Masaya Kaburagi is a freelance television and film producer working for the internet television station Dot TV. He is a veteran of the entertainment industry with a wide network of connections and a reputation for being pragmatic and money-oriented. His worldview is decidedly cynical; he is largely indifferent to the artistic quality of a project as long as it generates profit. Despite this, he harbors a hidden, genuine passion for filmmaking that occasionally surfaces. Physically, he has straight brown hair that often covers his left eye and noticeable bags under his eyes, reflecting a career spent navigating the demanding entertainment world.

Kaburagi’s background is deeply tied to the story’s central events. He was involved early in the career of Ai Hoshino, the idol at the heart of the narrative, and was the one who introduced her to a theater troupe. Later, when Ai became pregnant, he proposed that she be moved to a different agency to manage the potential fallout, a decision that indirectly contributed to the circumstances surrounding her death. This past creates a lingering sense of guilt or atonement that influences his later actions. He plays a key role in Aqua Hoshino’s search for the truth about his father, often acting as a source of information and opportunity.

In the story, Kaburagi serves as a behind-the-scenes orchestrator, using his influence to cast talent for various productions, including the live-action adaptation of Sweet Today and the web show Dig Deep! One Chance. He is responsible for significant casting decisions, such as involving Aqua, Kana Arima, and Akane Kurokawa in projects. His judgment of talent is sharp, and he is willing to give opportunities to those he sees potential in, even while maintaining a detached, business-first demeanor.

His key relationships include his past with Ai Hoshino, which fuels his complicated involvement with her children, especially Aqua. He and Aqua have a transactional yet mutually beneficial relationship; Kaburagi recognizes Aqua’s abilities and uses them for his own ends, while Aqua leverages Kaburagi’s connections to advance his plans. He also interacts with other major characters like Kana Arima and Akane Kurokawa, often as a gatekeeper for career opportunities. His professional network extends across the industry, making him a pivotal figure whose decisions affect the trajectories of multiple protagonists.

Throughout the series, Kaburagi shows subtle development. While he remains fundamentally driven by money and efficiency, his hidden passion for filmmaking and his quiet attempts to make amends for his past involvement with Ai add layers of complexity. He is not a simple antagonist but a realistic industry insider who operates with a blend of cold calculation and occasional, guarded sentiment. His notable abilities are his extensive connections, his ability to assess and cultivate talent, and his calm, rational decision-making under pressure. He is a figure who embodies the entertainment industry’s cutthroat nature while also revealing the personal costs and buried aspirations behind it.