TV-Series
Description
Makoto Tateuri, commonly called Uri-bō, is a ghost boy who resides at the Harunoya Inn, the ryokan at the heart of the story. He died at the age of twelve and has retained the appearance of a young schoolboy ever since: short brown hair, brown eyes, and typically shown wearing a white shirt, green shorts, and no shoes. Despite being a ghost, he has a lively presence and is known for his mischievous nature, enjoying playing tricks on people who cannot see him.
Uri-bō was the childhood friend and former next-door neighbor of Mineko Seki, the inn's current owner. His deep affection for Mineko has persisted beyond death, and he has spent his years as a ghost watching over her. This loyalty also extends to the inn itself, as he wishes to see Harunoya continue to thrive. When Mineko’s granddaughter, Oriko Seki, known as Okko, moves into the inn after losing her parents in a car accident, Uri-bō takes an active role in encouraging her to become the junior innkeeper. It is his urging that sets Okko on the path of her training, and he remains a constant source of support and advice as she learns the trade.
Though he can be playful and sometimes provokes others—such as painting the face of Okko’s rival, Matsuki Akino—Uri-bō shows a maturity beyond his years. He genuinely cares for the people around him and works to help Okko grow, often offering encouragement when she falters. His relationship with Okko evolves from a coaxing presence into a steady friendship, and he also interacts with the other supernatural beings who come to stay at Harunoya, such as the ghost girl Miyo and the baby demon Suzuki.
In terms of development, Uri-bō remains a static character in the sense of being a ghost, but his emotional depth is revealed through his protective feelings and his willingness to guide others. He is capable of manifesting physically to interact with the living world, as seen when he moves objects or plays pranks. He also possesses the ability to become invisible and intangible at will, blending into the background of the inn he loves. His enduring sense of loyalty and his quiet wisdom make him an integral part of Okko’s journey toward becoming a capable innkeeper.
Uri-bō was the childhood friend and former next-door neighbor of Mineko Seki, the inn's current owner. His deep affection for Mineko has persisted beyond death, and he has spent his years as a ghost watching over her. This loyalty also extends to the inn itself, as he wishes to see Harunoya continue to thrive. When Mineko’s granddaughter, Oriko Seki, known as Okko, moves into the inn after losing her parents in a car accident, Uri-bō takes an active role in encouraging her to become the junior innkeeper. It is his urging that sets Okko on the path of her training, and he remains a constant source of support and advice as she learns the trade.
Though he can be playful and sometimes provokes others—such as painting the face of Okko’s rival, Matsuki Akino—Uri-bō shows a maturity beyond his years. He genuinely cares for the people around him and works to help Okko grow, often offering encouragement when she falters. His relationship with Okko evolves from a coaxing presence into a steady friendship, and he also interacts with the other supernatural beings who come to stay at Harunoya, such as the ghost girl Miyo and the baby demon Suzuki.
In terms of development, Uri-bō remains a static character in the sense of being a ghost, but his emotional depth is revealed through his protective feelings and his willingness to guide others. He is capable of manifesting physically to interact with the living world, as seen when he moves objects or plays pranks. He also possesses the ability to become invisible and intangible at will, blending into the background of the inn he loves. His enduring sense of loyalty and his quiet wisdom make him an integral part of Okko’s journey toward becoming a capable innkeeper.