Takaya, Noriko

タカヤ・ノリコ

Noriko Takaya is the daughter of the renowned spaceship commander Yuzo Takaya. Since childhood, Noriko has wished to follow in her father's footsteps, but unfortunately, Admiral Takaya died during a battle against alien forces when Noriko was still a young girl. At the age of 16, Noriko decides to attend Okynawa High School for girls aspiring to become pilots, though she struggles with controlling the robots. Kazumi's suggestions prove very useful in helping Noriko trust her own abilities and potential. Although many other girls are more capable than Noriko, she and Kazumi are the ones selected when the names of the two girls going to space are announced. She possesses much untapped power and very high potential, which coach Ota recognizes. Noriko will be the one in charge of piloting the Gunbuster!
Usually calm, sweet-tempered, and often insecure, Noriko transforms into a real fury when fighting with the Gunbuster: during the key moments of the adventure, she always knows what to do, becoming self-confident and very determined in achieving her goals. A true leader.