Mima Kirigoe is the central figure in the critically acclaimed anime film Perfect Blue, directed by the visionary Satoshi Kon. At the heart of the story, Mima Kirigoe transitions from being a beloved member of the pop group CHAM to pursuing a more challenging path as an actress—a bold move that sets the stage for her intense psychological journey. As Mima Kirigoe steps into this new chapter, she’s driven by ambition and a deep desire to redefine herself beyond the idol image the public has come to expect. But as she dives deeper into her acting career, the pressure begins to take its toll, and Mima Kirigoe starts grappling with disturbing memories and an increasingly fragile sense of reality.
One of the most compelling aspects of Perfect Blue is how Mima Kirigoe evolves throughout the film. Initially optimistic and hopeful, Mima Kirigoe gradually becomes more isolated, overwhelmed by the constant media scrutiny and the blurred boundaries between her on-screen roles and real life. The film masterfully uses surreal visuals and disorienting sequences to reflect Mima Kirigoe’s inner chaos, making it difficult—both for her and the audience—to discern what’s real and what’s imagined. This psychological unraveling highlights just how taxing the entertainment industry can be, especially for someone like Mima Kirigoe, who’s striving so hard to maintain control over her identity.
Yet despite her growing anxiety and paranoia, Mima Kirigoe remains a deeply resilient character. She consistently makes tough choices, even when they go against societal norms or the expectations placed upon her as a former idol. Her determination to forge her own path speaks volumes about her strength and courage. In many ways, Mima Kirigoe embodies the struggle many women face in male-dominated industries—fighting for autonomy while battling external pressures and internal doubts. Her journey isn’t just personal; it’s symbolic of a broader conversation about self-worth, agency, and mental health.
It’s no surprise that Mima Kirigoe has left such a lasting impression on audiences. Her complexity makes her incredibly relatable, and her story continues to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. Through Mima Kirigoe, Perfect Blue delivers a powerful commentary on fame, identity, and the cost of reinvention. As the protagonist, Mima Kirigoe doesn’t just carry the narrative—she anchors its deepest themes, reminding us of the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Looking at Mima Kirigoe through the lens of personality typology, there’s a strong case for her being an INFJ. Known for their introspective nature and emotional depth, INFJs often feel out of step with the world around them—and Mima Kirigoe is no exception. Her constant search for identity, her sensitivity to others’ perceptions, and her internal conflict all align closely with this personality type. She also shows a tendency to put others first, sacrificing her comfort and stability in pursuit of a dream, which further supports the INFJ classification. Under extreme stress, Mima Kirigoe begins experiencing hallucinations and dissociative episodes—reactions that, while severe, are not uncommon for someone with an INFJ temperament facing intense external pressure. Of course, personality types aren’t set in stone, but Mima Kirigoe certainly exhibits many core traits associated with INFJs.
From an Enneagram perspective, Mima Kirigoe strongly reflects the characteristics of Type 3: The Achiever. Her drive for success, need for validation, and obsession with public image are all hallmarks of this type. Whether she’s performing as an idol or auditioning for dramatic roles, Mima Kirigoe is constantly measuring her worth through external approval. This reliance on achievement and perception makes her vulnerable, especially when things don’t go as planned. Her fear of failure and underlying feelings of inadequacy eventually spiral into a full-blown identity crisis—one where she can no longer tell where the performance ends and Mima Kirigoe begins. This aspect of her personality plays a crucial role in the film’s exploration of authenticity and self-acceptance.
Astrologically speaking, Mima Kirigoe also displays many qualities associated with Pisces. Sensitive, imaginative, and deeply intuitive, Pisces individuals often live in a space between reality and fantasy—and Mima Kirigoe walks that line throughout the film. Her artistic talents shine in both music and acting, reflecting the creative spirit typical of this water sign. However, her empathy and openness also make her susceptible to manipulation, particularly in her relationship with her manager and other figures who influence her decisions. As stress mounts, Mima Kirigoe retreats further into delusion, a response that mirrors the Piscean tendency to escape when overwhelmed.
In the end, Mima Kirigoe stands out as one of the most psychologically rich characters in modern animation. Whether viewed through the frameworks of MBTI, Enneagram, or astrology, Mima Kirigoe’s actions and emotions reveal a woman caught between who she was, who she wants to be, and who the world expects her to become. While these personality models offer insight, they don’t fully capture the depth of Mima Kirigoe’s experience—but they do help us understand her struggles a little better. Ultimately, Mima Kirigoe’s story is a haunting yet powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and the courage it takes to stay authentic in a world that often demands otherwise.
I don't know who I am.