Ninomiya Mai is one of the central figures in the beautifully animated film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi), and her presence truly adds depth and warmth to the story. As a college student pursuing marine biology, Ninomiya Mai brings a refreshing sense of energy and enthusiasm that stands out throughout the movie. She’s the kind of person who lights up any room she enters—outgoing, fun-loving, and always ready for an adventure, whether it’s skateboarding through the city or spending time with her close-knit group of friends.

As the narrative unfolds, we see how Ninomiya Mai crosses paths with Tsuneo, the male lead, and more importantly, with Josee—the reclusive yet imaginative young woman after whom the film is named. While Mai forms connections with both characters, it’s her evolving bond with Josee that becomes especially meaningful. Ninomiya Mai takes a genuine interest in Josee’s world, particularly her passion for books and storytelling, and slowly but surely, the two grow closer. Their friendship becomes a cornerstone of the film, offering emotional support and mutual growth.

What makes Ninomiya Mai so important to the plot is not just her vibrant personality, but also her role as a catalyst for change. She brings joy and spontaneity into Josee’s life, helping to balance out Josee’s quieter, more introspective nature. In many ways, Ninomiya Mai becomes the bridge between Josee’s sheltered world and the wider one outside—encouraging her to dream bigger, step forward, and face her fears with courage. It’s clear that without Mai, Josee’s journey wouldn’t have been nearly as transformative.

Looking at her behavior and interactions, Ninomiya Mai seems to align closely with the ESFJ personality type—Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging. She’s naturally sociable and empathetic, often tuning in to how others are feeling and adjusting her actions to support them. There’s a strong sense of responsibility in everything she does, especially evident in the way she handles her job at the diving shop with discipline and care. Ninomiya Mai tends to focus on the here and now, dealing with real-life situations in a practical, organized manner rather than getting lost in abstract ideas or future worries.

That said, like all well-rounded characters, Ninomiya Mai has her vulnerabilities too. She can be sensitive to criticism and may take feedback harder than expected, sometimes interpreting it as personal doubt in her abilities. Stepping too far outside her comfort zone isn’t always easy for her—she’d rather rely on proven methods and familiar routines. But even with these tendencies, her dedication to helping others and her structured approach to life make Ninomiya Mai a dependable and uplifting presence.

From an Enneagram perspective, Ninomiya Mai likely embodies Type 6: The Loyalist. This fits well with her consistent loyalty, strong sense of duty, and deep commitment to the people she cares about. She often puts others first, showing a remarkable level of responsibility and preparedness. Security and stability matter greatly to her, which is why she frequently seeks advice when facing uncertainty—wanting reassurance before making decisions. However, this same loyalty can sometimes lead to hesitation; she might second-guess herself or look too much to others for validation. When under stress, Ninomiya Mai can become anxious or fearful, especially when things feel out of control. Yet, despite these inner struggles, her reliability and heartfelt devotion make her an invaluable friend and ally.

To sum up, while personality frameworks like MBTI and Enneagram aren’t set in stone, they offer useful lenses through which we can better understand characters like Ninomiya Mai. Based on her actions, relationships, and emotional responses in Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, it’s fair to say that Ninomiya Mai exemplifies the qualities of an ESFJ with strong Enneagram Type 6 traits. Her warmth, loyalty, and unwavering support play a pivotal role in the story, making Ninomiya Mai not just a memorable character, but a vital force in Josee’s journey toward self-discovery.