Takeshi Yagashira

Takeshi Yagashira occupies a quietly pivotal role in the story as the protagonist's father. While he nominally runs the antique shop 'Kura', his true calling lies in writing historical fiction. Recognizing early on that he lacked the innate appraisal gift possessed by both his father and his son Kiyotaka, he redirected his path toward literature. Laid-back by nature, he largely leaves the shop's daily affairs to Kiyotaka, and rather than suppressing the complicated envy he feels toward his son's brilliance, he channels it into his writing—giving authentic voice to the darker, more ambiguous corners of human nature.