Masato Inohara is a core member of the Little Busters and the roommate of Riki Naoe. Often portrayed as muscle-obsessed and somewhat dense, Masato is actually one of the most dependable and loyal members of the group. He enjoys sparring with Kengo Miyazawa, enthusiastically participates in the group’s antics, and frequently shows a lighthearted willingness to vacate the room for his friends. Masato has a particular fondness for Riki, which he expresses openly, and is passionate about training and increasing his physical strength.

In the Refrain arc, Masato temporarily leaves the Little Busters after doubting Riki’s strength to lead. When questioned by Riki about his departure, Masato reveals his desire to prove that he is the strongest. Haunted by the memory of his defeat on May 13, he falls into a confused state where he begins to perceive everyone around him as versions of himself reflecting his inner turmoil and lack of direction in life.

Following his defeat by Riki and Rin, Masato recalls his past: he was bullied as a child and turned to strength training to avoid being victimized. Despite becoming physically stronger, he remained emotionally isolated. His turning point came when Kyousuke Natsume challenged and defeated him, listened to his story, and then invited him to join the Little Busters. For Masato, this invitation marked the end of his lonely struggle. Riki later echoes Kyousuke’s gesture by inviting Masato back into the group, which he accepts.

During the school excursion, Masato plays a crucial role in the real world by saving Riki during the bus accident, solidifying his significance in both the emotional and physical journeys of the story.

Masato is easily recognized by his tall stature being the tallest character in the series as well as his black spiky hair, which is accented by a signature red headband. He has sharp blue eyes and a well-built physique that reflects his dedication to physical training.

His usual outfit includes a red shirt layered under a black jacket, paired with light blue jeans. This casual yet distinctive look complements his straightforward and energetic personality.

Before joining the Little Busters, Masato experienced a difficult childhood marked by bullying. In response, he devoted himself to physical training, aiming to become strong enough to never be picked on again. Though he achieved his goal and built an impressive physique, the pursuit of strength left him isolated and unsure of his purpose.

His life took a turn when Kyousuke Natsume challenged him to a fight and emerged victorious. Instead of treating him as an enemy, Kyousuke listened to Masato’s story and invited him to join the Little Busters. This moment became a turning point for Masato, as it gave him a sense of belonging and companionship he had never experienced before.

Over time, Masato formed close bonds with the other members, particularly with Riki Naoe, whom he views with affection and loyalty. He became a cornerstone of the group, always ready to support others in his own unique way.

During the events of Refrain, Masato briefly distances himself from the group in an effort to prove his own strength and confront his internal doubts. Through a battle with Riki and Rin, he confronts his past and rediscovers his purpose finding strength not just in muscle, but in friendship. Ultimately, he rejoins the Little Busters and plays a key role in rescuing Riki during the bus accident, highlighting his growth and the depth of his loyalty.

• Riki Naoe: Masato shares a close bond with Riki, who is also his roommate. Riki often tries to stop Masato from getting into fights or causing trouble, though his efforts are usually unsuccessful. Despite their contrasting personalities, Masato is openly affectionate toward Riki and deeply values their friendship.

• Kengo Miyazawa: Masato frequently argues with Kengo over trivial matters, leading to constant bickering between the two. Interestingly, their fights tend to occur only when Kyousuke is present, suggesting their rivalry is partially performative or rooted in their shared camaraderie.

• Rin Natsume: Masato and Rin have a contentious relationship characterized by frequent arguments and occasional physical scuffles. Rin often refers to Masato as a “muscle-brained idiot” and shows little patience for his antics. Despite their constant clashes, their interactions contribute to the lighthearted dynamic of the group.

The given name Masato (真人) is composed of the kanji masa (真), meaning “real” or “genuine,” and to (人), meaning “person.” His surname, Inohara (井ノ原), combines the kanji i (井), which means “well,” “mine shaft,” or “pit,” and hara (原), meaning “field” or “plain.”