Poniko

“

あああああああ

„

Background

Poniko (ポニ子, "Ponytail girl") is a character residing in the Pink Sea. She has blonde hair tied in a ponytail, blue eyes, and rosy cheeks. She wears a green long-sleeve shirt, a checkered brown skirt, and red shoes resembling Madotsuki's own footwear. Her gaze is often directed to her left, giving her an annoyed or dismissive appearance.

Poniko lives alone in a conical house on a southern island within the Pink Sea. Much like Madotsuki, she is the only inhabitant of her space. In her room, she wanders aimlessly and does not react when interacted with normally, though she responds to the Knife and Stoplight effects. Using the Cat effect causes her to perform a small stomping animation.

If Madotsuki interacts with the light switch in Poniko's room, there is a 1/64 chance that the room will transform. Poniko will disappear, replaced by Uboa. Approaching Uboa will result in Madotsuki being transported to Uboa's Trap.

Uboa (ウボァ) is a character that appears in Poniko's Room in the Pink Sea during a specific event. It has a round, black form with a white face. Its standard appearance features a smiling face with one squinting eye and a resting eye with a visible crack. Upon interaction or when encountered in Uboa's Trap, its appearance changes to a distorted face with smaller eyes, nostrils, and what may resemble lips or rows of teeth.

Uboa only manifests once its event is triggered. To initiate this, the player must visit Poniko's House in the Pink Sea and toggle the light switch near the door. If the room simply darkens without any change to Poniko, Madotsuki must leave, re-enter, and try again. The event has a 1/64 chance of activating, transforming the room into a twisted version of its original form, replacing Poniko with Uboa.

Once Uboa is present, Madotsuki is unable to leave the room or turn the lights back on. Attempting to flip the switch results in a white screen flash. Interacting with Uboa transports the player to Uboa's Trap, a looping section of the White Desert. This unsettling area is characterized by pools of white liquid and a massive, bleeding figure holding melting mountains in the background. Uboa also appears in its distorted form here. The only means of escape from Uboa's Trap are to pinch Madotsuki awake or use the Medamaude effect.

Appearance

• Looks:

Poniko is a young girl with a distinct appearance, characterized by her blonde hair styled into a neat ponytail. Her facial features include rosy cheeks and striking blue eyes. Notably, her gaze is consistently directed to her left, often giving her an expression that appears annoyed, dismissive, or disinterested. This subtle detail in her demeanor adds to her enigmatic presence.

• Regular Clothes:

She wears a green long-sleeved shirt, which contrasts with her fair complexion and blonde hair. Her outfit is completed with a brown checkered skirt, adding a touch of simplicity to her overall look. Her style is modest and practical, reflecting a casual appearance.

• Special Clothes:

Poniko’s footwear consists of red shoes that bear a striking resemblance to those worn by Madotsuki. While their significance is never explicitly addressed, the similarity may symbolize a connection or parallel between the two characters. Despite her otherwise plain attire, this small detail adds an intriguing layer to her visual identity.

• Looks:

Uboa is a round, amorphous figure that appears as a black mass with an unsettling white face. Its face is its most recognizable feature, with a distorted, unnatural expression. In its normal state, Uboa’s face bears a lopsided smile, with its left eye squinting and its right eye resting open. A jagged crack runs above the right eye, adding to its eerie appearance.

• Regular Clothes:

Uboa does not wear clothes, as it is a surreal and monstrous entity with no clear physical form.

• Special Clothes:

When interacted with or encountered in Uboa’s Trap, its facial features undergo a disturbing transformation. Its face contorts into a grotesque version of itself, with smaller, more unsettling eyes, exaggerated nostrils, and an ambiguous mouth that could be interpreted as either lips or jagged rows of teeth. This nightmarish alteration amplifies its horrifying presence, making it a strikingly memorable figure in the unsettling world of Yume Nikki.

