Character Relationship Map: Run with the Wind

Characters

• Kakeru Kurahara (played by Takeo Otsuka) — protagonist
• Haiji Kiyose (played by Toshiyuki Toyonaga) — protagonist
• Akane Kashiwazaki (played by Miyu Irino) — supporting
• Musa Kamala (played by Hideaki Kabumoto) — supporting
• Genichirou Tazaki (voice) (played by Koutarou Nakamura) — supporting
• Akihiro Hirata (played by Takanori Hoshino) — supporting
• Kazuma Fujioka (voice) (played by Satoshi Hino) — minor
• Kousuke Sakaki (voice) (played by Kengo Kawanishi) — minor
• Hanako Katsuta (voice) (played by Juri Kimura) — minor
• Youhei Sakaguchi (played by Riki Kitazawa) — supporting
• Joujirou Kizuki (played by Yuto Uemura) — supporting
• Takashi Sugiyama (played by Koki Uchiyama) — supporting
• Yukihiko Iwakura (played by Kazuyuki Okitsu) — supporting
• Joutarou Kizuki (played by Junya Enoki) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Kakeru Kurahara → Haiji Kiyose (Coach & Athlete)

  "Haiji recruits Kakeru and imposes strict training; Kakeru rebels but eventually accepts leadership when Haiji faints; Kakeru later interrogates Haiji...

• Joutarou Kizuki → Hanako Katsuta (voice) (Crush)

  "Finally realizing his romantic feelings, Jota accelerates and climbs in the standings; Hanako cheers for him on the sidelines."

• Joutarou Kizuki → Joujirou Kizuki (Twins and Sash Passers)

  "As the older twin passes the sash to his younger brother, Joji is informed about Hanako\u2019s feelings and becomes distracted."

• Haiji Kiyose → Genichirou Tazaki (voice) (Coach & Coach)

  "Haiji reports their progress to Coach Tazaki; Haiji sends a message to Prince through Tazaki in the coach\u2019s vehicle."

• Haiji Kiyose → Youhei Sakaguchi (Leader and Healed Follower)

  "King thinks back on a conversation he had once with Haiji. Will Haiji\u2019s words free him from the doubts that cling to him? King carries all of it...

• Haiji Kiyose → Joutarou Kizuki (Leader and Strategic Starter)

  "Prince bears the heavy responsibility of starting the race and conserves his strength. It\u2019s all part of Haiji\u2019s plan to take the top."

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Kakeru Kurahara → Kousuke Sakaki (voice) (Rivals)

  "Kakeru reunites with old teammate Sakaki who persistently provokes him; Kakeru grabs him at Lake Shirakaba but friends intervene."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Joujirou Kizuki (Teammates)

  "Kakeru asks Prince to quit depending on performance; Kakeru follows him around nagging him to stay."

• Haiji Kiyose → Kazuma Fujioka (voice) (Old Friends)

  "Fujioka tells Kakeru about his shared history with Haiji; Fujioka finds Haiji at the end and they reassure one another."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Akane Kashiwazaki (Friends)

  "Nico-chan reveals hidden feelings about running; Kakeru advises him to try as hard as possible."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Kazuma Fujioka (voice) (Mentor & Protégé)

  "Fujioka methodically shows Kakeru the answer to passersby remarks; Fujioka finds Haiji and exchanges words."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Joutarou Kizuki (Teammates)

  "Jota accelerates realizing romantic feelings; Kakeru asks Tazaki to deliver a message to keep the race on track."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Yukihiko Iwakura (Teammates)

  "Shindo suggests picking a temporary captain; Shindo approaches Yuki to turn anxiety into strength."

• Kakeru Kurahara → Akihiro Hirata (Teammates)

  "King rebels against Haiji's demands and closes himself off; Kakeru voices objections to early track meets."

• Joujirou Kizuki → Hanako Katsuta (voice) (Friends)

  "Joji is informed about Hanako\u2019s feelings and becomes distracted; the twins watch the race with Hanako."

Story Analysis

A single-season arc tracking a group of amateur dorm residents recruited by Haiji Kiyose to run the Hakone Ekiden, focusing on personal growth, team dynamics, and overcoming past trauma.

Plot Progression

1. Phase 1: Formation & Rebellion
2. Phase 2: Defeat & Revelation
3. Phase 3: Leadership & Records
4. Phase 4: Camp & Qualifier
5. Phase 5: Hakone Ekiden & Resolution