K-On! (けいおん!, Keion!?) is a Japanese four-panel comic strip manga written and illustrated by Kakifly. The manga started serialization in Houbunsha's seinen manga magazine Manga Time Kirara since the May 2007 issue, and also started a bimonthly serialization in Houbunsha's magazine Manga Time Kirara Carat since the October 2008 issue. An anime adaptation produced by Kyoto Animation began airing in Japan on April 3, 2009. The title of the series comes from the Japanese word for light music, keiongaku (軽音楽?). This is not to be confused with the western meaning of light music—a more accurate translation might be contemporary or pop music.[citation needed]
Mio is Ritsu's best friend and is convinced to join the 'light' music club. She seems to know quite a bit about music and plays Bass.
Mio is the shyest member of the band. She often gets embarrassed very easily, and it's especially bad when she falls down during a performance and everyone in the audience sees her blue and white striped panties. Despite this, she is a very talented singer and bass player.