OVA
Description
Kaede Kagayama is a twenty-year-old woman who runs the local candy store in the rural village of Asahigaoka. Almost universally known by the nickname Dagashiya, which means candy store, she is a familiar figure to the area's few children. Her appearance, with long blonde hair and a somewhat traditional delinquent-style outfit, initially projects a tough image that contrasts with her generally kind nature. She has distinctive maple-shaped eyes, a feature reflected in her surname which includes the character for maple.
Her personality is a blend of practicality and hidden warmth. On the surface, she often comes across as cool, cynical, and perpetually discontent, largely due to the financial struggles of her business. With few customers, she is desperate to earn money and has a miserly side, openly complaining about poverty and reacting strongly to any chance of profit. Despite this gruff exterior, she possesses a tsundere temperament, frequently becoming flustered or embarrassed when her genuine kindness is exposed, particularly regarding her feelings for a young girl named Renge Miyauchi.
Kaede's role in the story is defined by her relationship with Renge, whom she has known since Renge was a baby. The foundation of their bond was laid when Kaede was in middle school; Renge's older sister, Hikage, paid Kaede to babysit the infant for an afternoon. Initially reluctant because she did not like children, Kaede ended up caring for baby Renge deeply, an experience that created a lasting connection. Over the years, Kaede has become a mother figure and protector to Renge. She was the one who gave Renge the yellow ribbons she always wears and provided the crayons that helped spark Renge's artistic talent. Kaede is weak to Renge's requests and is consistently shown prioritizing her well-being, whether by immediately rushing to her side when she is sick, teaching her to ride a bicycle, or secretly delighting in her success during a school observation class.
Beyond her bond with Renge, Kaede has other key relationships. She is close in age to Konomi Fujimiya, having attended the same schools, and shares a friendly senior-junior dynamic with Renge's older sister, Kazuho Miyauchi, occasionally sharing drinks with her. Her relationship with Hikage Miyauchi, who coined her nickname Dagashiya, has improved over time from initial annoyance to a genuine friendship. She tolerates the teasing of Natsumi Koshigaya, who often calls out her hidden affection for Renge, and is seen as a reliable older sister figure by Hotaru Ichijo.
Kaede's development throughout the series shows her growth from a directionless young graduate, solely focused on her own survival, to someone who finds purpose through her nurturing relationships. Her initial stated dislike for children is completely subverted by her dedication to Renge, and she gradually becomes less detached, showing more warmth and engagement with the other children in the village. Her motivations are driven by both economic necessity and emotional connection. She runs a candy store that functions more like an errand center, taking on any odd job to make ends meet, including renting out skis, futons, and even performing bicycle repairs and mail-order sales. Yet, when it comes to Renge, her motivation shifts from profit to genuine care, as seen when she immediately closes her shop to attend to a sick Renge, bringing a bag full of sweets for her instead of the pillow she claimed to be delivering. A notable ability she possesses is her cooking skill, particularly making okonomiyaki to a high standard.
Her personality is a blend of practicality and hidden warmth. On the surface, she often comes across as cool, cynical, and perpetually discontent, largely due to the financial struggles of her business. With few customers, she is desperate to earn money and has a miserly side, openly complaining about poverty and reacting strongly to any chance of profit. Despite this gruff exterior, she possesses a tsundere temperament, frequently becoming flustered or embarrassed when her genuine kindness is exposed, particularly regarding her feelings for a young girl named Renge Miyauchi.
Kaede's role in the story is defined by her relationship with Renge, whom she has known since Renge was a baby. The foundation of their bond was laid when Kaede was in middle school; Renge's older sister, Hikage, paid Kaede to babysit the infant for an afternoon. Initially reluctant because she did not like children, Kaede ended up caring for baby Renge deeply, an experience that created a lasting connection. Over the years, Kaede has become a mother figure and protector to Renge. She was the one who gave Renge the yellow ribbons she always wears and provided the crayons that helped spark Renge's artistic talent. Kaede is weak to Renge's requests and is consistently shown prioritizing her well-being, whether by immediately rushing to her side when she is sick, teaching her to ride a bicycle, or secretly delighting in her success during a school observation class.
Beyond her bond with Renge, Kaede has other key relationships. She is close in age to Konomi Fujimiya, having attended the same schools, and shares a friendly senior-junior dynamic with Renge's older sister, Kazuho Miyauchi, occasionally sharing drinks with her. Her relationship with Hikage Miyauchi, who coined her nickname Dagashiya, has improved over time from initial annoyance to a genuine friendship. She tolerates the teasing of Natsumi Koshigaya, who often calls out her hidden affection for Renge, and is seen as a reliable older sister figure by Hotaru Ichijo.
Kaede's development throughout the series shows her growth from a directionless young graduate, solely focused on her own survival, to someone who finds purpose through her nurturing relationships. Her initial stated dislike for children is completely subverted by her dedication to Renge, and she gradually becomes less detached, showing more warmth and engagement with the other children in the village. Her motivations are driven by both economic necessity and emotional connection. She runs a candy store that functions more like an errand center, taking on any odd job to make ends meet, including renting out skis, futons, and even performing bicycle repairs and mail-order sales. Yet, when it comes to Renge, her motivation shifts from profit to genuine care, as seen when she immediately closes her shop to attend to a sick Renge, bringing a bag full of sweets for her instead of the pillow she claimed to be delivering. A notable ability she possesses is her cooking skill, particularly making okonomiyaki to a high standard.