Kensaku Kitamura

Kensaku is easygoing and supportive, allowing Kou considerable independence. He gives his son work around the sporting-goods shop and sends him on deliveries, but he does not push him into baseball simply because the family business revolves around sporting equipment.

He is attentive when Kou needs support even when Kou does not ask for it directly. Kensaku generally understands that his son prefers to conceal difficult emotions behind a casual attitude.

Kensaku's established expertise is commercial rather than athletic. Running Kitamura Sporting Goods gives him practical familiarity with baseball equipment and other sporting goods.

He follows professional baseball and supports the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, but the series does not establish him as a notable former player or coach.

Kensaku is present from the beginning through the close relationship between the Kitamura and Tsukishima families. One of his early errands sends Kou to deliver baseballs to the Tsukishima Batting Center, naturally connecting the family's store with the setting where Kou spends so much of his childhood.

After Wakaba's death, Kensaku recognizes that Kou needs an opportunity to get out of the house and quietly gives him money to attend the summer festival. As Kou's baseball career becomes increasingly serious, Kensaku remains a supportive parent and follows his son's games.

Kou Kitamura is Kensaku's son. Kensaku supports Kou Kitamura's baseball without placing excessive pressure on him.

Kimie Kitamura is Kensaku's wife and co-owner of the family's sporting-goods business.

Seiji Tsukishima and the neighboring Tsukishima family have a longstanding relationship with the Kitamuras, strengthened by their nearby businesses and their children's close friendships.