Kento Hinode
Kento Hinode |
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| Kanji | 日之出 賢人 |
| Rōmaji | Hinode Kenji |
| Statistics | |
| Species | Human Cat (temporary) |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 13-14 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Gray violet |
| Family | Sachiko Hinode (mother) Kenzo Hinode (grandfather) Yumi Hinode (elder sister) Tarou (pet dog; deceased) Miyo Sasaki (Girlfriend) |
| Voices | |
| Japanese | Natsuki Hanae |
| English | Johnny Yong Bosch |
Kento Hinode (日之出 賢人, Hinode Kento) is the deuteragonist of the 2020 anime film Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu (A Whisker Away). He is a middle school student struggling with personal hardships while maintaining a reserved and serious demeanor. Despite his quiet nature, he forms an important connection with the film’s protagonist, Miyo Sasaki, though he remains unaware of her secret ability to transform into a cat. He is also close friends with Masamichi Isami and plays a crucial role in the unfolding story of love, self-discovery, and acceptance.
Background

Kento Hinode with Taro
Kento Hinode was born into a multigenerational household, living with his parents and grandparents. As the only male member of the younger generation, he takes on various responsibilities within the family, particularly assisting in their traditional pottery workshop. His grandfather, a skilled potter, plays a significant role in shaping Kento’s interest in the craft, gradually fostering his appreciation for the art.
Despite his growing passion for pottery, Kento often finds himself burdened by expectations, balancing school life with his family duties. Meanwhile, his older sister tends to remain at home, either lounging on the sofa or performing occasional household chores. This dynamic adds to Kento’s sense of responsibility, as he feels obligated to support his family while navigating his own aspirations and personal struggles.
Appearance
Kento Hinode is a middle school student of average height with short black hair and large expressive eyes. His appearance is well-groomed, and he is typically seen wearing his neatly maintained school uniform, reflecting his responsible and disciplined nature. His tidy presentation contrasts with his more reserved personality. In Miyo Sasaki’s view, Kento is particularly charming, often describing him as cute.
Personality
Kento Hinode is a calm and reserved individual who tends to keep to himself, often appearing quiet and contemplative. While he maintains a composed demeanor, he is more open and friendly around those he trusts, such as his close friend Masamichi Isami. Despite his generally mild-mannered personality, Kento struggles with self-expression and often finds it difficult to convey his true emotions.
He admires Miyo Sasaki’s free-spirited and open-minded nature, wishing he could express himself as easily as she does. However, he is uncomfortable with overly pushy or intrusive behavior, as seen when he becomes embarrassed and frustrated after Miyo’s letter to him is publicly read aloud. This moment highlights his aversion to being placed in the spotlight and his discomfort with direct emotional confrontations.
Relationships
Miyo Sasaki
Kento refers to Miyo Sasaki as “Muge,” a nickname used by their classmates. Unaware of her true identity, he also names the mysterious white cat that frequently visits him “Tarō,” after his deceased pet dog. Kento develops a deep attachment to Tarō, finding comfort in the feline’s presence, especially during difficult times. He once noted that the cat “smells like the sun,” a scent he later recognizes on Miyo during a school break, hinting at a subconscious connection between the two.
Miyo, in her cat form, frequently visits Kento and learns about his personal struggles, including his family situation. She tries to cheer him up, though her persistent and sometimes reckless actions lead to moments of frustration between them. At one point, Kento expresses strong resentment toward Miyo, believing she is overly intrusive. However, it is later revealed that he never truly hated her, his anger stemmed from embarrassment and emotional confusion rather than actual disdain.
By the end of the film, after discovering Miyo’s dual identity and coming to understand her feelings, Kento realizes his own emotions for her. In a heartfelt moment, he confesses to Miyo, and she reciprocates his feelings, solidifying their relationship.
Tarō (Miyo’s Cat Form)
Tarō is the small white cat that Kento cares for, unaware that it is actually Miyo in disguise, using a mystical mask to transform. He feeds and looks after Tarō, treating the cat as a cherished companion, especially during difficult times. His bond with Tarō reflects his longing for understanding and comfort, unknowingly forming a deeper connection with Miyo than he initially realized.
Masamichi Isami
Masamichi Isami is Kento’s closest friend and a constant presence by his side throughout the film. The two share a strong friendship, with Isami being one of the few people Kento feels comfortable around. Isami also plays a subtle role in Kento’s emotional growth, offering support and teasing him about his feelings. It is suggested that Kento first experienced a fleeting sense of admiration or passing infatuation while observing Isami’s carefree nature.
Yoriko Fukase
Yoriko Fukase is a mutual friend of Kento and Miyo, often seen spending time with them and Isami during school breaks. While their interactions are not as deeply explored, Kento is shown casually hanging out with Yoriko as part of their friend group, contributing to the social dynamics of their school life.
