Shōta Igarashi is a high school soccer star and Mino Saito’s classmate who develops a close bond with her and her family. Though he seems rough at first glance, he is actually kind, polite, and hardworking. He dreams of becoming a professional soccer player in Tokyo, yet he also feels a deep responsibility to his hometown and his family's apple orchard. In the end, Shōta marries Mino and inherits the apple farm, symbolizing his love and dedication to his roots.
Shōta Igarashi is a boy with spiky hair and sharp teeth, which can make him look scary to people who don’t know him well. Despite this, his appearance doesn't match his real personality, and he acts thoughtfully and politely.
Although Shōta looks tough, he is very shy and gets nervous around others.
He is especially awkward when talking to girls, and he thinks that someone like Mino Saito is out of his league.
He is also very respectful, and even treats older people with kindness and good manners.
Shōta is dedicated and hardworking, both in soccer and life.
Shōta is the grandson of Heisuke Igarashi.
He is a second-year student at Kitamachi High School and the ace of the soccer club.
Shōta is close to his grandfather, who sometimes sends him on errands to the Saito family.
Shōta is athletic and smart.
He is great at soccer, which makes him the ace of his school's team.
Mino describes him as someone who is good at sports and good at studying.
Shōta has a crush on Mino Saito, the most popular girl in school, but feels shy about it.
Even so, Shōta supports Shozo Saito, believing he is a good match for Mino.
Shōta also becomes friends with Shozo Saito and Ine Saito after meeting them at a local sports event.
He grows closer to the Saito family through various activities and experiences.
Encounter at the Sports Tournament
Shōta first meets Shozo and Ine Saito during a town sports contest.
The two suddenly appear much younger, surprising everyone.
Shōta is curious and soon finds himself involved with the Saito family.
A New Connection
Later, Heisuke Igarashi asks Shōta to deliver something to the Saito house.
While there, Shōta discovers that Mino is Shozo and Ine’s granddaughter.
This leads to Shōta visiting the Saito house more often.
Growing Closer to Mino
Shōta and Mino study together at a family restaurant.
During the school festival, Shozo encourages Shōta to ask Mino to the campfire dance, which he does.
Their friendship grows quickly, and they do many activities together, like going on a newlywed trip with Shozo and Ine.
Family and Dreams
Shōta helps Shozo take care of the Igarashi family’s apple storage.
He talks about his dream to become a soccer player and move to Tokyo.
However, he also says that he wants to give back to his hometown and might one day revive his grandfather's apple fields, no matter what happens with soccer.
Shozo Saito likes Shōta and thinks he is a great future husband for Mino.
Inheriting the Apple Orchard
Near the end of the story, Shozo and others teach Shōta how to take care of the apple orchard.
Shōta and Mino eventually get married and happily inherit the apple farm.
In the final scene, an elderly Shōta and Mino discover a golden apple in the orchard fifty years later, bringing the story to a close.
Shōta is described as a "good son" who deeply cares for his roots and family traditions.
He gets excited about the chance to visit the Saito house and help out.
He is especially liked by Shozo Saito as a future family member.
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