Kaede Kagayama, nicknamed "Candy Store" (Dagashiya), lives in the rural village of Asahigaoka. A graduate of the local Asahigaoka Branch School, she runs her inherited grandmother's candy store, supplementing her income with ski equipment rentals, futon rentals, and parcel delivery services. Financial difficulties plague her business, causing frequent worries about money. She possesses long blonde hair – originally black in childhood, dyed around or after fifth grade – and maple-colored eyes. Her typical attire resembles an old-fashioned delinquent teenager's style. Kaede demonstrates good athleticism, evident when she jumped from a roof and landed with minimal injury. Despite her outward appearance, Kaede maintains a kind and friendly personality. She holds a particular soft spot for Renge Miyauchi, though financial constraints can sometimes make her seem desperate. Historically disliking children and initially struggling with babysitting, she developed affection through experience. Her background includes reluctantly babysitting infant Renge during middle school, substituting for Renge's neglectful older sister, Hikage Miyauchi. This responsibility forged a deep, lasting bond. Kaede gave Renge the yellow hair ribbons Renge still wears, and crayons years prior. This relationship remains central to Kaede's life, providing purpose amidst her solitary, economically challenging existence. She closely watches over Renge's growth, with Renge viewing her as a substitute parental figure. Kaede's connections extend to other villagers: Kazuho Miyauchi, her former senpai, with whom she occasionally shares drinks and conversations; Hikage Miyauchi, initially contentious but later a friend who coined her "Dagashiya" nickname; and younger residents like Natsumi Koshigaya, whom she tolerates despite frequent teasing. Hotaru Ichijō gradually develops a sisterly dynamic with her. Kaede participates in group activities across various storylines, including a trip to Okinawa where she accompanied Renge to see a stingray. Flashbacks explore her past, such as a drunken conversation with Kazuho revealing nostalgic memories of caring for baby Renge. Her favorite color is black. The real-life store inspiring her candy shop's design has closed. Her surname, Kagayama, translates to "Maple Mountain."