Sono, Chieri

園智恵理

The daughter of a corporate CEO, she introduces Nagisa and her friends to AKB when they are younger. Four years later, she runs away from her father to audition for AKB. Initially, Chieri displays a cool and serious personality, but later becomes more outgoing and friendly. She is very dedicated and passionate about AKB, never hesitating to put herself at risk for the sake of her friends. Chieri is the first understudy to be accompanied by a Kirara, a small creature that glows whenever it detects the presence of idol radiance. At first, it only seems to glow when Nagisa is with her, making Chieri feel inferior to Nagisa until the kirara finally glows for her alone in the last episode of the first season. Yuuko Oshima sees Chieri as a rival for the Center Nova position, and after the New General Election, in which Chieri ranks 6th, Nagisa considers her a rival as well. She is nicknamed Cherry by her fans, and Haruna Kojima begins to call her that as well.
For every smile you see, someone else is crying. —Chieri explaining the hardships of being in AKB0048.
In episode 13 of AKB0048 Next Stage:

Spoiler