In Macross (and Robotech), Minmay is the love interest of Hikaru Ichijyo (in Robotech, Rick Hunter) and becomes an idol singer and movie star onboard the SDF-1. Her songs, which cause confusion amongst Zentraedi soldiers, play a critical role in the war against Bodolza's fleet.
Born in Japan (though she is of Chinese descent), Minmay moved in with her aunt and uncle on fated South Ataria Island in hopes of finding the path to fulfill her dream of becoming a star. On the day of the Zentraedi invasion, she meets Hikaru and a series of events leads to her being swept off on the SDF-1 along with the rest of the suriving population from that island. While on the space fortress, Minmay wins the Miss Macross beauty pageant and is propelled into celebrity. When the Macross returns to Earth, she is the only civilian allowed off the space fortress. After her trip home in Japan (where her parents remained), Minmay returned to the fortress with her cousin Lynn Kaifun (and Hikaru's competition for her affection) in tow. Ultimately, Minmay sings the songs that end the war against the Zentraedi.