OVA
Description
Hiroshi Tateno is a central character in Class 5-3 at Doumori Elementary School, introduced as a transfer student at the beginning of the story. He lost his mother at a young age and is raised by his father, a hardworking long-distance truck driver, which has instilled in him a sense of independence and a deep appreciation for friendship. His name is a tribute to the main character of a classic manga from the 1970s that served as an influence for the series.
In terms of personality, Hiroshi is defined by a spirited, courageous, and hot-blooded nature. He possesses a powerful sense of justice and is fiercely loyal to his friends, often positioning himself as a protective, action-oriented leader during crises. Despite his bravery, he is not fearless and will retreat from genuine threats, and he can be blunt and act before thinking, which sometimes causes friction with others. His most prominent characteristic, however, is his profound lack of academic ability. He consistently earns the worst grades in his class, once setting a record by scoring a hundred zeros on a hundred consecutive tests, and is described as being air-headed or forgetful when it comes to book smarts. This academic weakness often leads him into supernatural trouble, but his quick reflexes and physical judgment allow him to excel in real-time situations.
Hiroshi's primary motivation is his love for soccer, a sport at which he is a prodigy and dreams of becoming a professional athlete. This passion drives him and serves as an emotional anchor, especially after he transfers to Doumori. His initial skepticism of his teacher Meisuke Nueno, known as Nube, fades after the teacher saves him from a supernatural affliction. It is revealed that Hiroshi had been possessed by a malevolent spirit, which caused him to have violent, uncontrollable rage and had forced him to change schools multiple times. After being saved by Nube, Hiroshi becomes one of the teacher’s most loyal and active supporters, frequently joining him to investigate paranormal incidents. This event allows him to finally control his emotions, join the school soccer team, and form stable friendships.
Within the story's narrative, Hiroshi serves as a key student protagonist and the courageous heart of his class. He often stands up to obstacles, whether they are humans or yokai, demonstrating remarkable courage. His role evolves from a troubled outsider to a trusted member of Nube’s inner circle, often acting as a bridge between the supernatural world and his classmates. Over time, he endures traumatic events, such as an encounter with a serial killer, which leaves lasting psychological effects on him and his classmate Kyoko Inaba.
His relationships are central to his development. He shares a close father-son-like bond with his teacher, Nube, which deepens from initial coldness to profound respect and loyalty. He has a close and combative relationship with his classmate Kyoko Inaba, marked by constant bickering and a rivalry that eventually blossoms into a deep romantic affection. This relationship matures significantly as the story progresses, becoming a stable and mutual commitment. He also maintains friendly dynamics with classmates like Miki Hosokawa, Katsuya Kimura, and Makoto Kurita, while often finding himself in a rivalry with the troublemaker Masaru Kaneda.
Hiroshi's development is substantial, extending beyond his elementary school years. In later story arcs and sequels, he achieves his dream of becoming a globally renowned professional soccer player, frequently competing in international tournaments in Italy. He faces significant adult challenges, including a severe leg injury with a low chance of recovery, which he initially conceals from those close to him. He overcomes this with the help of his mentors and friends. In the epilogue, he proposes to Kyoko, and they marry, relocating to Italy together. In his professional career, even as a star athlete, he returns to Japan to mentor younger, jealous students, offering advice against self-doubt and emphasizing the importance of individual talent, showing how he has grown from a hot-headed child into a wise and accomplished adult.
Regarding his notable abilities, Hiroshi is an outstanding athlete, recognized as a soccer prodigy and ace striker for his school team. His physical prowess is considerable, allowing him to face down supernatural threats and older bullies. As he grows, his skills allow him to play professionally at the highest level. He further integrates his athletic talent with spiritual techniques, learning to use tools like the Sutra of the White-Robed Goddess for exorcisms, blending his love for soccer with the fight against evil spirits.
In terms of personality, Hiroshi is defined by a spirited, courageous, and hot-blooded nature. He possesses a powerful sense of justice and is fiercely loyal to his friends, often positioning himself as a protective, action-oriented leader during crises. Despite his bravery, he is not fearless and will retreat from genuine threats, and he can be blunt and act before thinking, which sometimes causes friction with others. His most prominent characteristic, however, is his profound lack of academic ability. He consistently earns the worst grades in his class, once setting a record by scoring a hundred zeros on a hundred consecutive tests, and is described as being air-headed or forgetful when it comes to book smarts. This academic weakness often leads him into supernatural trouble, but his quick reflexes and physical judgment allow him to excel in real-time situations.
Hiroshi's primary motivation is his love for soccer, a sport at which he is a prodigy and dreams of becoming a professional athlete. This passion drives him and serves as an emotional anchor, especially after he transfers to Doumori. His initial skepticism of his teacher Meisuke Nueno, known as Nube, fades after the teacher saves him from a supernatural affliction. It is revealed that Hiroshi had been possessed by a malevolent spirit, which caused him to have violent, uncontrollable rage and had forced him to change schools multiple times. After being saved by Nube, Hiroshi becomes one of the teacher’s most loyal and active supporters, frequently joining him to investigate paranormal incidents. This event allows him to finally control his emotions, join the school soccer team, and form stable friendships.
Within the story's narrative, Hiroshi serves as a key student protagonist and the courageous heart of his class. He often stands up to obstacles, whether they are humans or yokai, demonstrating remarkable courage. His role evolves from a troubled outsider to a trusted member of Nube’s inner circle, often acting as a bridge between the supernatural world and his classmates. Over time, he endures traumatic events, such as an encounter with a serial killer, which leaves lasting psychological effects on him and his classmate Kyoko Inaba.
His relationships are central to his development. He shares a close father-son-like bond with his teacher, Nube, which deepens from initial coldness to profound respect and loyalty. He has a close and combative relationship with his classmate Kyoko Inaba, marked by constant bickering and a rivalry that eventually blossoms into a deep romantic affection. This relationship matures significantly as the story progresses, becoming a stable and mutual commitment. He also maintains friendly dynamics with classmates like Miki Hosokawa, Katsuya Kimura, and Makoto Kurita, while often finding himself in a rivalry with the troublemaker Masaru Kaneda.
Hiroshi's development is substantial, extending beyond his elementary school years. In later story arcs and sequels, he achieves his dream of becoming a globally renowned professional soccer player, frequently competing in international tournaments in Italy. He faces significant adult challenges, including a severe leg injury with a low chance of recovery, which he initially conceals from those close to him. He overcomes this with the help of his mentors and friends. In the epilogue, he proposes to Kyoko, and they marry, relocating to Italy together. In his professional career, even as a star athlete, he returns to Japan to mentor younger, jealous students, offering advice against self-doubt and emphasizing the importance of individual talent, showing how he has grown from a hot-headed child into a wise and accomplished adult.
Regarding his notable abilities, Hiroshi is an outstanding athlete, recognized as a soccer prodigy and ace striker for his school team. His physical prowess is considerable, allowing him to face down supernatural threats and older bullies. As he grows, his skills allow him to play professionally at the highest level. He further integrates his athletic talent with spiritual techniques, learning to use tools like the Sutra of the White-Robed Goddess for exorcisms, blending his love for soccer with the fight against evil spirits.