Hayato Kasukabe
Hayato Kasukabe |
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| Kanji: | 粕壁隼 |
| Romaji | Kasukabe Hayato |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 20 |
| Birthday: | July 30 |
| Height: | 178 cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Masaaki Mizunaka |
| English: | No English Dub Yet |
Hayato Kasukabe (粕壁 隼人, Kasukabe Hayato), is the main male protagonist of the manga and anime series Goddess Café Terrace (Kamigami no Asobi). After being orphaned at a young age due to an accident that claimed his parents’ lives, Hayato was raised by his grandmother, Sachiko Kasukabe, with whom he shared a close but complicated relationship. Following a major argument with his grandmother, Hayato left for Tokyo University (Tokyo U), and they spent three years without speaking to each other.
After Sachiko’s death, Hayato returned to his family home, initially with the intention of closing down the café his grandmother had run for many years. However, after coming to terms with his feelings, he ultimately decided to keep the café open, running it with five girls who were taken in by Sachiko as family. This decision marks the beginning of his journey as he becomes both the owner of the café and the leader of an unconventional family made up of the five girls, each of whom has a unique personality and background.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Hayato Kasukabe’s background is marked by loss and emotional complexity. After losing both of his parents at a young age, he was taken in by his grandmother, Sachiko Kasukabe, who raised him with love and care. However, their relationship became strained due to a series of unresolved issues, leading to a significant argument between them. This argument resulted in Hayato leaving for Tokyo University without maintaining contact with his grandmother for several years.
Upon Sachiko’s death, Hayato returns to his childhood home with the intention of closing down the café she had owned and operated. The café had been a sanctuary for several girls, whom Sachiko had taken in and raised as her own family. Initially, Hayato planned to sell the café and move on with his life, but after reflecting on his memories and the impact of the café on his life and the girls’ lives, he changes his mind. He decides to keep the café open and continue his grandmother’s legacy, ultimately learning the importance of family, responsibility, and self-discovery along the way.
Appearance
Hayato Kasukabe has a tall and lean build, with dark brown hair and a serious expression that reflects his internal struggles and emotional growth. His clothing style is typically simple yet neat, in line with his introverted and pragmatic personality. As the story progresses, Hayato’s expressions soften, reflecting his growth and developing relationships with the girls who live in the café.
His serious demeanor contrasts with the more energetic and colorful personalities of the girls at the café, but as he spends more time with them, his more gentle and caring side emerges. His appearance represents his reserved nature, though it gradually becomes more open and approachable as he begins to embrace his role as both the café owner and the male lead in the story.
Personality
Hayato Kasukabe is serious, reserved, and emotionally distant at the beginning of the story. He carries the weight of his past trauma and unresolved feelings about his family, particularly his estranged relationship with his grandmother. He is initially reluctant to become involved with the girls at the café, seeing it as a burden and a reminder of his painful past. However, over time, his personality softens as he bonds with the girls and comes to appreciate the importance of family and connection.
Though Hayato can be stubborn and reluctant to express his emotions, he is also deeply loyal, caring, and responsible. His character arc involves learning to open up and accept the love and support of the people around him. Through his interactions with the girls, he begins to rediscover his compassion and emotional depth, ultimately realizing that family isn’t defined by blood but by the connections and bonds we choose to build.
Role in the Story
The Return Home: After Sachiko’s death, Hayato returns to Familia with the sole purpose of closing it down and selling the land. However, his confrontation with the five girls who refuse to leave and passionately defend his grandmother’s wishes forces him to reevaluate. Moved by their sincerity and the realization of how much Sachiko cared for them, he decides to revive the café and manage it himself.
Rebuilding the Café and Family: As Hayato becomes involved in the day-to-day operations of Familia, he not only contends with business challenges but also the emotional complexities of living with five strong-willed women. Each of them brings their own baggage, personality, and affection toward him, resulting in comedic misunderstandings, romantic tension, and heartfelt moments. Hayato begins to mature emotionally, learning how to balance logic with empathy, and how to accept that family isn’t always defined by blood. Through shared experiences, he rebuilds the bond he lost with Sachiko and creates new ones with the girls she loved.
Relationships
Sachiko Kasukabe: His late grandmother and adoptive guardian. Though they were once close, their relationship fractured over differing life views. Despite their falling out, Hayato deeply respects her legacy, and his decision to continue running Familia stems from a desire to honor her memory.
Ouka Makuzawa, Ami Tsuruga, Riho Tsukishima, Shiragiku Ono, Akane Hououji: The five girls Sachiko took in. Initially clashing with them due to his cold and dismissive nature, Hayato gradually bonds with each of them. Their distinct personalities ranging from shy to fiery challenge his assumptions and force him to grow. Romantic tension is a recurring theme, though Hayato handles it with characteristic awkwardness and restraint.