A Kobayashi family figure connected to the immigrant family's story.
Sensei Umakakeba trains the stronger judoka Max sees in Bastos. That encounter makes Max determined to improve, and he seeks support for the chance to train at the Bastos camp. Umakakeba's training is therefore a key part of the challenge and opportunity that propel Max's judo ambitions.
Kobayashi is Yamada’s brother and a fellow Japanese emigrant seeking better opportunities in Brazil. Since the emigration company accepts only family groups containing a couple, he helps devise the arrangement in which Yamada marries Titoe, enabling the brothers to leave Japan together.
Ken Kaneko has 18 screen credits in a career dating back to 1980. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Gaijin Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin, A Shot in the Fog, Freedom Station. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 3 universes
