Energetic relative participating in campus and travel activities.
A hardworking widow in rural Shinshū who sacrifices her labor at a silk factory to fund her son's education. She visits Tokyo, supports his moral actions, and returns home claiming his success, though her private grief reveals the heavy emotional toll of her lifelong sacrifice.
Tane is a poor widow who sells whatever odds and ends she can obtain. Although initially irritable and reluctant to care for Kohei, she gradually becomes attached to him, searches for him when he runs away, treats him as a son, buys him clothes and books, and is heartbroken yet happy when he is reunited with his father.
Otsune is a local woman who runs a restaurant and raised Shinkichi after Kihachi left. She protects their son from the truth about his parentage, but later tells Shinkichi that Kihachi is his father and explains Kihachi's financial support. She asks Kihachi to remain with them permanently.
Otsune is Kihachi's old friend and the owner of the cafe where she finds him a job and lets his family rent a room. She feeds Otaka and her daughter, refuses Kihachi's request for money, and later scolds him for hiding his troubles before taking responsibility for the boys.
Family relative providing logistical support during travels.
Otome is a restaurant owner and a friend of Kihachi. She provides lodging and work for the destitute young woman, soon becoming fond of her. Otome also urges Kihachi to discuss marriage with Jiro and later helps care for Tomio while Kihachi attempts to leave for Hokkaido.
Saiki’s widowed mother is part of the reason he studies hard and works to support his family. When her son finds employment and becomes engaged to Oshige, she is grateful that he has secured both work and a prospective wife. The story identifies her through her relationship with Saiki and her response to his prospects.
Hiroko's mother is introduced to Kiichi when Hiroko brings him to meet her. She hears him explain that Hiroko's advice to shave helped him find work. Hiroko also asks her mother to discover whether Kiichi returns her feelings, as she faces pressure to accept a marriage proposal.
Elderly matriarch representing traditional values.
An energetic peer involved in sports and musical competitions within the university setting.
Teisaku's mother receives Yoshiko at the family home after the young woman accidentally arrives there late in the day. She invites Yoshiko to stay overnight and later has a constable and the professor write a certificate stating that Yoshiko slept in her room and remains a virgin before Yoshiko departs.
Chōko Iida has 216 screen credits in a career dating back to 1925. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Wakadaishō (Young Guy) Series with 6 titles. Signature works include Family Safety, Record of a Tenement Gentleman, The Only Son. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 4 universes
