Yukiko Inomata

Yukiko is friendly, energetic and hospitable. She treats Chinatsu naturally after she moves into the family home, working to make the teenager feel like a member of the household rather than a burdensome guest.

She is also observant and direct with Taiki. Yukiko understands her son's habits well and can recognize when something is affecting him, though she generally gives him room to work through school, badminton and his personal life himself.

Her own history as an athlete gives her an understanding of the commitment required by both Taiki and Chinatsu. She does not dismiss their sports as extracurricular hobbies and recognizes the significance of their ambitions.

Yukiko was a basketball player at Eimei Senior High and played the center position. She belonged to the girls' basketball team alongside Chinatsu's mother, establishing the connection between the two families long before Taiki and Chinatsu became close.

Although her playing career is in the past by the main story, that background gives her firsthand knowledge of Eimei's athletic culture and the demands placed on serious high-school athletes.

Her most important practical role in the present is as a parent. Yukiko provides a stable household for Taiki and, after the Kano family's circumstances change, for Chinatsu as well.

Yukiko is introduced as Taiki's mother and quickly becomes central to the change in his home life. When Chinatsu's parents prepare to move abroad for work, Yukiko's old friendship with Chinatsu's mother provides a solution that allows Chinatsu to remain in Japan and continue pursuing basketball at Eimei.

As a result, Chinatsu moves into the Inomata home. Taiki, who had already developed feelings for her, suddenly has to adjust to living with the person he admired from their early-morning gym sessions.

As Taiki and Chinatsu grow closer, Yukiko remains an important adult presence around them. She provides the household stability that allows Chinatsu to continue chasing her athletic goals while living away from her parents, without attempting to control the teenagers' developing relationship.

Taiki Inomata is Yukiko's son. She supports his badminton ambitions while giving him considerable independence in his school and personal life.

Chinatsu Kano lives with Yukiko's family after her parents move abroad. Yukiko treats her as part of the household and supports her continued attendance at Eimei.

Chinatsu's Mother is Yukiko's former Eimei basketball teammate. Their longstanding relationship is the reason she trusts the Inomata family to house Chinatsu.

Taiki's Father is Yukiko's husband and shares responsibility for the Inomata household.

Taiki's Grandfather is part of Taiki's paternal family and another adult associated with the household.