Makoto Kobayashi's father is portrayed as a salaryman facing professional challenges, a workplace underdog forced to endure extensive overtime. This occupational strain fuels family tension, particularly with his son Makoto, who regards him with palpable contempt.

He remains largely oblivious to his wife's affair with a dance instructor for most of the narrative, though subtle hints—like his wife carelessly spilling gas in a depressive daze—suggest he might harbor suspicions about marital discord. His passive nature surfaces during family conflicts, evident in dinner scenes where Makoto flaunts overt disrespect and his wife openly weeps, both situations left unresolved.

A significant shift occurs when he takes Makoto fishing, advising the boy to "give his mother a break," revealing his role in mediating familial friction while avoiding direct confrontation about the infidelity. Later, he supports Makoto's decision to attend public high school instead of accepting the family's financial sacrifice for private education, facilitating a rare moment of family unity.

His characterization lacks extensive background or evolution beyond these interactions. The narrative primarily frames him through Makoto's perspective as a figure of perceived weakness and professional inadequacy.