided on calling it a day and go home.

Maki and Eli decided to call over the others to Nozomi's house, and deciding to go ahead with writing the song. Hanayo saw a picture frame with a picture of their "START:DASH!!" performance. Nozomi grabbed it immediately, feeling embarrassed. It soon began to snow, and the girls ran outside. Each and every one of them caught a snowflake, and are lyrically inspired.

09 "Melody of the Heart"
(心のメロディ "Kokoro no Merodi")
299 S2Ep09
In Episode 9, the day of the final preliminaries arrives. Honoka wakes up and receives words of encouragement from Yukiho before Kotori and Umi arrived to fetch her.

At school, the teacher said that they'll be starting the open house an hour later that scheduled because of the weather. Honoka called Eli to tell them the situation. Eli said that she'll explain the situation to the staff and they'll rehearse with six members.

While accommodating the guests, Honoka received a call from Eli. Eli apologized and said that they arrived at the venue. Nozomi said that with a venue that big, they'll need all 9 members of µ's. Eli told Honoka to come immediately after they're done.

Honoka, Kotori, and Umi went outside to ask their schoolmates if they can help with anything. Their schoolmates did not allow them to let them save their energy for the preliminaries.

After the school event, Honoka, Kotori and Umi becomes stranded because of the blizzard. Determined not to let their efforts go in vain, the three girls decide to head to the stage on foot, finding that all of their fellow schoolmates have cleared the path for them.

With Honoka, Kotori, and Umi rejoining the others just in time, the girls of μ's take on the feelings of all of their supporters and perform the song that they all wrote together. They performed the song "Snow halation".

10 "µ's"
(µ's "Myūzu")
145 S2Ep10
In Episode 10, Kotori and Umi came to fetch Honoka for their local shrine visit to celebrate the new year. On their way to the local shrine, Honoka, Kotori and Umi met with Hanayo and Rin who says that Maki was with them a while ago but hid because she was embarrassed. When Maki showed herself, the three who just met with them complimented her. Just then, the girls run into A-RISE, who congratulated them on winning the Love Live! preliminaries.

After praying, they went to greet Nozomi, Nico and Eli, who are helping out at the shrine. After the third years left, Hanayo worried about the third years' graduation. Umi stopped her saying that they have agreed not to bring the topic up until Love Live! was over. Honoka then told them that for the third years' sake, they should give it their best.

With μ's needing to make an impression to give them an advantage during Love Live!, Hanayo suggests they come up with a group catchphrase for the official website that best represents the group.

Later that day, while thinking about the catchphrase, Honoka, Kotori and Umi were approached by A-RISE's leader, Tsubasa, who says she has to talk with Honoka.

Tsubasa had been contemplating over how her group lost to μ's and asked Honoka about it. Honoka, however, did not know the answer to her question as well. Tsubasa thanked her regardless.

Honoka called Umi and asked her about what she thinks about what Tsubasa's question. Umi said that the answer to that question may be the catchphrase that they were looking for.

The next day, the girls get together at Honoka's store to make mochi for all of their supporters, thinking that it would help them come up with their catchphrase, though they still weren't able to come up with one.

Later, upon encountering people's ema at the shrine giving their support for μ's, Honoka comes to understand the group's driving force came from everyone's support and decides on the catchphrase, "The story we all realize."

11 "That Which We Decided"
(私たちが決めたこと "Watashi-tachi ga Kimeta Koto")
100 S2Ep11
In Episode 11, at the club room, with one month left until Love Live!, Umi explains their training schedule. Everyone noticed that it was not strict like usual. Umi answered that she followed A-RISE's advice and left some free days. Umi noticed that Honoka was quiet and asked if she was paying attention. Maki then brought up the topic about Alisa and Yukiho passing and that led to talking about the third years' graduation. Everyone got depressed, but Eli told them that they agreed not to talk about it until after Love Live! and started practice.

While training, Honoka was still thinking about what Yukiho said, making Umi and Kotori notice. Umi asked her what she wants to do and Honoka answered that she wants to continue being a school idol but she's not sure about staying as µ's. Nico told them to continue and that they have to keep the name. Nozomi then stopped the conversation and said that they agreed not to talk about it. Hanayo asked if it was really fine that way, saying that they have to give Yukiho and Alisa an honest answer. Hanayo thinks that µ's has to be the nine of them and that it will be different even with just one person missing. Maki agrees but understands what Nico's saying, so it might be best to just keep going. They then asked Eli for her opinion, but Eli told them that it was Honoka and the others' decision to make.

On the way home, Umi told them that it was better that they talked about it because it wouldn't have been good for them to compete with unresolved issues. Honoka told them that Eli was right. They'll be the ones that would be staying next school year so they have to be the ones to decide.

Before they parted ways, Umi told Honoka to think about what they truly want and they'll discuss it afterwards.

Honoka called the others on a Sunday to have fun. Since they couldn't decide on one place, they decided to go to all the places that each of them wants to go to. After having fun at many places, Honoka decided that she wants to go watch the sea with just the nine of them there.

After arriving at the beach, they had a little fun and held hands. Honoka decided to say their decision about what would happen to µ's once the third years graduate. She said that it turned out that all six of them had the same decision about it. They decided that after Love Live!, µ's will disband. Eli and Nozomi agreed with their decision but Nico thought that if they disband, what she worked hard for will all be for nothing. Maki then promised her that no matter what happens, they'll continue to be idols but they want µ's to be theirs alone and that they don't want a µ's without Nico and the others. Just then, Honoka shouted, surprising everyone, and saying that they'll miss the train if they don't hurry back.

Everyone ran at full speed but it turns out that there were still many trains left. Honoka said that it was because she was afraid that they would never stop crying if they stayed there and decides to take a picture with everyone.

