Mari Kurihara – Prison School

Mari Kurihara, aka “Crow-User Mari”, is a third-year student at Hachimitsu Academy and the legendary president of the Underground Student Council (USC). As the daughter of the school’s chairman and the older sister of Chiyo Kurihara, she holds serious social power, which, combined with her intelligence, beauty, and cold authority, makes her one of the most feared and respected students in the entire school.

At first, Mari is the main villain of Prison School, leading the charge against the boys when they get thrown in the academy’s in-school prison. But as the story unfolds, she switches sides, allies with the boys, and takes center stage during the chaotic Sports Festival showdown. From mastermind villain to unexpected protagonist, Mari’s arc is one of the most thrilling in the series.

A Look That Screams Power

Mari has an undeniable aura of authority. She’s tall, graceful, and always carries herself with confidence. With long, flowing black hair, intense blue eyes (which are green in the anime), and full pink lips, she’s easily one of the most striking characters in Prison School. Her beauty isn’t just for show—it’s a part of her commanding presence.

She typically rocks the standard female school uniform, paired with dark tights, which adds to her refined and elite vibe. But when she’s locked up in the in-school prison, she ditches the elegance for a striped tank top and short prison trousers, which are notably undersized—not exactly fit for a leader, but she wears them like she’s still in charge.

What’s Mari’s Personality Like?

Mari is calm, calculating, and always in control. She doesn’t raise her voice or throw tantrums like some power-hungry villains—she dominates through sheer intellect and strategy. Whether it’s outsmarting her enemies, commanding the Underground Student Council, or even controlling a flock of crows, Mari is always several steps ahead of everyone else.

However, she’s not just a cold-hearted strategist. Deep down, she actually cares about the people closest to her. Despite her initial misandrist (anti-men) attitude, she slowly learns to see past her biases and even forms an odd alliance with the boys. She also has a soft spot for her younger sister Chiyo, showing that behind her intimidating exterior, she’s capable of genuine kindness.

Her loyalty to her close friends—especially Meiko Shiraki, whom she helped grow into a stronger person—shows that she’s not just about dominance and manipulation. And even when she loses, she does so gracefully, showing respect to her rival, Kate Takenomiya, even after being humiliated by her.

Mari’s Role in the Story

From Villain to Unlikely Ally

When Mari first appears, she’s the ruthless president of the Underground Student Council, enforcing old-school rules that keep the boys in check. She personally orchestrates their imprisonment after they’re caught peeping in the girls’ bath, and she doesn’t hold back on making their lives miserable.

Things escalate when she hatches Operation DTO (Destroy Testicles Operation), a mastermind scheme to frame the boys for escape attempts and get them expelled permanently. She almost succeeds, but thanks to some unexpected resistance, her plan falls apart. Instead of making excuses, she owns up to her actions and takes full responsibility, proving that she’s not just a tyrant but someone with real integrity.

Going Head-to-Head With Kate Takenomiya

After getting imprisoned herself as punishment for her actions, Mari ends up in a full-blown rivalry with Kate Takenomiya, the president of the Aboveground Student Council (ASC). Kate isn’t just a political enemy—she has a personal grudge against Mari from middle school, making their conflict deeply personal.

Kate goes all out to humiliate and destroy Mari, even stripping her of her dignity in front of the school. But Mari isn’t one to back down. Using her intelligence, she turns the tables on Kate by uncovering the secret truth about her motivations. The two finally clash in an intense battle during the Sports Festival, where Mari is forced to pull every trick in the book to keep her team from being disbanded.

Her Final Move: A Quiet Exit

After all the chaos, Mari realizes she’s caused too much drama for everyone, so she makes the ultimate power move—she disappears. Without telling anyone, not even her closest friends, she applies for a student exchange program and leaves the school behind.

Her final moment is bittersweet—she still believes that “men are garbage,” but at the same time, she secretly cherishes the time she spent with the boys. It’s a quiet, emotional end to her story, leaving fans with a mix of admiration and sadness.