Personality

From the game
Potentially Easily Annoyed: Poniko seems to have an annoyed expression on her face when Madotsuki meets her,

In the Manga Interpretation

• Admired Figure: When Madotsuki first encounters Poniko, she views her with admiration, wondering if Poniko will be her friend and complimenting her fashion. This initial perception suggests that Poniko leaves a positive impression, evoking curiosity and hope for companionship.

• Malicious and Cruel: Poniko's demeanor shifts drastically when she transforms into Uboa, an unsettling figure that haunts Madotsuki. As Uboa, she shows no remorse, attacking Madotsuki, stealing her effects, and trapping her in a nightmarish state. Her actions highlight a vicious and unforgiving nature.

• Vengeful and Determined: During the story's climax, Poniko uses Madotsuki's stolen powers to confront Seccom Masada-sensei, beheading him as Uboa and bringing his remains to Mars-san. This act demonstrates a ruthless resolve and willingness to carry out extreme measures.

• Self-Sacrificing: Despite her aggressive actions, Poniko ultimately chooses to save both herself and Madotsuki. Rather than pursuing further violence, she destroys Madotsuki's dream diary with the Knife effect, collapsing the dream world to put an end to the cycle of violence.

Relationships

Madotsuki

From the game
Poniko's relationship with Madotsuki varies greatly on interpretation, in the base game, going off scene alone there is not much to gather from both of their relationship as Poniko just seems to be another NPC.

From the Manga Interpretation
Madotsuki initially admires Poniko upon their first encounter, expressing curiosity about whether Poniko will become her friend and complimenting her appearance. This admiration quickly turns to fear and resentment when Poniko transforms into Uboa and relentlessly attacks her. By attacking Madotsuki, stealing her effects, and trapping her in a nightmarish state, Poniko cements herself as a threatening and malicious figure in Madotsuki's mind.

As the story progresses, their relationship becomes even more complex. After using Madotsuki's stolen powers to attack Seccom Masada-sensei, Poniko is tasked with exterminating Madotsuki. However, instead of following through with this violent act, she chooses a different path. By destroying Madotsuki's dream diary, Poniko sacrifices the dream world to free both herself and Madotsuki from their destructive cycle. She notes to do this because she doesn't "want to be leave the dream world as a 'good girl'".

Despite this act, Madotsuki’s lingering hatred manifests in the form of a monstrous figure that ultimately consumes Poniko.

From the Novel Interpretation
Initially, Poniko serves as the narrator of Madotsuki's journey through the dream world, acting as an observer and guide to her progress. However, once Poniko encounters Madotsuki, the focus shifts from Madotsuki's journey to Poniko's own quest for understanding. Poniko becomes determined to uncover the reason for her presence in Madotsuki's dream and seeks a way to escape. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Madotsuki is not the dreamer but rather another dream character within Poniko’s own subconscious mind. Madotsuki exists as Poniko's shadow, representing the manifestation of Poniko's unborn child, an embodiment of her maternal fears and anxieties. The true nature of the real world is never explicitly shown, but it becomes clear that Poniko's concern for the safety of her child created the dream world as a form of mental escape. This revelation adds depth to their relationship, as it is not just a matter of Poniko trying to help Madotsuki, but rather Poniko trying to overcome her own fears and trauma associated with the unknown future of her child.

General Information

Name: Poniko

Other Names: Uboa

Origin: Yume Nikki

First Appearance: Yume Nikki

Company: Kadokawa Game Studio

Creator: Kikiyama

Sex: Female

Sexuality: Unknown

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: Unknown (Poniko's age is nver directly stated or known, along with a large lack of knowing if she is truly just a dream resident or another dreamer)

Time Period: Unknown, likely early 2000s (As the game was made in 2004, and many locales in the dream world are more modern for the early 2000s)

Timeline: Main Timeline

Homeworld: Earth

Residence: Pink Sea, Dream World

Story Role: NPC, Antagonist (In the manga)

Legacy: Unknown Legacy

Influence: Unknown Influence

Language: Unknown

Ethnicity: Unknown

Religion: Unknown

Classification: "Bad Girl"

