Noriko is the only child of Admiral Yuzo Takaya, her father. Admiral Takaya was killed when the Luxion fleet encountered and was destroyed by the enemy aliens. Noriko vowed to become a space pilot in memory of her father. She entered the Okinawa Space School and her training on RX fighting mech's began. However, Noriko soon discovered that she had no aptitude for an RX; She could barely make one walk. Despite her shortcomings, her Coach, "Coachie", recognized her potential. Even though she was a novice, Coachie paired Noriko up with Kazumi Amano and sent them both into space to fight aboard the battleship Exelion.
Over the next several months Noriko suffered through many experiences. She was forced to grow up fast. She lacked sufficient combat skill, resulting in the death of her first love (Smith Toren) and the break-up of her partnership with Amano. However, these personal tragedies only strengthend her resolve. Noriko began training as a pilot for Gunbuster, a huge mecha built to win the war. As she trained, her confidence grew. However, others had lost confidence in her. She was grounded during a fight. At this pivotal moment in her life, she shakes off the shackles of youth and becomes a warrior. She steals the uncompleted
Gunbuster and risks her life to turn defeat into victory.
Noriko Takaya's voice is done by Noriko Hidaka, shown here:
