Aihara Mei is a central character in the anime Citrus, a romantic drama that dives deep into complex emotional relationships—particularly the evolving bond between two half-sisters, Aihara Mei and Yuzu Aihara. At first glance, Aihara Mei comes across as quiet, composed, and somewhat cold, often keeping people at arm’s length. She’s not one to wear her heart on her sleeve, and her demeanor can feel intimidating. But as the story unfolds, viewers begin to see that there’s far more beneath the surface.

Now, let’s talk about Aihara Mei for a moment. She’s not just any student—she’s brilliant, disciplined, and holds the respected position of student council president at a prestigious school. Her achievements speak volumes, yet they don’t tell the whole story. Behind that polished exterior, Aihara Mei grapples with inner turmoil. Her relationship with her father is strained, leaving her feeling unloved and emotionally isolated. And honestly, who wouldn’t struggle with connection when trust doesn’t come easily?

That all starts to shift when Yuzu enters her life. Yuzu, her free-spirited half-sister, disrupts everything Aihara Mei thought she knew about herself. Their dynamic is intense, complicated, and undeniably magnetic. As the series progresses, Aihara Mei begins to confront emotions she’s long suppressed—especially feelings that go beyond sisterly affection. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s exactly what makes her journey so compelling.

Watching Aihara Mei grow throughout Citrus is truly something special. We see glimpses of vulnerability, moments of doubt, and flashes of longing that reveal a deeply emotional person hiding behind a controlled facade. She’s not perfect—she pushes people away, acts out of fear, and struggles with self-acceptance—but that’s what makes her so relatable. Audiences find themselves rooting for Aihara Mei, hoping she’ll find peace, love, and the sense of belonging she so desperately deserves.

When it comes to personality typing, many fans speculate that Aihara Mei might be an ISTJ—Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. Think about it: she’s highly organized, values responsibility, and approaches problems logically rather than emotionally. Her leadership style is structured, her decisions are deliberate, and she clearly thrives on routine and order. Even her emotional restraint fits the ISTJ profile perfectly. While we can’t say for sure, this analysis feels like a solid match based on how Aihara Mei behaves under pressure and in daily life.

Then there’s the Enneagram angle. A lot of evidence points to Aihara Mei being a Type 4—the Individualist. She’s introspective, artistic, and deeply aware of her own emotions and differences from others. She finds solace in creative outlets like photography and poetry, which allow her to express herself without having to speak directly. But this same depth also brings pain. Aihara Mei often feels misunderstood, even alienated, especially in contrast to Yuzu’s easygoing nature. There’s a quiet envy there—not malicious, but born from longing. She wants connection but fears rejection, which sometimes leads her to sabotage intimacy before it gets too close.

In the end, Aihara Mei stands out as one of the most nuanced characters in modern anime. Whether you’re drawn to her stoic presence, her emotional complexity, or the way she slowly opens up over time, there’s no denying her impact. Aihara Mei isn’t just a character; she’s a reflection of real struggles—identity, acceptance, love, and the courage it takes to let someone in. And through every challenge, every silent tear, and every guarded smile, Aihara Mei remains unforgettable.