
Junta Shiraishi
Junta Shiraishi |
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Kanji: | 白石 純太 |
Romaji | Shiraishi Junta |
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Age: | 17 |
Birthday: | April 25th |
Height: | 166 cm |
Portrayed by: | |
Japanese: | Kengo Kawanishi |
English: | No English Dub Yet |
Junta Shiraishi (白石 純太, Shiraishi Junta), is the male protagonist of Kubo-san wa Boku (Mobu) wo Yurusanai. He is a second-year student at Haruka North High School, specifically in Year 2, Class 1. Junta is a unique character in that he lacks almost any kind of presence, making him nearly invisible to those around him. People often overlook him or assume he’s not there, which contributes to his quiet and unassuming nature.
Despite this, Nagisa Kubo, the female protagonist of the series, is the one exception. She has the unique ability to find Junta quickly and often seeks him out, marking the start of their dynamic. Junta’s lack of presence and subtle charm make him an interesting protagonist, as his development throughout the story focuses on his interactions with Kubo and his gradual emergence from the background of his school life.
Background

Appearance in Anime
Junta Shiraishi is a relatively invisible high school student who spends most of his time blending into the background. His lack of presence is so pronounced that people forget about him, often not noticing him in a room or assuming that he isn’t there. This peculiar trait gives Junta a sense of social invisibility, making him seem almost like a ghost to others, which contributes to his isolation.
However, despite his quiet nature, Junta’s story begins to change when he meets Nagisa Kubo, a classmate who always seems to notice him. Kubo’s ability to see through his lack of presence and her constant interest in him start to break down the emotional barriers that Junta has built around himself, leading to a unique relationship between the two.
Junta’s background is defined by this social invisibility, which serves as a major part of his character arc. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he slowly emerges from the background to develop deeper relationships and find his place in the world.
Appearance
Junta Shiraishi has a simple, unremarkable appearance, which plays into his character’s tendency to blend into the background. He doesn’t stand out in a crowd, and his features are rather neutral, contributing to his invisible nature. His dark hair and modest attire align with his persona as someone who doesn’t draw attention to himself, allowing him to go unnoticed by most people.
His appearance is deliberately designed to be plain and unassuming, reflecting his low profile in the social hierarchy. However, as his relationship with Nagisa Kubo develops, small changes in his expressions and mannerisms become more noticeable, hinting at his emotional growth and gradual emergence from the background.
Personality
Junta Shiraishi’s personality is defined by his shyness, introversion, and lack of presence. He is quiet, rarely speaks out, and tends to avoid drawing attention to himself. His lack of assertiveness often leads to him being ignored or overlooked by others, which contributes to his low self-esteem and sense of invisibility.
Despite his tendency to fade into the background, Junta is not completely passive. He is introspective and has a deeper side that is explored through his interactions with Nagisa Kubo. Although he starts off as someone who avoids social interaction, Junta begins to show more of his true self as his relationship with Kubo develops. He is kind-hearted, empathetic, and soft-spoken, but his lack of presence makes it difficult for others to see these qualities at first.
Junta’s personality is one of subtle charm, as his quiet demeanor often hides a more thoughtful and caring nature. His growth throughout the story revolves around his ability to express himself and gain the confidence to step out of the shadows.
Role in the Story
Life in the Background: When the story begins, Shiraishi is already used to his status as a “mob character” in school a term referring to background characters in fiction. Teachers forget to call his name during roll, classmates don’t realize he’s nearby, and he often has entire conversations in his head because no one talks to him. He quietly dreams of being noticed, but doubts it will ever happen.
The Kubo Effect: Shiraishi’s world changes when Nagisa Kubo consistently acknowledges his presence. She initiates conversations, challenges him to small public dares, and teases him in light-hearted ways all of which catch him off-guard. Her ability to see him when no one else does baffles and intrigues him, but also begins to fill the emotional void in his daily life.
Growing Confidence: As Kubo’s attention becomes a regular part of his routine, Shiraishi becomes more comfortable expressing himself. He smiles more, opens up about his interests, and starts to challenge his own assumptions about being invisible. Over time, he develops feelings for Kubo, though he struggles to interpret her intentions clearly due to his own self-doubt.
Relationships
Nagisa Kubo: The main female protagonist and Shiraishi’s classmate. She is the only person who consistently notices him, engages with him, and treats him like he matters. Her playful teasing and sincere attention gradually draw Shiraishi out of his shell. Their relationship grows slowly and tenderly, forming the emotional core of the series.
Shiraishi’s Younger Brother: Shiraishi has a younger brother who is more confident and sociable than he is. Their interactions show a softer, more familial side of Shiraishi, as well as his capacity to care deeply for others.
Classmates and Teachers: Most of Shiraishi’s classmates and even teachers are unaware of his presence due to his extreme lack of visibility. This leads to many comical yet painful moments such as being forgotten during class activities or ignored in public places.