TV-Series
Description
Kaede Kagayama, nicknamed "Dagashi-ya" (Candy Store), runs her late grandmother's struggling candy shop in Asahigaoka at age 20. Her primary clientele consists of local schoolchildren, forcing her to diversify for income. She offers ski equipment rentals, futon rentals, and parcel delivery services, motivated by both financial need and a personal passion for skiing. Persistent money worries often lend her an air of desperation.
She sports long blonde hair, dyed since fifth grade over her original black, and distinctive maple-shaped eyes. Her traditional delinquent-style clothing projects a tough image, belying her generally kind and friendly nature. Despite an initial aversion to children, she demonstrates considerable physical prowess, like surviving a roof jump with minor injury, and possesses notable cooking skills that earn praise.
A graduate of Asahigaoka Branch School and underclassman to Kazuho Miyauchi, Kaede reluctantly babysat baby Renge Miyauchi during middle school due to Renge's unreliable older sister, Hikage. Though uncomfortable with childcare initially, she forged a deep, protective bond with Renge over time. Renge views Kaede as a substitute parent, still wearing the yellow hair ribbons Kaede gifted her. Five years before the main events, Kaede gave Renge crayons, nurturing her artistic talent.
Her character arc shifts from detachment to nurturing. Flashbacks show her reiterating a dislike for children yet revealing early softness towards Renge, crystallized when toddler Renge drew Kaede's portrait after receiving the crayons. In the present, Kaede consistently prioritizes Renge's needs, like agreeing to coach badminton solely due to Renge's hopeful look, contrasting her more transactional dealings with others, such as tolerating Natsumi Koshigaya's teasing to keep a customer.
Relationships beyond Renge include an initially strained but gradually improving friendship with Hikage Miyauchi, who coined her nickname. She maintains a cordial rapport with Kazuho, occasionally sharing drinks, interacts amiably with Komari Koshigaya, and gradually warms to Hotaru Ichijō, who sees her as an older sister figure. Natsumi frequently teases her about her affection for Renge, which Kaede tolerates, considering Natsumi a "good girl."
During the Okinawa vacation, she accompanies the group and bonds with Renge during a stingray sighting. Later stories, like the Nonstop OVA, reinforce her protectiveness. When younger character Shiori unexpectedly hugs her during badminton coaching, the distraction causes Kaede to fall, triggering a reminiscence of her past with Renge that underscores her enduring commitment to Renge's well-being.
Kaede blends pragmatic survivalism—openly complaining about poverty and resisting unprofitable activities—with underlying warmth. She consistently engages when Renge is involved. This duality defines her growth from a directionless graduate to someone finding purpose through nurturing relationships, especially with Renge. Her evolution manifests in small, consistent acts of care beneath her delinquent exterior.
She sports long blonde hair, dyed since fifth grade over her original black, and distinctive maple-shaped eyes. Her traditional delinquent-style clothing projects a tough image, belying her generally kind and friendly nature. Despite an initial aversion to children, she demonstrates considerable physical prowess, like surviving a roof jump with minor injury, and possesses notable cooking skills that earn praise.
A graduate of Asahigaoka Branch School and underclassman to Kazuho Miyauchi, Kaede reluctantly babysat baby Renge Miyauchi during middle school due to Renge's unreliable older sister, Hikage. Though uncomfortable with childcare initially, she forged a deep, protective bond with Renge over time. Renge views Kaede as a substitute parent, still wearing the yellow hair ribbons Kaede gifted her. Five years before the main events, Kaede gave Renge crayons, nurturing her artistic talent.
Her character arc shifts from detachment to nurturing. Flashbacks show her reiterating a dislike for children yet revealing early softness towards Renge, crystallized when toddler Renge drew Kaede's portrait after receiving the crayons. In the present, Kaede consistently prioritizes Renge's needs, like agreeing to coach badminton solely due to Renge's hopeful look, contrasting her more transactional dealings with others, such as tolerating Natsumi Koshigaya's teasing to keep a customer.
Relationships beyond Renge include an initially strained but gradually improving friendship with Hikage Miyauchi, who coined her nickname. She maintains a cordial rapport with Kazuho, occasionally sharing drinks, interacts amiably with Komari Koshigaya, and gradually warms to Hotaru Ichijō, who sees her as an older sister figure. Natsumi frequently teases her about her affection for Renge, which Kaede tolerates, considering Natsumi a "good girl."
During the Okinawa vacation, she accompanies the group and bonds with Renge during a stingray sighting. Later stories, like the Nonstop OVA, reinforce her protectiveness. When younger character Shiori unexpectedly hugs her during badminton coaching, the distraction causes Kaede to fall, triggering a reminiscence of her past with Renge that underscores her enduring commitment to Renge's well-being.
Kaede blends pragmatic survivalism—openly complaining about poverty and resisting unprofitable activities—with underlying warmth. She consistently engages when Renge is involved. This duality defines her growth from a directionless graduate to someone finding purpose through nurturing relationships, especially with Renge. Her evolution manifests in small, consistent acts of care beneath her delinquent exterior.