Dou kyu sei – Classmates - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is simply to succeed academically and get into a good university. As he falls for Kusakabe, his motivation shifts to navigating the complexities of their relationship and finding a way to maintain their bond despite their diverging life paths. He is driven by a deep-seated desire for stability and a fear of the unknown.

Sajo begins as a timid and studious honor student, isolated by his own anxiety and diligence. His world is orderly and focused on academics. Through his relationship with the spontaneous Kusakabe, Sajo learns to step outside his comfort zone, embrace emotion, and confront his insecurities about the future. His arc is about learning to balance his meticulous nature with the unpredictable currents of love and life, ultimately gaining the confidence to voice his desires and trust in their shared future.

His primary motivation is to live in the present and pursue what makes him happy, whether it's his music or his feelings for Sajo. He is driven by his emotions and a desire for genuine connection, which he finds for the first time with Sajo. His challenge is to translate his passionate, in-the-moment feelings into a stable, long-term commitment.

Kusakabe starts as a popular, carefree, and somewhat impulsive musician who seems to drift through life with ease. He is drawn to Sajo's earnestness, which is a stark contrast to his own casual world. His relationship with Sajo forces him to think more seriously about the future and commitment. He develops from a boy driven by momentary feelings into a young man who understands the depth of his love and is willing to make sincere promises, learning that true freedom in a relationship comes from dedication, not just spontaneity.

His motivations are not fully explicit in the film. He seems drawn to Sajo's innocence and intelligence, but his actions also suggest a degree of loneliness or a history of his own romantic complications. He acts as a brief, potential obstacle that the main characters must overcome.

Manabu Hara, the music teacher, is a minor but intriguing character. He initially appears as a supportive teacher but is later revealed to have his own interest in Sajo, creating a brief moment of tension. His presence serves as an external test for the couple's relationship and hints at a wider world of adult gay relationships. While his own story is not explored deeply in the film, he functions as a catalyst for Kusakabe's protective instincts and Sajo's affirmation of his choice.