TV-Series
Description
Hinata Hakamada is a sixth-grade student at Keishin Academy and one of the main members of the school's elementary girls' basketball team, appearing in the anime Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS. Standing at a very petite 131 centimeters, she is the smallest member of her team, with silky pink hair that reaches her knees and a delicate appearance that is often compared to a living French doll. Her nickname within the story is Innocent Charm, a name given to her by a teammate because of her seemingly guileless and naive exterior.

In terms of personality, Hinata is generally sweet, well-behaved, and energetic, often reacting with drawn-out sounds like Oh or Ah. While she appears to be the most innocent and air-headed member of the group, her behavior can sometimes suggest a more complex and surprisingly perceptive nature. There are hints that she can be subtly manipulative, using her cuteness to influence others without appearing to do so intentionally. Despite her youthful appearance, her demeanor can occasionally carry a more mature quality. She has a large collection of plush toys and is good at swimming, particularly using a dog paddle technique.

Hinatas primary motivation is her love for basketball and her desire to improve alongside her teammates. Initially one of the least skilled players due to her small stature and lack of stamina, she shows remarkable development over the course of the story. Her role on the court evolves from a point guard to a small forward, a change made by her coach to take advantage of her excellent balance and agility. Her abilities grow to the point where she can score crucial baskets, including the game-winning shot during a sports festival and a clever trick shot over a much taller defender in a match against Suzuridani Academy.

Her most significant relationship is with her coach, Subaru Hasegawa, whom she views as a big-brother-like figure. She is very physically affectionate with him, often hugging him or asking to be carried on his back, and she does develop deeper romantic feelings for him, becoming slightly anxious when he is close to other girls. She also shares a close bond with her younger sister, Kagetsu Hakamada, who is overprotective of Hinata due to health issues she experienced when she was younger. Despite being the elder sister, Hinata is shorter, and Kagetsu later joins the team as well. The captain of the rival boys' basketball team, Natsuhi Takenaka, has a notable crush on her, though she does not reciprocate his feelings. Among her teammates, she has a playful fondness for Airi Kashii, who is the tallest and most physically developed member of the group.

Throughout the series, Hinatas development is centered on overcoming her physical limitations. Through rigorous training, she builds the stamina and endurance she initially lacks, allowing her to keep up with her peers and make significant contributions during games. This growth culminates in her becoming a more reliable and skilled player, able to use her small size to her advantage against larger opponents. Her notable abilities on the court include her high degree of balance, her quickness, and her newfound proficiency in scoring techniques like the reverse layup.