Himeko

Biodata

Background / History

Himeko serves as the Astral Express's navigator. During the Antimatter Legion attack on Herta Space Station, she meets Xiao Xi after Xiao Xi, March 7th, and Dan Heng reach the Master Control Zone. 3

After the crisis, Himeko personally invites Xiao Xi and Stelle to join the Express. Recognizing Xiao Xi's fear that her secrets may burden the crew, Himeko emphasizes that every passenger carries their own past and encourages her to follow her own heart. Xiao Xi accepts and becomes one of the Nameless. 4

When Kafka seeks to redirect the Express to the Xianzhou Luofu, Himeko initially refuses outright. After the crew votes to intervene, she remains behind with Dan Heng to guard the train, respecting his reluctance to return to the Luofu. 16 17

During the Luofu crisis, Himeko helps Dan Heng confront his worries for the others, urging him to look toward the future rather than allow his past to define his Trailblazing journey. 27

Himeko later works with Xiao Xi to investigate the Charmony Festival invitations. She deciphers the Astral Express invitation's hidden Nameless distress signal, considers the possibility of deception, and commits the Express to answering it regardless. 43 44 45

Personality

Himeko is calm, composed, and decisive under pressure. She rejects Kafka's intrusion and proposed change of course without hesitation, yet later puts the Luofu mission to a crew vote rather than imposing her own preference. 16 17

She is notably empathetic toward her companions. Himeko reassures Xiao Xi about her secrets, recognizes Xiao Xi's tendency to overprotect others, and encourages her to trust that her teammates can fight alongside her. 4 29

Her care often takes a maternal form: she brings the exhausted Xiao Xi back to bed, lets her sleep late, and encourages her to rest instead of overthinking Penacony's mysteries. Xiao Xi describes Himeko and Welt as parental figures to the Astral Express family. 57 70

Story Role / Major Arcs

Herta Space Station

• Meets Xiao Xi during the Antimatter Legion attack and is identified as the Astral Express's navigator. 3
• Invites Xiao Xi and Stelle aboard the Express, helping Xiao Xi overcome her hesitation about joining. 4
• Oversees the train's departure after the two become new passengers. 6

Xianzhou Luofu

• Refuses Kafka's initial request to alter the Express's route, citing the crew's unwillingness to associate with the Stellaron Hunters. 16
• Proposes a democratic vote on whether the Express should aid the Luofu. 17
• Stays behind to guard the train with Dan Heng, then encourages him to reunite with the crew despite his past. 17 27
• Helps Xiao Xi understand that the crew's unexpected division may align with Elio's manipulation of possible futures. 28

Penacony Investigation

• Receives and examines the Charmony Festival invitations with Xiao Xi, identifying a hidden Nameless distress signal in the Express's invitation. 43 44
• Continues investigating the Nameless, The Family, Tayzzyronth, and Penacony's dreamscape while Xiao Xi consults Xipe. 45 70
• Welcomes Kaviel aboard the Express and supports Xiao Xi's efforts through the Hope Mutual Aid Society. 56 57

Relationships

• Xiao Xi — Recruits her into the Astral Express and becomes a trusted mentor-like figure. Himeko encourages Xiao Xi to trust her companions, supports her through reminders of Moon Sky Planet, and repeatedly looks after her well-being. 4 29 43 57 70
• Dan Heng — Respects his history with the Luofu and remains behind to guard the train with him. She later encourages him to face the present by checking on the companions he worries about. 17 27
• Welt — Fellow senior member of the Express who coordinates with Himeko on crew safety, intelligence, and the Penacony investigation. 12 18 45
• Kafka — Treats the Stellaron Hunter as an unwelcome trespasser and rejects her attempt to dictate the Express's destination. 16
• Kaviel — Welcomes her aboard the Express and helps make her first morning on the train comfortable. 56 57
• Herta — Introduces Herta to Xiao Xi as the true owner of Herta Space Station and an 83rd member of the Genius Society. 4

Notable Quotes

“The Astral Express welcomes every companion who possesses the will to trailblaze.” 4

“Who doesn't have a few secrets?” 4

“The past may be important, but sometimes we should also look toward the future, shouldn't we?” 27