At the train station, while laughing at the pictures, Hanayo started to cry. Everyone ended up crying a lot as well. Nico ended up crying the most, despite saying she wasn't going to cry.

With just one week left until their last performance, µ's decided to prepare and give it their best together.

12 "Last Live"
(ラストライブ "Rasuto Raibu")
290 S2Ep12
In Episode 12, Nico was able to draw the last number for the performance order, much to everyone's delight.

At the club room, Nico felt proud of her accomplishment, but nobody seems to appreciate it that much. Eli then said that they should start their practice.

While taking a break from practice, Honoka looked at the group of first years and the group of third years. Kotori then told her that she shouldn't feel sad now and focus on Love Live! instead. Honoka said that she knows that and hugged both Umi and Kotori, saying that she just suddenly had an urge to hug them.

After practice, Hanayo realized that it was their last practice, making everyone realize it and feel down as well. Nico then told them that they shouldn't feel sad and just focus on Love Live!.

µ's went to their local shrine and prayed together. After praying, the girls find it difficult to part ways. Honoka then suggested to have a sleepover at school.

At school, they set up their beds and found out that it fitted perfectly. Umi asked if it was really okay to have a sleepover at school. Kotori said that her mom approved of it. Afterwards, they ate the dinner that Nico and Hanayo prepared. Later on, Honoka and Rin wanted to do something exciting like test of courage. The girls then found out that Eli was afraid of the dark. Honoka noticed that the stars looked beautiful and suggested that they go to the rooftop to see. The girls were mesmerized by how the city looked like and shouted out their feelings.

The next day, the girls arrive at the venue for Love Live! finals. Wearing their new and cute costumes, µ's performed the song "KiRa-KiRa Sensation!". The audience loved it so much that they called for an encore. µ's then performed the song "Bokura wa Ima no Naka de", wearing the costume that their schoolmates prepared for them.

13 "Come True! Everyone's Dream"
(叶え!みんなの夢―― "Kanae! Minna no Yume")
383 S2Ep13
In Episode 13, Honoka immediately went to the student council room, finding Umi and Kotori waiting for her. Umi was about to scold Honoka when Kotori told her to give her a break since it's graduation day. On their way to the gym, Umi asked Honoka about her farewell speech. Honoka showed them the paper and earned herself a smile from the two.

During the ceremony, after Principal Minami congratulated the graduates, it was now Honoka's turn to deliver her speech. Honoka stated that she wasn't really good at expressing herself with words but she loved singing, therefore, instead of a speech, she dedicated a song for the seniors instead. With Maki playing the piano, everyone joined Honoka and sang "Aishiteru Banzai!".

At the club room, Nico cleaned up her personal stuff, leaving the shelf completely empty. Hanayo said that with all the stuff gone, it feels a little empty and lonely. Nico then said that they should just have the next club president bring some stuff from home. Nico decided to make Hanayo the next club president because they all felt that she's the right person for the job. When Hanayo finally agreed to become the president, she assigned Maki to be the vice-president.

The girls decided to have a last look around the school. Arriving at the rooftop where everything began, Honoka gives a proper sendoff to the name of μ's.

At the school gates, before the girls can get a chance to part ways, Hanayo received some 'big news', prompting everyone to rush back to the club room.

Vol. Title
01 Love Live! School idol project 1
Umi Manga1

Umi is first shown giving Honoka some devastating news. It turns out the school might be closed in 3 years. Umi then checks on now depressed Honoka after she heard the news. She asks Kotori if her mom knew anything about this, who responded with that she also just heard the news as well. Umi says that Honoka might not be able to attend the Kendo club because of her behavior. Later on, after Honoka recovers and says that there's a way to keep the school from closing (From winning Kendo), Umi says that the final match will begin shortly.

02 Love Live! School idol project 2
03 Love Live! School idol project 3
04 Love Live! School idol project 4

Etymology[]

  • The name Umi means "sea, ocean" (海) (u) and "un-, not yet, hitherto, still, even now, sign of the ram, 1-3PM, eighth sign of Chinese zodiac" (未) (mi).
  • Umi's surname Sonoda means "garden, park, plantation" (園) (sono) and "field, rice paddy" (田) (ta/da).

Trivia[]

  • Umi fulfills the cool attribute of the µ's second years.
  • Umi originally had an additional younger brother before it was written off. [11]
  • Umi didn't like to eat sticky food when she was in elementary school.[12]
  • In the manga, which was published prior to the anime, both Umi and Honoka were portrayed to be members of the kendo club.[13]
  • The various media in the project disagree on the relationships between the second years. In the manga which was published earlier, Honoka is closer to Umi as the two of them are childhood friends and not with Kotori, but in the anime and other newer media, the three of them are all childhood friends.
  • Umi wears her summer uniform's vest under her blazer. However, this is not shown in Season 2's ending credits.

Gallery[]

Please refer to this character's Image Gallery.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Love Live! First Fan Book
  2. https://odex-anime.myshopify.com/products/lovelive-series-9th-anniversary-love-live-fest-love-live-blade-fest-ver-ラブライブレード
  3. Umi's School idol diary, Chapter 7
  4. Love Live! Anime Season 1 Episode 5: Nico Attacks
  5. Dengeki G's Magazine December 2010 issue
  6. Dengeki G's Magazine August 2013 issue
  7. Dengeki G's Magazine April 2014 issue
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Dengeki G's Magazine June 2015 issue
  9. Bokura no LIVE Kimi to no LIFE Single
  10. Snow halation Single
  11. Dengeki G's Magazine September 2011 issue
  12. Emitsun Fight Club Episode 6
  13. Love Live! manga, volume 1
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