Tatsuo Kusakabe, a university archaeology professor, moves to the countryside with his two daughters to remain near his wife, hospitalized for a prolonged illness. His academic focus on cultural heritage shapes his reverence for nature’s historical bonds with humanity, urging his daughters to explore their surroundings. He listens thoughtfully to their tales of forest spirits, neither challenging nor affirming their claims, fostering curiosity without imposing his own views.

Tall and lean, with dark hair, faintly tanned skin, and glasses, he dresses in functional shirts and pullovers. His composed, patient manner balances childcare and academic duties, though occasional immersion in research leads to overlooked chores. Despite these lapses, his steadfast support anchors the household.

He deepens his daughters’ ties to nature by visiting a camphor tree shrine, teaching them traditions honoring forest spirits. This practice mirrors his commitment to ecological harmony. When discussing the supernatural, he reassures the girls with open-ended guidance, valuing their autonomy in interpreting such mysteries.

Devoted to his wife, he maintains family bonds through frequent hospital visits and manages solo parenting with occasional neighborly aid. His approach blends gentle direction with emotional attentiveness, stabilizing his children amid their mother’s absence.

Consistently portrayed across adaptations, his character underpins the family’s emotional resilience while underscoring themes of environmental stewardship and ancestral wisdom, remaining narratively unchanged without expanded lore.