The ultimate Quintessential Quintuplets girl guide

Few shows are able to take a dumb concept and execute it as well as Quintessential Quintuplets manages. Harem anime are usually more interested in fanservice than character development, so when the show originally aired in 2019 I was initially skeptical. But the thing that Quintessential Quintuplets does well is giving us top tier girls to root for, no matter your taste.

Though it was initially delayed by the pandemic, the second season is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, so now’s a good time to get caught up with the five girls who play a starring role in the show. It has been nearly two years since the first season, so here’s a bit of background for each of the Quintessential Quintuplets to get you started if you’re new to the show — or just need a reminder of who your best girl is.

Ichika

Ichika is the oldest of the Nakano sisters and often takes the role of the eldest sister to heart. She supports her sisters as much as she can, but she still manages to make time to pursue her acting career. Of the Quintessential Quintuplets, Ichika is the one who is most focused on her own goals and seems to be the most confident in herself. This doesn’t stop her from being the messiest and most irresponsible at times, however, and for much of the first season Ichika is found sleeping late in her room as much as possible.

Ichika might be your best girl if you like your girls confident and sure of themselves, with a goal they are dedicated to reaching.

Nino

Change is never easy, but Nino takes that to an extreme. Throughout the show, she is the sister that is the most reluctant to protagonist Futaro’s intrusion into their lives. And not just because he is there to tutor them and get their grades up, but because he introduces a new dynamic to the girls’ relationship. Of all the Quintessential Quintuplets, Nino is the most worried about being left behind as everyone grows up and goes their own way.

Despite being the second oldest of the five sisters, Nino is the most insecure and confrontational with Futaro early on — so if you like your girls hard to get, she’s likely to win your heart.

Miku

There is always a quiet one in every group and in the Quintessential Quintuplets, that’s Miku. She’s shy and distant at times, but comes to life when talking about history. Miku develops feelings for Futaro early in the show, though struggles to confess them because of her insecurities… and, of course, to allow the mangaka to draw out the plot as much as possible.  Still, there is an eager sweetness to her.

If you don’t mind putting in the work to get your waifu to come out of their shell, Miku is likely to win your heart.

Yotsuba

Yotsuba is the first of the Quintessential Quintuplets to accept Futaro into their lives, seeing him as necessary to helping them achieve success. Despite being one of the more responsible of the sisters, Yotsuba is also the one with the worst grades. She always puts the needs of her sisters above her own, often to her own detriment, something that she slowly grows out of over the course of the manga.

Yotsuba is straightforward and honest, always doing what she feels is right for those close to her. If you like a loyal girl who has your back, she’s the one for you.

Itsuki

Most of the time, the youngest sibling is the most irresponsible and reckless of the group, but in the Nakano family the reverse is true. Despite being the youngest of the Quintessential Quintuplets, Itsuki is the one who tried to step into the role of “mother” when their own mother passed away. Though she has mixed results in this pursuit, Itsuki still tries to do whatever she can to protect her sisters. Even if they don’t always listen to her.

Itsuki is your girl if you like your waifus energetic and eager to help. She’s kind and caring, though she can be fierce if she thinks you pose a threat to her family.

That’s a quick guide for those of you who need a reminder of which of the Quintessential Quintuplets you are likely to fall for. The first and second season are streaming on Crunchyroll and the first season’s dub is already up on Funimation, so it’s a good time to get caught up!

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Trent Cannon

Trent is a fan of anything that doesn't take itself too seriously. He is frequently hilarious and adorable. If 240 character takes on gaming, anime, or rat pictures are your thing, follow him on Twitter.

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