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Tadano Hitohito

Hitohito Tadano (只ただ野の 仁ひと人ひと, Tadano Hitohito) is a central character in Komi Can’t Communicate. On the surface, he may seem like an average teenage boy, but beneath this unassuming exterior lies an exceptional ability to observe and understand the emotions of those around him. Tadano’s sharp insight into human behavior allows him to connect with others in a way few can.

When he notices that his classmate, Shouko Komi, struggles with extreme social anxiety, Tadano takes it upon himself to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends by the end of high school. His unwavering support and intuitive understanding of her needs play a crucial role in Komi’s journey to overcome her communication disorder and form meaningful connections with others.

I think… that I could be happy if I could just spend every day like this with you.
— Tadano Hitohito

Appearance

Hitohito Tadano is often described as an average student with a typical appearance, standing at a modest height with an unremarkable build. His clothing style is similarly conventional, blending in effortlessly with his peers. The only feature that sets him apart is a distinct, white flower-shaped cowlick in his otherwise black hair, which adds a subtle uniqueness to his look.

However, Tadano’s appearance takes an unexpected turn during the Cultural Festival, when he is reluctantly coerced into cross-dressing. Surprisingly, he catches the admiration of his classmates, including Shouko Komi. In this new guise, Tadano wears a short, red-haired wig styled into playful pigtails, turning heads and even earning him praise from the boys, showcasing a side of him that’s both humorous and charming.


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Personality

Hitohito Tadano is known for his easygoing, kind-hearted, and perceptive nature. Unlike Komi, the protagonist who struggles with social anxiety, Tadano is approachable and compassionate, often taking on the role of a mediator and support system for his classmates. He has a keen sense of observation and empathy, allowing him to understand people’s feelings and needs, even when they are not directly communicated.

Though he is humble and self-aware, Tadano tends to avoid the spotlight and sometimes questions his own significance in Komi’s life. Despite this, he shows great courage in his own way, stepping up to help Komi achieve her goal of making 100 friends. His loyalty and determination are crucial to her journey of gaining social confidence. Tadano’s personality is defined by his thoughtfulness, his genuine willingness to assist others, and a calming presence that helps balance Komi’s anxious tendencies.

History

In his second year of middle school, Hitohito Tadano went through achuunibyouphase, during which he believed he was special and superior to others. After confessing his feelings to a girl and being rejected, he became acutely self-conscious of his identity. This rejection led him to drastically change his appearance and attitude, striving to blend in and avoid standing out. From that point on, everything about him—his height, weight, academic performance, athletic ability, and even his ice-skating skills—became perfectly average, as he sought to be as unnoticeable as possible.

However, on his first day of high school, Hitohito quickly recognized that Shouko Komi struggled with a communication disorder. Driven by empathy, he decided to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends, despite his own uneventful social life. Although Tadano may not possess any extraordinary talents, he has shown a knack for gift-giving, often surprising others with thoughtful presents.

Tadano’s greatest strength lies in his ability to “read the room,” a skill that allows him to navigate social situations smoothly and avoid conflicts. This talent is particularly useful in understanding Shouko’s feelings and thoughts, even when she has difficulty expressing them. His sensitivity to the emotions of those around him is so acute that Nakanaka has jokingly accused him of being a mind reader. However, while Tadano excels at empathy, he is somewhat oblivious when it comes to romance and often fails to notice when others have romantic feelings for him.

Due to his assigned seat next to Shouko, many of his classmates initially harbored resentment and jealousy toward him. His quiet, observant nature, combined with his association with the popular Komi, led some to view him with suspicion. As a result, his friends and teachers often take advantage of his kind-heartedness, knowing he is unlikely to refuse any request.

Trivia

    • The name Hitohito Tadano (只ただ野の 仁ひと人ひと) is a play on the phrase tada no hito (ただの人), meaning “just some guy.”
    • In the one-shot, his name was Tadano Shigeo.
    • His online handle is †JIN-JIN†.
    • During his chuunibyou phase, he often wore popped-up shirt collars and T-shirts with Sanskrit characters, striking poses with his hands on his neck as if in pain.
    • He likes old buildings of historical significance.
    • Tadano makes a very convincing girl, to the point where some of his male classmates refer to him as their “imaginary girlfriend” using the nickname “Tadano-Kun-Chan.”
    • He has shown signs of being a masochist, such as when he enjoyed being whipped in the face and being stood on. However, this might just be due to the Komi Effect.
    • Tadano’s mother has a French name (Jeanne), which is unusual in Japan.
    • His ability to “read the room” is so sharp that it borders on telepathy.
    • Tadano’s profile icon features a picture of a tomato.
    • In the first popularity poll, Tadano placed second.
    • Over time, he has become a close friend of Makoto, able to see through his gruff exterior.