Takako Kawajiri is a 30-year-old business consultant advising Kissuisō, the story's central hot spring inn. She attended university with Enishi Shijima, the owner's son, and maintains a long-standing professional and personal bond with him. Her consulting role focuses on proposing modernization strategies to boost the inn's performance, frequently clashing with the traditional management style of Sui Shijima, Enishi's mother and Kissuisō's owner.

Her initiatives, such as redesigning staff uniforms to attract younger customers, often prove impractical or misaligned with the inn's identity. One instance shows her uniform suggestions failing to resonate with guests, illustrating the conflict between her contemporary methods and the staff's traditional values. She habitually incorporates English phrases into her speech, reflecting her assertive and unconventional personality.

Takako's efforts are partly driven by a desire to strengthen Enishi's standing within Kissuisō as he struggles for his mother's approval. Despite resistance from Sui and skepticism from staff, who view her as overbearing and critical, she remains dedicated to supporting Enishi's aspirations.

Her character arc culminates in a romantic relationship and marriage to Enishi, leading her to adopt his surname and become Takako Shijima. After Kissuisō's eventual closure, she and Enishi plan to develop his management skills, aiming to eventually reopen the inn under their leadership.