Character Relationship Map: Beijing Watermelon

Characters

• Haruzo Horikoshi (played by Bengal) — protagonist

  Haruzo runs a small grocery store with his wife, Michi, and welcomes Chinese students living in Japan with discounts, extra food, and practical support. His generosity makes the students see him as a...

• Michi Horikoshi (played by Masako Motai) — supporting

  Michi is Haruzo’s wife and shares responsibility for their small grocery store. She objects when he gives goods away and leaves the shop to spend time with the Chinese students, as his generosity wors...

• Yasuo Hirai (played by Kazunori Hagiwara) — supporting

  Yasuo works at Haruzo and Michi’s grocery store, where worsening conditions and unpaid wages frustrate him. He leaves for a supermarket job as the business falls into financial trouble. Later, he visi...

• Haruzo's Sister (played by Wakaba Irie) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Haruzo's Sister → Haruzo Horikoshi (sister)
• Haruzo Horikoshi → Yasuo Hirai (Professional Employer And Worker) — Haruzo's struggling business and the unpaid wages contribute to Yasuo's decision to leave; Yasuo later visits but says he will not return.

  Yasuo Hirai works at the store, becomes frustrated by its conditions and unpaid wages, and leaves for a supermarket job.

• Haruzo Horikoshi → Michi Horikoshi (Family Husband And Wife) — Their shared work and family life are strained by Haruzo's giving away goods and leaving the shop to help the students.

  The reference says Haruzo runs the grocery store with his wife, Michi, and describes their disagreements over his generosity and time spent with the s...

Story Analysis

A shopkeeper's generosity toward Chinese students tests his business and marriage while creating a lasting connection across countries.

Plot Progression

1. Kindness at the Shop — Haruzo and Michi run their small grocery store. Haruzo begins helping Chinese students with discounts, extra food, and support as they adapt to life in Japan.
2. Generosity Under Strain — The students come to see Haruzo as a father figure, while his giving and absences frustrate Michi. The store's finances worsen, and Yasuo leaves because of difficult conditions and unpaid wages.
3. The Cost of Care — Officials threaten to seize essential store equipment over unpaid taxes. Haruzo continues caring for the students, even as departures for China bring painful farewells.
4. A Distant Connection — Six years later, a newspaper recognizes Haruzo's role in Japan-China friendship, leaving him to consider the responsibility that comes with the students' respect. Yasuo confirms he will not return, an...