Species: Possibly Human

State of Being: Varies on interpretation, Mental Construct in the dream entity interpretation (Poniko is merely a part of Madotsuki's dream), Regular in the Manga Interpretation & Light Novel Interpretation

Physiology: Possibly Humanoid Physiology as Poniko, Monster Physiology as Uboa

In-Universe Creator: Madotsuki in the dream entity interpretation, Unknown in the Manga Interpretation & Light Novel Interpretation

Occupation: None

Affiliations: Madotsuki (In the light novel interpretation)

Enemies: Madotsuki (In the manga interpretation)

Height: Unkown

Weight: Unknown

Status: Unknown

Alignment: Varies depending on interpretation, Unaligned in the dream entity interpretation (Some interpret Poniko as merely a dream entity within Madotsuki's dream, where in this case she has no true alignment as she is not a being with any true conscious mind), Neutral Evil in the Manga Interpretation (In the manga, Poniko is very hostile, attacking Madotsuki when she first meets her, wanting to escape the dreams and does not want to become one of the "good girls". Awakened the pure inner evil within Madotsuki, with Poniko being noted as a "smart, evil one")

Threat Level: Mental Threat In the Manga Interpretation (Awakened the pure inner evil within Madotsuki, with Poniko being noted as a "smart, evil one". Where it was noted that it would consume everything in the dream world, this included the other dreamers)

Codex Statistics

Statistics Information: The following are statistics covering Poniko, who is either a dream world entity or one that entered into a dream world. This falls under the Pseudo-Tiering System and these stats do not replicate what she can do outside of this dream.

Grade: A

Pseudo-Tier: 10-B, 9-C with Knife

Cardinality: Finite

Dimensionality: 3-D

Power Source: Power Source: Different Effects (Can transform herself into different objects by using effects along with gaining different abilities with some effects)

Attack Potency: Average Human level (Poniko is just a girl within a dream), Bone level with Knife

Durability: Average Human level

Striking Strength: Average Human Class

Lifting Strength: Average Human Class

Travel Speed: Regular Human Speed

Attack Speed: Regular Human Speed

Reaction Speed: Regular Human Reactions

Stamina: Unknown

Range: Standard Melee, Extended Melee with Knife. At least Kilomters with Weather Manipulation (With the Umbrella, summons an entire rainstorm no matter where she is, this can also be used to take out massive fires)

Intelligence: Unknown Intelligence

Knowledge: Unknown level

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Powers and Techniques

Weapon Usage (Unique Weaponry; In the manga, Poniko uses the umbrella to stab Mars-san. Knife Usage; In the manga, Poniko can use a knife to attack with), Preparation (Poniko has been setting up traps to get the other dreamers and take their effects), Dimensional Storage (In the manga, able to pull out items from her chest), Immortaliy (Dream Immortality; Regardless of the interpretation, Poniko is an entity within the dream world, even when killed by Madotsuki, will always return when Madotsuki re-enters the dream world), Transformation (Sometimes when Madotsuki turns off the lights in Poniko's room, she will transform into Uboa. This is further supported by the manga where she directly transforms into Uboa), Battlefield Removal (Application Based; Walking into Uboa sends Madotsuki into Uboa's Trap, a looping area in the White Desert. In the manga, Poniko in her Uboa form sends Madotsuki into the White Desert), Reality Warping (Upon transfomring into Uboa, the entire room changes along with the background outside the window. Upon transforming into Uboa, makes Madotsuki unable to leave the room), Vibration Manipulation (Upon transfomring into Uboa, the entire room starts shaking), Technology Manipulation (The light can no longer turn back on while Uboa is present in the room)

In the manga, Poniko steals all of Madotsuki's effects, which includes: Aquatic Adaptation (With the frog effect, can traverse aquatic terrain), Heat Manipulation (With the hat and scarf, can keep Madotsuki warm in a cold blizzard, despite just being a hat and a scarf), Weather Manipulation (With the Umbrella effect, causes a rain storm when she opens the umbrella), Mind Manipulation (With the traffic light effect, can force most NPCs to stop in place by switching her light to red)

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Equipment

Frog (かえる）

Transform into a frog.

