TV-Series
Description
Makoto Sakurai is Izumi Sakurai's younger brother and a sophomore at Tokisadame High School. He first appears in Episode 14 of the anime and prominently in Volume 4 of the manga, requesting to join the Igo-Soccer Club. His revelation that Igo-Soccer is a real sport surprises club president Kenzaburou Daiku, who had invented the name on the spot.
Having mastered Igo-Soccer at a different middle school and earned MVP honors, Makoto impresses Daiku and the club members with his skill and enthusiasm. He frequently practices alone and dives actively into club activities.
Physically, Makoto has short, messy light-brown hair like his sister. He often appears with his eyes as slits, though they open wide during Igo-Soccer plays. His typical outfit is a loosely fitted white buttoned shirt – frequently left unbuttoned, much to Izumi's dismay – black pants, and white-and-blue sneakers. He stands taller than Yuria Sekiguchi but slightly shorter than his senior Ogi.
Personality-wise, Makoto contrasts sharply with Izumi. He is confident, self-aware, and outspoken, sharing his thoughts without hesitation. Generally easygoing, he possesses a quick temper when annoyed, leading to shouting or disorientation. He demonstrates manipulative tendencies, like blackmailing teacher Manabu Takasaki into coaching by threatening to expose Takasaki's crush on Izumi, later bribing him with a photo of Izumi from her high school days. Despite these tactics, his motivations are rarely malicious.
When flustered or frightened, Makoto exhibits Izumi-like traits: stammering, sweating, and blushing. He disdains authority figures, refusing to button his shirt and manipulating Takasaki. He cares deeply for friends, like intervening to stop Daiku from giving his first kiss to Takasaki, advising him to save it for someone special.
His relationship with Izumi is complex. He openly finds her intrusive and annoying, resenting her habit of entering his room without permission and embarrassing him at school. This peaks when Izumi discovers an inappropriate magazine hidden in his room, causing intense mortification. Flashbacks reveal he once admired her, holding her hand on walks home from school. After being teased for this, he became more independent, handling chores like laundry and cooking alone. Despite outward hostility, he occasionally shows underlying care, reassuring her he isn't angry after intrusions and suggesting Takasaki arrange a date with her.
Makoto interacts regularly with the Igo-Soccer Club. He befriends Ogi, sharing activities like getting ramen, though he once accidentally traps Ogi in a birdhouse. He maintains a cordial dynamic with Daiku and Sekiguchi, collaborating with them to advocate for the club's survival when threatened with closure.
Trivia notes include his birthday on April 8, an interest in skeletons, and briefly serving as a daifuku mascot.
Character development across the series highlights his transition from a sibling-dependent child to an independent teenager, though core traits like confidence and occasional volatility remain. His relationships, especially with Izumi and the club, underscore his growth in navigating social dynamics while retaining passionate dedication to his interests.
Having mastered Igo-Soccer at a different middle school and earned MVP honors, Makoto impresses Daiku and the club members with his skill and enthusiasm. He frequently practices alone and dives actively into club activities.
Physically, Makoto has short, messy light-brown hair like his sister. He often appears with his eyes as slits, though they open wide during Igo-Soccer plays. His typical outfit is a loosely fitted white buttoned shirt – frequently left unbuttoned, much to Izumi's dismay – black pants, and white-and-blue sneakers. He stands taller than Yuria Sekiguchi but slightly shorter than his senior Ogi.
Personality-wise, Makoto contrasts sharply with Izumi. He is confident, self-aware, and outspoken, sharing his thoughts without hesitation. Generally easygoing, he possesses a quick temper when annoyed, leading to shouting or disorientation. He demonstrates manipulative tendencies, like blackmailing teacher Manabu Takasaki into coaching by threatening to expose Takasaki's crush on Izumi, later bribing him with a photo of Izumi from her high school days. Despite these tactics, his motivations are rarely malicious.
When flustered or frightened, Makoto exhibits Izumi-like traits: stammering, sweating, and blushing. He disdains authority figures, refusing to button his shirt and manipulating Takasaki. He cares deeply for friends, like intervening to stop Daiku from giving his first kiss to Takasaki, advising him to save it for someone special.
His relationship with Izumi is complex. He openly finds her intrusive and annoying, resenting her habit of entering his room without permission and embarrassing him at school. This peaks when Izumi discovers an inappropriate magazine hidden in his room, causing intense mortification. Flashbacks reveal he once admired her, holding her hand on walks home from school. After being teased for this, he became more independent, handling chores like laundry and cooking alone. Despite outward hostility, he occasionally shows underlying care, reassuring her he isn't angry after intrusions and suggesting Takasaki arrange a date with her.
Makoto interacts regularly with the Igo-Soccer Club. He befriends Ogi, sharing activities like getting ramen, though he once accidentally traps Ogi in a birdhouse. He maintains a cordial dynamic with Daiku and Sekiguchi, collaborating with them to advocate for the club's survival when threatened with closure.
Trivia notes include his birthday on April 8, an interest in skeletons, and briefly serving as a daifuku mascot.
Character development across the series highlights his transition from a sibling-dependent child to an independent teenager, though core traits like confidence and occasional volatility remain. His relationships, especially with Izumi and the club, underscore his growth in navigating social dynamics while retaining passionate dedication to his interests.