Nene Kinokuni is a master of traditional Japanese cuisine, specializing in soba, and an alumna of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. As a scion of the Kinokuni family, renowned for their legendary soba recipe, Nene carries the weight of her family's legacy with pride and determination. She rose to prominence as the Sixth Seat of the Elite Ten Council during her second year, and later reclaimed a position as the Ninth Seat before graduating.

Her disciplined personality and adherence to tradition make her a formidable chef, but they also mask insecurities tied to her childhood rivalry with Satoshi Isshiki. Though Nene initially seemed unshakable, her defeat in the Régiment de Cuisine forced her to confront her limitations and rediscover the joy of cooking.

Personality & Appearance

Credits: J.C. Staff

Nene Kinokuni is known for her calm demeanor, adherence to protocol, and blunt communication style. Her serious personality often clashes with louder, more carefree individuals like Terunori Kuga, whom she has no qualms about ridiculing. While her confidence in her culinary skills is apparent, Nene's rigid dedication to tradition sometimes blinds her to external factors that could affect her dishes.

Despite her composed exterior, Nene struggles with feelings of inadequacy, especially when compared to her childhood friend and rival, Satoshi Isshiki. She often views herself as average in contrast to Satoshi’s natural genius, leading to self-doubt when her efforts fall short. However, her devotion to her craft and the beauty of her laborious work eventually become her greatest source of pride.

Physically, Nene is striking with shoulder-length green hair, pink eyes, and two thin braids that rest against her shoulders. She often wears her Tōtsuki uniform or traditional Japanese attire, reflecting her culinary style.

Powers & Abilities

Nene’s cooking style is rooted in tradition, with a focus on the meticulous art of hand-making soba. Her mastery of technique and dedication to perfection have earned her widespread acclaim.

• Soba Mastery: Nene’s skill in creating Edo-style soba is unparalleled, passed down through generations of the Kinokuni family. She excels in crafting 90% buckwheat soba, known for its delicate texture and flavor.
• Hand-Made Precision: Creating soba by hand requires strength, precision, and a deep understanding of dough. Nene’s expertise allows her to produce flawless noodles with minimal effort.
• Traditional Japanese Arts: Trained from a young age, Nene has mastered a variety of traditional arts, including calligraphy, judo, naginata-wielding, and classical dance, further exemplifying her disciplined upbringing.
• Physical Strength: Her lower body strength and unique stance enable her to knead heavy soba dough effortlessly, showcasing her physical and technical prowess.

Trivia

• Her last name, Kinokuni, translates to "chronicle country," symbolizing her ties to culinary tradition.
• Despite her disciplined personality, she is prone to moments of awkwardness, such as her failed threats against Sōma Yukihira.
• Nene teared up after her defeat in the Régiment de Cuisine, revealing her hidden insecurities about her skills.
• Her childhood rivalry with Satoshi Isshiki motivates her constant drive to improve, though she feels overshadowed by his effortless genius.