Mafuyu Satō has slightly unkempt, pink-tinged hair that falls over parts of his face, giving him a soft and somewhat melancholic appearance. His eyes share a similar pinkish hue, contributing to his delicate and expressive look.

For his typical outfit, Mafuyu wears a cardigan layered over a buttoned, collared white shirt, paired with dark trousers. His pants are usually tucked into laced boots, completing his modest and understated style.

Mafuyu Satō is a quiet, introverted, and emotionally reserved individual. He often struggles to express his thoughts and feelings, which can lead to moments of silence or avoidance such as walking away from emotionally difficult situations or becoming overwhelmed in social settings. Despite his quiet nature, Mafuyu is observant and sensitive to the actions and emotions of those around him.

He is shown to be highly diligent and committed to his role in the band. Mafuyu pays close attention to the group’s dynamics and performance quality, and even takes up a part-time job to support his involvement demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility. He also displays a natural aptitude for music, quickly adapting and learning as a vocalist.

Mafuyu tends to speak in a direct and literal manner, sometimes interpreting comments or suggestions word-for-word. This straightforwardness, combined with his quiet demeanor, adds to his gentle and sincere personality.

Before the events of Given, Mafuyu Satō lived a quiet and emotionally complex life. He grew up in a rural area and formed a close childhood friendship with Yuki Yoshida, which later developed into a romantic relationship. Yuki was the original owner of the Gibson ES-330 guitar that Mafuyu now carries. The two shared a deep emotional bond, though their relationship was marked by unspoken tension and difficulty expressing feelings openly.

Tragically, Yuki died by suicide, an event that left Mafuyu deeply traumatized and consumed by guilt. Following Yuki’s death, Mafuyu became withdrawn and emotionally repressed, carrying the weight of his unresolved grief. He stopped playing music and distanced himself from others, struggling to process his emotions and articulate his pain.

After transferring to a new school, Mafuyu’s life begins to change when he meets Ritsuka Uenoyama, a fellow student and guitarist. Their chance meeting centered around Mafuyu’s broken guitar sparks the beginning of his journey toward emotional healing. Through music, and with the support of Uenoyama and the band, Mafuyu slowly learns to express himself again, both vocally and emotionally, eventually coming to terms with his past and rediscovering his love for music.

Ritsuka Uenoyama
Mafuyu’s most significant relationship in Given is with Ritsuka Uenoyama, a fellow high school student and guitarist. Their relationship begins when Mafuyu asks Uenoyama to repair his broken guitar. Initially reluctant, Uenoyama becomes intrigued by Mafuyu’s unique presence and powerful singing voice. Over time, the two grow closer through music, with Uenoyama teaching Mafuyu to play guitar and eventually inviting him to join his band as the lead vocalist. Their emotional connection deepens as Mafuyu begins to open up about his traumatic past, and Uenoyama becomes a source of comfort and encouragement. Eventually, their bond evolves into a romantic relationship, marking a significant turning point in both of their lives.

Yuki Yoshida
Yuki was Mafuyu’s childhood friend and romantic partner. They shared a deep bond, and Yuki originally owned the guitar that Mafuyu carries. However, their relationship was strained by communication issues and unresolved emotions. Yuki’s unexpected suicide left Mafuyu devastated and burdened with guilt, unable to express the feelings he had for Yuki. The pain of this loss haunts Mafuyu throughout the series and becomes the emotional foundation for the lyrics of the band’s first original song. Coming to terms with Yuki’s death is a crucial part of Mafuyu’s journey toward healing.

Hiragi Kashima
Hiragi is a former classmate and close friend of both Mafuyu and Yuki. After Yuki’s death, their relationship becomes strained, largely due to unspoken guilt and unresolved grief. Hiragi initially blames himself for what happened, and when he and Mafuyu cross paths again, their encounter triggers painful memories. Over time, however, they are able to confront their shared loss and begin to mend their fractured friendship.

Haruki Nakayama and Akihiko Kaji
Haruki and Akihiko are bandmates of Uenoyama and later become important figures in Mafuyu’s life as fellow members of the band Given. Haruki is warm and supportive, often encouraging Mafuyu, especially as he struggles with songwriting and self-expression. Akihiko, though more enigmatic, also shows a protective and understanding side. Both of them accept Mafuyu into the band and treat him as a valued member, helping him build confidence and a new sense of belonging.

At the beginning of the Given anime, Mafuyu Satō is introduced as a quiet and withdrawn high school student who often has recurring dreams tied to a tragic past. He is first seen sleeping alone on a secluded staircase at school, where he is approached by Ritsuka Uenoyama, who notices Mafuyu’s broken and rusted guitar strings. After initially criticizing him for neglecting his instrument, Uenoyama ends up fixing the guitar, moved by the sadness on Mafuyu’s face. Impressed by Uenoyama’s skill and kindness, Mafuyu immediately asks him to teach him how to play guitar.

Mafuyu’s earnest and persistent attempts to learn guitar lead him to follow Uenoyama after school, ultimately arriving at the studio where Uenoyama practices with his band Haruki Nakayama (bass) and Akihiko Kaji (drums). Mesmerized by their sound, Mafuyu becomes emotionally drawn to their music. Despite Uenoyama’s initial reluctance, he begins teaching Mafuyu guitar, and the two slowly form a bond.

As Mafuyu spends more time with the band, he is encouraged to contribute more and even finds a part-time job to help cover studio fees. Although he struggles to articulate his feelings, he gradually opens up, and it becomes clear he has a powerful singing voice. One day, while trying to describe a tune stuck in his head, he begins to hum it, sparking curiosity from Uenoyama. This song later becomes a central piece in their band’s live performance.

When Uenoyama formally invites him to join the band as a vocalist, Mafuyu initially declines, hesitant and still grappling with emotional wounds. During this time, he is startled when he encounters an old school friend, Hiragi Kashima, and hears the name of Yuki, someone from his past. Overwhelmed, Mafuyu runs away. It’s later revealed that Yuki was Mafuyu’s childhood friend and romantic partner, who died by suicide, leaving Mafuyu deeply traumatized and burdened with guilt.

Mafuyu struggles with the weight of his past, unsure if his passion for music stems from a genuine love for it or a need to cope with his grief. However, with continued support from Uenoyama and the band, Mafuyu decides to accept the invitation to join the group. He begins channeling his emotions into songwriting, aiming to express what he had never been able to say aloud.

As the band prepares for their upcoming live performance, Mafuyu works on lyrics for the song inspired by his memories of Yuki. While participating in everyday school activities like basketball and part-time work, he continues to confront his pain and isolation. During a heartfelt conversation with Uenoyama on their school staircase, Mafuyu finally admits that he truly loved someone, signifying a major emotional breakthrough.

Leading up to the concert, Mafuyu is unsure whether he can perform. A conversation with Haruki about grief and relationships helps him find clarity. At the live show, Mafuyu delivers a raw, emotional performance that moves the audience and his bandmates, giving voice to the feelings he had long suppressed.

In the days that follow, Mafuyu and Uenoyama grow closer. Their bond deepens both musically and emotionally, culminating in the beginning of their romantic relationship. Though Mafuyu continues to carry the scars of his past, he begins to find healing through his music and the people around him, embracing the future with renewed purpose.