Makoto Tsukimoto, known by the nickname Smile, is a first-year student at Katase High School and one of the two main protagonists of Ping Pong the Animation. His nickname is deeply ironic: he rarely displays any emotion at all, and his teammates gave him that name because he never smiles. It is later revealed that the nickname actually originates from the first time he smiled as a child, after winning a junior table tennis tournament with his childhood friends.

Smile was introduced to ping pong by his best friend, Yutaka Hoshino, nicknamed Peco. As a child, Smile was frequently bullied, and Peco often protected him, even donning a mask and declaring himself a hero. Smile idolized Peco and began playing the sport to follow in his footsteps. The two trained together under the guidance of Obaba, the owner and coach of the local table tennis hall. From these early experiences, Smile developed a deep emotional connection to the sport, but his outward demeanor became increasingly withdrawn and stoic.

In terms of personality, Smile is quiet, reserved, and highly introverted. He tends to suppress his own feelings and ambitions, often prioritizing the emotions of others over his own. He views table tennis not as a source of fun or competition but as a job or a way to pass time. He intentionally holds back against weaker opponents, letting them win out of consideration for their feelings. This lack of competitive drive frustrates those who recognize his immense natural talent. Despite his exceptional skill, he lacks the ruthlessness and ambition to become a dominant player on his own.

Smile's central role in the story is as a foil to Peco and as a character whose journey revolves around rediscovering the joy of playing. For much of the series, he operates as a "robot," playing with mechanical precision but without passion. His coach, Koizumi, recognizes his potential and trains him rigorously, pushing him to overcome his psychological barriers. Through this training and the pressures of competitive tournaments, Smile gradually confronts his own limitations and emotions.

Key relationships shape his development. His bond with Peco is the most significant: Peco is both his closest friend and his primary rival. Smile's sense of identity is strongly tied to Peco, and when Peco loses motivation and falls behind, Smile feels lost. Their relationship is a catalyst for both characters' growth. Another important relationship is with Ryuichi Kazama, the top-ranked player in Japan. Smile's matches against Kazama force him to engage fully and to stop holding back. Coach Koizumi acts as a mentor, teaching him not only technique but also the value of playing with intent.

Smile's development arc follows him from an emotionless, detached player to someone who reconnects with the pure enjoyment of the game. A turning point occurs during a match against Kazama, when he finally channels his abilities and experiences exhilaration, leading to a genuine smile for the first time in years. In the final tournament, he faces Peco in a climactic match. Despite injuring his knee, Smile plays with a sense of joy and freedom, savoring the game itself rather than focusing on victory. This transformation underscores the series' theme of playing for love rather than for winning.

Notable abilities include exceptional technical precision and a defensive, counter-based playing style. He is highly analytical, able to read opponents and anticipate their moves. His physical talent is natural and refined through years of practice, yet his greatest obstacle has always been his reluctance to fully engage. When he overcomes this hesitation, he becomes a fearsome opponent capable of competing with the best players in the country. His signature humming of a simple tune, which he composed as a child as a theme for Peco the hero, serves as a recurring motif that reflects his inner state and his connection to his past.