Tamako Shima
Tamako Shima |
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| Kanji: | 志磨 珠子 |
| Romaji | Shima Tamako |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 21 |
| Birthday: | February 1, 1910 |
| Height: | 165cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Yume Miyamoto |
| English: | Elizabeth Quedenfeld |
Tamako Shima (志磨 珠子, Shima Tamako), is one of the supporting characters in Taisho Otome Fairy Tale. She is the second daughter of the Shima family and the younger sister of Tamahiko Shima, the main protagonist. Though she doesn’t have as prominent a role as Tamahiko or Yuzuki, Tamako’s character adds depth to the Shima family dynamic and provides additional emotional context for Tamahiko’s journey. As one of Tamahiko’s younger sisters, Tamako is part of the family’s complex and sometimes strained relationships, offering a more nuanced look at the familial bonds in the series.
Tamako’s role serves as a reflection of the broader family dynamics, showing that while Tamahiko’s life may be difficult and isolated, his family, including Tamako, still plays an important part in his life and emotional development.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Tamako Shima comes from the prestigious Shima family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Tokyo. As the second daughter, Tamako’s position in the family is less significant than Tamahiko’s, and her relationship with him is colored by the family dynamics that define their upbringing. Tamako’s life, like that of her siblings, is shaped by the expectations placed on them by their family’s legacy.
While Tamako is not as deeply involved in the main plot as Tamahiko, she still represents an important part of his family and serves as a connection to his past. Her relationship with Tamahiko is less strained than his with their parents, offering a glimpse into a more typical sibling dynamic within the Shima family.
Tamako’s character arc is subtle, and her development comes primarily through her relationship with Tamahiko and the Shima family. She is supportive of Tamahiko, and her presence in his life, while not central, is a reminder of the familial ties that help him maintain his sense of self despite his trauma.
Appearance
Tamako Shima has an appearance that reflects her upbringing within the Shima family. She has dark hair, typically styled in a neat, conservative way that aligns with her family’s sense of propriety and status. Like many in the Shima family, Tamako’s clothing is formal and elegant, suitable for someone from a wealthy background. Her demeanor is often calm and composed, embodying the reserved nature of her family.
Tamako’s features convey kindness and warmth, though she does not stand out as much as her older brother Tamahiko, whose tragic story takes the spotlight. Her more understated appearance complements her role in the story as a secondary but supportive character.
Personality
Tamako Shima is gentle, kind-hearted, and often appears more grounded and emotionally stable compared to her older brother, Tamahiko. As one of his younger sisters, she is portrayed as being supportive and caring, especially when it comes to her relationship with him. Tamako, unlike Tamahiko, has a more typical life and does not seem to carry the same emotional burdens. However, she is still aware of the tensions within the Shima family, particularly the strains caused by Tamahiko’s trauma and his complicated relationship with their parents.
While she is not as outspoken as some of the other characters, Tamako’s compassion and concern for her family are clear in her actions. She often provides a sense of comfort and stability for Tamahiko, helping him feel less isolated, even if her role is not as prominent in the storyline.
Tamako is a character who values family and her connection to her siblings. Though she does not face the same trials as Tamahiko, her support for him is unwavering, and her presence in his life represents the love and familial care that remains despite their challenges.
Role in the Story
Reconnecting with Tamahiko: Tamako first appears when she visits Tamahiko, sent by their father or under her own initiative to assess his condition. Her initial attitude is distant and judgmental, echoing the Shima family’s disappointment in Tamahiko’s “disability” and exile.
Gradual Change: Through her interactions with Tamahiko and Yuzuki, Tamako begins to see a different side of life one not ruled by prestige or control, but by kindness and sincerity. These experiences subtly change her worldview, and she becomes more open, though still reluctant to fully express affection.
Emotional Growth: Tamako’s visits become more than obligatory; they reflect a quiet curiosity and growing emotional connection to her brother. While she continues to hide behind sarcasm, moments of care peek through, especially as she becomes aware of Tamahiko’s new life and his determination to grow beyond his family’s shadow.
Relationships
Tamahiko Shima: Tamako’s older brother. Though she initially belittles him for being weak and “cast aside” by the family, she gradually warms up to him and recognizes his emotional strength. Their sibling relationship evolves from cold estrangement to muted respect and subtle affection.
Yuzuki Tachibana: Tamako is intrigued by Yuzuki’s gentle and cheerful nature. While she pretends to be unimpressed, she quietly acknowledges Yuzuki’s influence on Tamahiko’s transformation and often observes their interactions with quiet envy or fascination.