Tae Sekihara

Tae is outgoing, friendly and practical. Running a busy restaurant gives her little patience for irresponsible behavior, particularly when Sanosuke continues eating despite already owing the Akabeko a substantial amount of money.

She nevertheless treats Kenshin's circle warmly and participates naturally in their everyday lives. Her restaurant becomes one of their principal gathering places, making Tae part of the social community surrounding the Kamiya dojo.

Tae also has a romantic streak. Particularly in the anime adaptation, she notices the affection developing between Kenshin and Kaoru and occasionally tries to encourage them toward one another.

Tae is a civilian with no established swordsmanship or supernatural abilities. Her skills lie in operating the Akabeko, managing employees and serving customers.

She demonstrates the organizational ability necessary to run a successful restaurant in Meiji-era Tokyo. She is also remarkably persistent when attempting to collect Sanosuke's accumulated debt.

Tae and the Akabeko provide an important everyday setting throughout the Tokyo portions of the story. Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and Sanosuke regularly gather there to eat, talk and celebrate.

Tae later employs Tsubame, bringing the shy girl into contact with Yahiko. When former retainers connected to Tsubame attempt to exploit her access to the restaurant, the Akabeko becomes the target of their planned robbery.

During Enishi's Jinchū campaign, the Akabeko is deliberately attacked as one of the places associated with Kenshin. The destruction brings the consequences of Kenshin's past directly into a location normally associated with friendship and ordinary life.

Tsubame Sanjou works for Tae at the Akabeko, and Tae treats the shy young waitress with considerable care.

Sanosuke Sagara is one of Tae's most frequent customers and owes the restaurant a continually growing debt.

Kenshin Himura is a regular customer and friend whom Tae welcomes at the Akabeko.

Kaoru Kamiya is Tae's friend, and Tae sometimes encourages her developing relationship with Kenshin.

Yahiko Myojin regularly visits the Akabeko and becomes especially close to Tsubame.

Sae Sekihara is Tae's twin sister and operates the Shirobeko restaurant in Kyoto.