Makoto Yanagi is a supporting character in the anime Opus.COLORs. He is a member of the Generals, a group of students who play a key role in the school's art competitions. Yanagi is described as a person of strong character and high integrity, reliably responsible and well-liked by both his peers and juniors, and trusted by the instructors. Despite his respected position, he has a notable and ironic flaw: he is an art student who is catastrophically bad at drawing—he cannot even draw a neat circle. This inability makes him an unusual grader, as he genuinely admires and respects all artists, recognizing abilities he himself lacks.

Yanagi's role within the story is as an excellent grader, meaning he is responsible for evaluating and uniting two different types of artists to work together in the competitive Perception Art events. He is skilled at bringing out the best in others and guiding partnerships. His motivations stem from a deep appreciation for art and a desire to support his fellow students. He treasures the friendships he formed in high school, especially with Daiki, with whom he was paired many times, and Nakashizuka, who was his fateful rival at the time. He considers them irreplaceable close friends and holds them in special regard.

Physically, Yanagi has orange hair and brown eyes. His development in the series centers on his growth in understanding and appreciating art despite his own lack of skill, and his ability to act as a bridge between different creative personalities. His notable abilities include his grading expertise and his talent for fostering collaboration, even though he himself cannot produce visual art.