Appearance: Poniko morphs into a humanoid frog, taking on a hunched posture, moving in a distinct, amphibious manner.

Passive Effect: Poniko walks at a normal pace through water, making aquatic areas easier to navigate.

Action: (1) Poniko hops in place like a frog, giving a lively and playful vibe to her movements.

Location: Found in Forest World or Dense Woods B (Frog Path) by interacting with the Frog.

Practical Uses: - Speed up travel across the Pink Sea and Uboa's Trap. - Can also be replaced by the Bicycle, though the frog form gives a more natural feel when moving through water.

Umbrella （かさ）

Use an umbrella.

Appearance: Poniko holds a vibrant red umbrella, adding a splash of color to her otherwise muted world.

Passive Effect: The umbrella creates a constant rainstorm until unequipped, accompanied by thunder and lightning when the Demon effect is activated.

Action: (1) Poniko spins the umbrella gracefully, a fun and soothing action that matches the calming sound of rain.

Location: Pick it up from the ground in Puddle World.

Practical Uses: - Can be used to douse the flames in the Blazing Corridor, similar to the Yuki-onna effect. - Stop the rain in Dense Woods A by equipping and unequipping.

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Hat and Scarf / Hat & Scarf（ぼうしとマフラー）

Wear a hat and scarf.

Appearance: Poniko dons a cozy hat and scarf, giving her an adorable snowman-like look when transformed.

Passive Effect: In snowman form, Poniko cannot pinch herself awake due to a lack of arms, and her movement is halved.

Action: (1) Transforms into a snowman when the weather turns snowy, adding a fun and thematic element to the environment.

Location: Find it in Block World - Pick it up from the ground.

Practical Uses: - While in snowman form, interacting with Mafurako ensures a quick teleport back to her side, saving time on exploration. - In the Blazing Corridor, standing too close to fire will melt Madotsuki, immobilizing her and creating an interesting dynamic.

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Knife / Kitchen Knife（ほうちょう）

Equip a kitchen knife.

Appearance: Poniko wields a sharp kitchen knife, creating a sense of danger and intrigue.

Passive Effect: Mobile NPCs flee in terror, while stationary characters exhibit rapid movements, as if in panic.

Action:

• (1) Poniko switches the knife between her hands.
• (Z) Poniko stabs with the knife, causing various reactions in characters, such as:
  • Toriningen: Turns into a 'lunatic' form and starts chasing Poniko.
  • Mars-san: Eye color changes, small wound on its foot.
  • Onsen-san: Stops drinking water and changes color.
  • Pain Blob: Reveals its face.
  • The Eye Box: 1 in 30 chance of taking you to the Eye People section.
  • Henkei Shita: 1 in 256 chance of transporting Madotsuki to Footprint Path A.

Location: Found in Dark World - Pick it up from the ground.

Practical Uses: - Use it for killing or wounding NPCs. - Scare NPCs to clear the way. - Interact with environmental objects. - Collect money by eliminating NPCs. - Unlock new areas or access hidden paths. - Useful for clearing out the Stabbing Room.

The Stabbing Room, a room easily navigated with the Knife.

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Stoplight / Traffic Light （しんごう）

Become a stoplight / Change into a traffic light.

Appearance: Poniko transforms into a stoplight.

Passive Effect:

• Cannot pinch herself awake due to lack of arms.

Action:

• (1) Switches stoplight between green (go) and red (stop).

Location:

• Dense Woods B (The Road) – Interact with Shitai-san.

Practical Uses: When the light is red:

• All NPCs freeze, useful for avoiding Toriningen or catching fast-moving characters.
• Some NPC appearances change:
  • Monoko: Transforms into her five-armed state. Unlocks her full-screen event upon interaction.
  • Mafurako: Becomes fully visible.
  • Steve 'Leif' Kareha: Closes his eyes.
  • Wheelies: Changes appearance.
  • The Thing with the Quivering Jaw: Its jaw stops quivering.
  • KyuuKyuu-kun: Stops rubbing the stairway baluster.

