Matsunosuke is a supporting character in the historical fantasy series Shabake. He is the older half-brother of the protagonist, Ichitaro, born to the same father, Toubee, but a different mother. Because of this, Matsunosuke was raised outside the main family and spent his early years working as a servant in other households before eventually joining the Nagasakiya apothecary shop, where Ichitaro is the young master. Later in the story, he becomes independent and opens his own shop.

Matsunosuke is consistently described as a pleasant, gentle young man who is always seen with a beaming smile. He has a warm and honest personality, deeply considerate of others and notably reserved about his own position. He is fully aware that he is not the heir to the Nagasakiya and never allows any sense of rivalry or resentment to develop toward Ichitaro. Instead, his primary motivation is the well-being and happiness of his younger half-brother. He quietly supports Ichitaro from behind, wishing for him to grow strong and successfully inherit the family business. His kindness also extends to the supernatural beings who protect Ichitaro, treating them with the same gentle respect.

Matsunosuke plays a crucial role as a source of familial warmth and stability in Ichitaro’s life. Their relationship is one of mutual care, and Matsunosuke sometimes acts as a bridge between Ichitaro and the wider human world, given Ichitaro’s frail health and close association with yokai. A significant part of Matsunosuke’s character development occurs in the sixth volume of the series, where his own marriage becomes a central plot point. He initially develops feelings for Osa, the daughter of a rice merchant, and after a series of events, he marries her. This marriage marks a turning point, leading him to step out from his brother’s shadow and establish his own independent livelihood. Through this arc, Matsunosuke matures from a supportive sibling into a self-reliant individual, while still maintaining his loving bond with Ichitaro.

In terms of abilities, Matsunosuke has no supernatural powers. He is a capable and hardworking merchant, known for his reliability and diligence. He is often depicted working in the maritime shipping division of the Nagasakiya before opening his own store. His strength lies in his sincerity, his emotional intelligence, and his unwavering dedication to those he cares about. Physically, he is an adult male with short black hair and brown eyes. His gentle demeanor and frequent smile make him a well-liked figure among the townspeople and the staff of the Nagasakiya alike. Matsunosuke embodies the theme of familial love and quiet, steadfast support that runs through the series, never seeking the spotlight but always present when needed.