Why is Mari Such a Standout Character?

Mari isn’t just another cold, beautiful genius—she’s one of the smartest and most complex characters in Prison School. Unlike many other student council-type characters in anime, Mari isn’t just about domination and power. She actually grows and evolves, learning from her experiences and gaining a deeper understanding of the people around her.

Her intimidating presence, sharp mind, and unexpected kindness make her a fan-favorite among anime lovers. Whether you love her as a villain, leader, or strategic mastermind, one thing’s for sure—Mari Kurihara is a character you don’t forget.

Mari Kurihara at a Glance

What type of Japanese Waifu is Mari Kurihara?

Mari Kurihara from Prison School fits into the Kuudere and Ojou-sama waifu archetypes, with a hint of Sadodere tendencies.

Kuudere – The Cold and Calculating Ice Queen

Mari is the definition of a Kuudere—she’s calm, composed, and nearly impossible to read. She never raises her voice, never acts impulsively, and always seems in control, even when things are falling apart. Unlike typical dere characters who wear their emotions on their sleeves, Mari keeps everything locked away behind her cold, intelligent gaze.

• She rarely shows emotion. Whether she’s plotting against the boys, manipulating situations, or even facing off against her rival Kate Takenomiya, Mari maintains an unshakable poker face.
• She’s extremely intelligent. Kuuderes are often strategists who rely on brains over brute force, and Mari embodies that to the fullest. Every move she makes is calculated, whether it’s orchestrating the boys’ imprisonment, seducing her rival to gain leverage, or manipulating events to turn the tables in her favor.
• She slowly warms up (but only slightly). Kuuderes rarely let their guard down, but Mari does develop over time. While she never gets emotional, she learns to empathize with the boys, particularly Kiyoshi, and softens toward her friends.

Ojou-sama – The Noblewoman with an Air of Superiority

Mari also fits the Ojou-sama (お嬢様) type—characters with an elite upbringing, refined speech, and a sense of superiority. She’s the daughter of the school chairman, giving her immense social power, and her elegant, high-class demeanor makes her seem untouchable.

• She speaks in a refined, proper manner. Unlike the rowdy and over-the-top characters in Prison School, Mari always speaks with elegance and authority, commanding respect without needing to yell.
• She has a regal aura. Mari’s grace, posture, and composure make her feel like royalty. Even when she’s wearing a prison uniform, she carries herself like she’s still in charge.
• She looks down on others (but in a classy way). Mari initially sees men as inferior, dismissing them as “garbage” due to her strained relationship with her perverted father. While she eventually eases up on this mindset, she never loses her sophisticated, almost condescending attitude.

Sadodere – The Manipulative, Dominant Tease

Though she’s mostly a Kuudere/Ojou-sama blend, Mari also has Sadodere traits—a term for characters who enjoy teasing, manipulating, or even dominating others in a playful or serious way.

• She’s a master manipulator. From tricking the boys into signing their own expulsion orders to using seduction as a tool against Kate, Mari doesn’t just play the game—she controls it.
• She enjoys psychological warfare. Unlike a straightforward bully, Mari’s “attacks” aren’t physical—they’re mental. She breaks down her enemies with pure intellect, making them feel like she’s five moves ahead at all times.
• She uses seduction as a weapon. One of her most memorable moments is seducing her rival Kate, knowing it will throw her off her game. Unlike typical fanservice characters, Mari’s allure is not about being shy or flirty—it’s about control.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Mari Kurihara

Mari is one of the most iconic female characters in anime because she’s not just about looks or intelligence—she’s about power, growth, and depth. She starts off as a cold, calculating villain, but over time, she shows that she’s more than just a ruthless leader. She can be kind, empathetic, and even vulnerable, making her one of the most multi-dimensional characters in Prison School.

Whether you love her for her ruthless mind games, badass presence, or hidden soft side, one thing is clear—Mari Kurihara is an absolute queen. 👑