Kashima

Kashima is hospitable, polite and attentive to his guests, even when their unfamiliarity with Ermina makes ordinary local customs confusing. He leaves Team Natsu to choose their rooms freely and makes sure they receive the special beverage necessary to survive the town's nightly submersion.

His friendly demeanor has a clear limit where Mercphobia is concerned. Kashima shares Ermina's strong loyalty to the Water Dragon God and becomes confrontational when he believes outsiders intend to attack him.

Kashima uses Transformation Magic associated with Mercphobia's influence, allowing him to change between human and fish forms. His aquatic form permits him to breathe underwater and continue functioning normally after Ermina sinks beneath the sea at high tide.

He also supplies Hotel Journey's guests with a special beverage that temporarily enables humans to breathe, speak and swim effectively underwater. The potion is an essential amenity in a hotel that periodically ends up beneath the ocean.

Kashima is among the first Ermina residents Team Natsu meets. Natsu Dragneel and Happy initially encounter him in fish form at Hotel Journey before he transforms into a human and identifies himself as the manager. He soon rushes away because he has remembered his date, leaving the newcomers with instructions about their rooms and complimentary drinks.

When high tide submerges Ermina, Kashima explains why the mysterious beverage was necessary. His behavior and transformation help establish that the town's strange aquatic lifestyle is normal to its inhabitants and intimately connected with Mercphobia's magic.

Sameko is Kashima's date and romantic partner. He hurries away from Hotel Journey shortly after Team Natsu arrives because he has remembered that he is supposed to meet her.

Mercphobia is the deity and protector Kashima reveres alongside the other residents of Ermina. Kashima is prepared to oppose outsiders when he believes the Water Dragon God is being threatened.

Gray Fullbuster encounters Kashima during Ermina's submerged period and sees firsthand how strongly the hotel manager defends Mercphobia. Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, Erza Scarlet, Wendy Marvell, Happy and Carla are his unusual group of hotel guests during Team Natsu's search for the Water Dragon God.