TV-Series
Description
Kokonotsu Shikada is the main protagonist of the anime series Dagashi Kashi 2. He is a high school student living in a small rural town with his father, Yo, who runs a family candy store called Shikada Dagashi. Kokonotsu dreams of becoming a professional manga artist, specifically a shojo manga artist, and he draws well but struggles with crafting compelling stories. His name is a pun on the Japanese word for nine, reflecting that he is intended to be the ninth generation owner of the family candy business.
Kokonotsu has black hair with long fringes, dark eyes often described as dead fish eyes, and bags under his eyes from staying up late to work on his manga. On the surface, he appears indifferent to Japanese dagashi, but he actually has a deep appreciation for them, likely from growing up surrounded by his father's candy obsession. He is generally honest, kind, and acts as the straight man in most comedic situations, reacting to the eccentric antics of others. He is passionate about his goal of becoming a manga artist and can be sensitive about being associated with the otaku label. Despite his ambitions, he can be indecisive and tends to avoid conflict, often going along with others' plans while quietly pursuing his own interests.
His primary motivation is to succeed as a manga artist, and he initially resists any notion of taking over the family candy shop. This puts him in conflict with his father, who constantly pressures him to inherit the business. The arrival of Hotaru Shidare, a candy-obsessed girl from a major confectionery company, adds further pressure as she tries to convince him to embrace the dagashi world. Over time, Kokonotsu gradually develops a greater appreciation for the role the shop plays in the community, though he does not abandon his own dreams. In the second season, the introduction of a new employee, Hajime Owari, brings a more professional dynamic to the shop, and Kokonotsu finds himself balancing his responsibilities there with his artistic aspirations.
Kokonotsu has close relationships with several key people. His childhood friend Saya Endo has a long-standing crush on him, but he remains largely oblivious to her feelings while often being flustered by Hotaru's intense attention. His best friend is Tou Endo, Saya's twin brother, with whom he spends much of his free time. His father, Yo, despite their disagreements, is a legendary figure in the dagashi world, and their relationship is a central source of comedy and mild tension. Kokonotsu's notable abilities include a natural knack for understanding and enjoying dagashi, even though he downplays it, as well as his dedication to improving his manga craft.
Kokonotsu has black hair with long fringes, dark eyes often described as dead fish eyes, and bags under his eyes from staying up late to work on his manga. On the surface, he appears indifferent to Japanese dagashi, but he actually has a deep appreciation for them, likely from growing up surrounded by his father's candy obsession. He is generally honest, kind, and acts as the straight man in most comedic situations, reacting to the eccentric antics of others. He is passionate about his goal of becoming a manga artist and can be sensitive about being associated with the otaku label. Despite his ambitions, he can be indecisive and tends to avoid conflict, often going along with others' plans while quietly pursuing his own interests.
His primary motivation is to succeed as a manga artist, and he initially resists any notion of taking over the family candy shop. This puts him in conflict with his father, who constantly pressures him to inherit the business. The arrival of Hotaru Shidare, a candy-obsessed girl from a major confectionery company, adds further pressure as she tries to convince him to embrace the dagashi world. Over time, Kokonotsu gradually develops a greater appreciation for the role the shop plays in the community, though he does not abandon his own dreams. In the second season, the introduction of a new employee, Hajime Owari, brings a more professional dynamic to the shop, and Kokonotsu finds himself balancing his responsibilities there with his artistic aspirations.
Kokonotsu has close relationships with several key people. His childhood friend Saya Endo has a long-standing crush on him, but he remains largely oblivious to her feelings while often being flustered by Hotaru's intense attention. His best friend is Tou Endo, Saya's twin brother, with whom he spends much of his free time. His father, Yo, despite their disagreements, is a legendary figure in the dagashi world, and their relationship is a central source of comedy and mild tension. Kokonotsu's notable abilities include a natural knack for understanding and enjoying dagashi, even though he downplays it, as well as his dedication to improving his manga craft.