Tama, known as Tama-Jii, serves as guardian and blade familiar to the war god Takeribi, raising Sakuna in her parents' stead. His true identity is the Blade of Hoshidama, Yanato’s mightiest holy sword, shattered during an ancient clash with the evil god Omizuchi. This destruction left him diminished—a small, spirit-beast form with a fractured horn and severed connection to his blade function. Centuries later, Sakuna unearthed the lost blade fragment within the corrupted Homusubi Specter, enabling the sword’s reforge without his sacrifice. This restoration mended his horn and reignited his bodily radiance.

Rational and cautious, Tama speaks with old-fashioned formality, counterbalancing Sakuna’s impulsiveness. He prioritizes pragmatism and decorum, sparking occasional disputes with her, though mutual respect and reconciliation define their bond. As her de facto parent, he imparts wisdom, guidance, and tales of her lineage during nightly stories. Beyond guardianship, he brokers trade between Sakuna’s harvests and the Mihashira Capital, securing essential supplies delivered overnight.

In the game’s climax, Tama prepares to sacrifice his soul to reforge the Blade of Hoshidama against Omizuchi—a fate averted when Sakuna finds the fragment. The anime diverges: lacking the fragment, he perishes forging the weapon that fells Omizuchi. Post-Omizuchi’s defeat in all media, Tama stays with Sakuna on Hinoe Island. He shares warm ties with humans, especially the inventor Kokorowa, bonding over tempering Sakuna’s exuberance. He also joins Sakuna as a downloadable playable character in the spin-off *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma*.

Trivia notes: His name translates to "spirit" or "ball," he relishes sweetfish, and his pre-shattering form resembled a tiger in scale. A deliberate design quirk leaves his tongue perpetually protruding for comedic effect.