TV-Series
Description
Kaede Saitō is a high school sophomore who stands 164 centimeters tall and is known for her long, straight black hair and glasses. She is a passionate and experienced mountaineer, often undertaking solo hikes and multi-day treks, and she funds her hobby through part-time work. Her first meeting with Aoi Yukimura occurs at a mountain gear store, where she offers advice on choosing a sleeping bag, an encounter that sparks their friendship.
In terms of personality, Kaede is reliable, independent, and pragmatic, particularly in matters relating to mountains and hiking. However, outside of this passion, she is fundamentally laid-back and notably unmotivated, especially concerning fashion and daily life. She frequently procrastinates on her schoolwork, and despite being academically capable of achieving high grades if she applied herself, she often requires tutoring from her friends, such as Yuuka Sasahara. This laziness extends to her clothing choices; she prefers to dress for comfort in casual homewear like a sports bra and shorts, a habit that leads her friends to tease her for wasting her figure and encourages her to dress in a more feminine manner. Her close friendship with Yuuka often involves lighthearted conflicts over fashion, though Kaede remains largely indifferent.
Her role in the story is that of a knowledgeable mentor to Aoi and her friends, including Hinata Kuraue. While Kaede initially prefers solitary climbs, her stance on mountaineering gradually shifts as she begins sharing her expertise and experience with the group, discovering the value of communal experiences. In the third season, she plays a key role in supporting Aoi's renewed attempt to summit Mount Fuji, all while navigating her own academic and social responsibilities. Despite her growing involvement with the group, she declines an invitation to join Koharu Senjuin's formal mountaineering club, stating that it does not align with her personal style of climbing.
Despite her athleticism and competence on the trails, Kaede has notable vulnerabilities. She cannot swim and harbors a strong apprehension toward using kitchen knives, which complicates outdoor cooking. These unexpected weaknesses, along with her evolution from a solitary hiker to a trusted mentor, make her an approachable and well-rounded character whose expertise and personal quirks deepen the dynamics of her friend group.
In terms of personality, Kaede is reliable, independent, and pragmatic, particularly in matters relating to mountains and hiking. However, outside of this passion, she is fundamentally laid-back and notably unmotivated, especially concerning fashion and daily life. She frequently procrastinates on her schoolwork, and despite being academically capable of achieving high grades if she applied herself, she often requires tutoring from her friends, such as Yuuka Sasahara. This laziness extends to her clothing choices; she prefers to dress for comfort in casual homewear like a sports bra and shorts, a habit that leads her friends to tease her for wasting her figure and encourages her to dress in a more feminine manner. Her close friendship with Yuuka often involves lighthearted conflicts over fashion, though Kaede remains largely indifferent.
Her role in the story is that of a knowledgeable mentor to Aoi and her friends, including Hinata Kuraue. While Kaede initially prefers solitary climbs, her stance on mountaineering gradually shifts as she begins sharing her expertise and experience with the group, discovering the value of communal experiences. In the third season, she plays a key role in supporting Aoi's renewed attempt to summit Mount Fuji, all while navigating her own academic and social responsibilities. Despite her growing involvement with the group, she declines an invitation to join Koharu Senjuin's formal mountaineering club, stating that it does not align with her personal style of climbing.
Despite her athleticism and competence on the trails, Kaede has notable vulnerabilities. She cannot swim and harbors a strong apprehension toward using kitchen knives, which complicates outdoor cooking. These unexpected weaknesses, along with her evolution from a solitary hiker to a trusted mentor, make her an approachable and well-rounded character whose expertise and personal quirks deepen the dynamics of her friend group.