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Notable Techniques

• Uboa: A transformation Poniko can take, in the manga interpretation the Uboa transformation is a result of the girls wanting to be let out, creating an unsightly lump to appear around them, eventually fully forming over them as they do not accept the changes of the dream world.

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Other

Standard Tactics

• Dream Entiy Interpretation: Poniko does nothing unless Madotsuki keeps flicking the lights off and on, presumably annoying her to the point where she transforms into Uboa. By this point, they make leaving impossible without directly walking into them.
• Manga Interpreation: Poniko will set out traps and steal effects from other dreams, along with using the umbrella and knife as her primary ways of attacking.

Weaknesses

• Dream Denizens Weaknesses (If using the Dream Entity Interpretation): Dream Denizens cannot enter into the other worlds within the dream.
• Unique Weaknesses: Nothing notable.

Note

While it is never outright confirmed in the game that Uboa and Poniko are the same being, the fact that Uboa pops up in her spot and does not appear if she is killed makes it heavily likely that they are the same person.

Trivia

• Due to the nature of Uboa's event and the disturbing appearance of the character itself, Uboa is often hailed as one of the reasons Yume Nikki grew in popularity in the West. Uboa saw heavy usage in Internet memes and edits during the early 2000s shortly after the character's discovery, typically depicting the character in a more humorous fashion.
  • Due to its popularity, Uboa's character and event are commonly parodied or imitated in various Yume Nikki fangames. The character itself has also gone on to make cameos in various Internet media and appears to have inspired the designs of characters such as the Mystery Man from Undertale and White Face from IMSCARED: A Pixelated Nightmare.
• The sound effect that plays when the player touches Uboa is the same one as when a Toriningen traps the player.

The empty Uboa event if Poniko is killed first.

• If Poniko is killed using the Knife effect before triggering the Uboa event, then Uboa will not appear in the room. Due to this, the two can be inferred to be the same character and Uboa is simply an alternate form or appearance of Poniko (or vice-versa).
  • Uboa also appears in the exact location Poniko was before the lights are switched.
• Uboa will not appear if Poniko is killed. This forces Madotsuki to pinch herself awake or use the Medamaude effect.
• The background noise that plays when Uboa appears is the same as the music for Guillotine World slowed down by half.
• Uboa's name originated from a 2channel post describing how to activate Uboa's event. The initial post simply reads the instructions to activate the event before adding "ウボァー" to express the shock the event may give the player.
• The phrase or "scream" used to express the event in the post references a line of dialogue from the character Emperor Mateus from Final Fantasy II, with the phrase also being a 2channel meme at the time of the post's creation.
• Additionally, the characters that make up Uboa's name (ウボァ) do not normally go together in Japanese, with the effect of the name being similar to Cthulhu or Astfgl in its "wrongness".
• In the manga, Uboa is given a ponytail and movable arms, likely to more closely resemble Poniko. Its body is also much more blanket-like, sporting visible ruffles on its body.

Different Interpretations From Official Media

As Yume Nikki is an exploration game with largely no story, the game is left up to interpretation, though there are official Yume Nikki creations that have their own interpretations that can be dervied from.

• Manga Interpretation: The Dream World is also a shared collective conscious of girls trying to turn them into "good girls" with characters like Poniko trying to find a way to esacpe the dream world. The Uboa transformation is a result of the girls wanting to be let out, creating an unsightly lump to apepar around them, eventually fully forming over them as they do not accept the changes of the dream world.

Codex Statistics Questions

Q: Shouldn't she have 2-C Environmental Destruction for causing the entire dream world to be destroyed?

A: The dream world is an abstract realm that can't properly be tiered, though even assuming it could be, she does this through specifically destroying Madotsuki's notebook, indicating that this is a weakness of the dream world rather than a tier for her.

Battle Records

None.

None.

None.