Akane Kinoshita

**Overview**PlotCharacterGallery

**Disambiguation notice for Akane Kinoshita:**
*This article is about the **manga serialization** version of this character. For **anime adaptation**, see Akane Kinoshita (anime).*

## Akane Kinoshita

* Colored
* Pre-time skip
* Time skip

### Also Known As

* Akane-san (by Yamada, Runa)
* Akanecchi (by Eita)
* Akane-chan (by Takezo)
* Big Sis (by Kotaro)
* Rio-Rio (by Tani)

### Relatives

* Sumire Kinoshita (Mother)
* Kaede Kinoshita (Older Sister)
* Kotaro Kinoshita (Younger Brother)

## Biographical Information

### Marital status

Single
(However, in a romantic relationship with Akito Yamada)

## Physical Description

### Eye color

* Green (chapter covers and illustrations)
* Dark Blue (older colored pages)

## Professional Information

### **Previous Partner**

* Takuma Furukawa (ex-boyfriend)
* Shinohara (at Work)
* Hasegawa (at Work)

### **Affiliation**

* J University (Student)
* Chocolate Rabbit Guild (Member)

## Debut

### Manga

Chapter 1

 — Akane to Satsuki, talking about Yamada.

**Akane Kinoshita** (木之下 茜, *Kinoshita Akane*) is one of the two protagonists of the *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* manga series as well as its anime adaptation.

Prior to actually meeting Yamada and falling in love with him, she was a typical college student who had just broken up with her ex-boyfriend, Takuma Furukawa, primarily due to him becoming infatuated with another female gamer he met in the game Forest Of Savior. As a result, he had ditched Akane and cheated on her as well. She is a player in the aforementioned game and a member of the guild Chocolate Rabbit. Her in-game character's name is Akane, and she is a Paladin. She is not a tech savvy, but she enjoys the game and gets along with everyone.

## Appearance

Akane is a charming young girl with an average height and fair complexion. Her most striking feature is her long, luscious blonde hair that cascades down to her tailbone. Her eyes are predominantly green, as depicted on the manga covers and official anime trailer for the series, but they occasionally appear blue, as seen on the first chapter cover.

When it comes to fashion, Akane has a keen sense of style and always looks trendy. She usually wears a long dress paired with a sweatshirt or sweater that covers her ankles when she goes out. At home, she prefers to let her hair down and parts it from the left side, allowing her eye-level bangs to fall gracefully around her face. She also has jaw-length side bangs that she sometimes slides down when tying up her hair.

During her first encounter with Yamada at the Forest of Savior game event, Akane braided the left side of her hair while letting the other side fall freely behind her back, revealing her elegant neck. On days when she works part-time, she opts for a simple ponytail hairstyle that keeps her hair out of the way while still looking chic.

Akane on her casual outfitAkane at homeAkane clean braided hairstyleAkane on her part-timer uniform
## Personality

Akane is a personable and vivacious individual who exudes a warm and welcoming aura. Her guildmates and friends often describe her as someone who is approachable and easy to converse with, making her a popular figure among her social circle. Despite her upbeat demeanor, Akane is not afraid to express her opinions in a candid manner, which Yamada finds particularly appealing.

At times, Akane displays a childlike disposition, but she is highly adaptable and can easily adjust to different situations. When she is with Runa, who regards her as an older sister figure, Akane takes on the role of providing emotional and physical support for the young girl. In turn, Runa reciprocates by offering in-game assistance to Akane. Together, they form a dynamic duo that complements each other's strengths and weaknesses especially that like Yamada, Runa is an introvert as well who finds it hard to socialize even on new members.

Akane's friend Maki had been in a relationship where she was the older woman, and this experience has made Akane feel a sense of responsibility to be a mature and capable adult woman in her own relationships. As part of this, she occasionally prepares meals for Yamada and tries to make him feel comfortable around her. She even goes so far as to stock his fridge with ingredients for homemade meals in an effort to encourage him to eat more.

When Yamada falls ill, Akane rushes over to his place through pouring rain to take care of him. She finds him napping on the floor and immediately tends to his needs. This shows how much she cares for him and is willing to go out of her way to make sure he is okay.

Even though Yamada makes her feel cherished and valued, Akane still feels uneasy and guarded around others. This is especially true when Yamada starts to socialize more, as she had advised him to do during his first days in college. She wants him to have a fulfilling social life and not become reclusive, but at the same time, she can't help feeling anxious about the possibility of losing him or being replaced by someone else.

Despite these fears, Akane tries her best to support Yamada and be there for him whenever he needs her. She knows that he values their relationship and trusts her advice, so she does everything in her power to help him socialize. At the same time, she struggles with her own insecurities and worries about whether she is good enough for him or if he will eventually find someone better.

## Relationships

### Familial

#### Sumire Kinoshita

Kotaro, Kaede, and Akane are siblings, and their mother's name is Sumire. Unfortunately, Sumire had a brief hospitalization that left a lasting impact on her family. During this time, Kaede experienced a traumatic event when she witnessed Sumire suddenly collapsing in front of her. As a result, Kaede required significant support and care to recover from the emotional distress caused by the incident.

Akane stepped up to the plate and took on the responsibility of looking after her older sister during this difficult period. She remained in their hometown in Gunma to provide Kaede with the necessary emotional support and care needed for her recovery. This was no easy task for Akane, as it required her to put her own life and relationship on hold temporarily to ensure that her sister received the attention she needed.

#### Kaede Kinoshita

Kaede is Akane's older sister, and the two share a close bond due to their shared gender. As a result of their relationship, Kaede often turned to Akane for help with personal issues. However, when their mother was hospitalized due to her sudden collapse, Kaede experienced a traumatic event that left her struggling to move forward and forget what had happened.

Akane recognized the severity of her sister's trauma and took it upon herself to help Kaede heal. She spent a considerable amount of time in their hometown, providing emotional support and care for her sister during this difficult period. Akane listened patiently as Kaede shared her feelings and fears about the incident, offering words of encouragement and comfort when needed. Through her unwavering dedication and love for her sister, Akane helped Kaede overcome her trauma and begin the healing process.

#### Kotaro Kinoshita

Despite being siblings, Akane and Kotaro had a somewhat distant relationship. When she was away, Kotaro was hesitant to approach his elder sister, which left him feeling disconnected from her. However, when Akane made an effort to reach out to him by discussing topics that he could relate to, such as games and other interests, Kotaro became more enthusiastic and engaged.

Akane's efforts to connect with her younger brother paid off when she got him to answer Yamada's phone call while they were discussing a game that Kotaro enjoys. Yamada offered to play the game with Kotaro, which made him ecstatic and brought a smile to his face. This small gesture of kindness from Akane helped bridge the gap between her and her younger brother, bringing them closer together as a family.

#### Akane's Father

The identity of Akane's father is kept a secret throughout the entire series, despite the fact that he was seen welcoming his daughter when she returned home for the holidays.

### Non-Familial

#### Akito Yamada

Despite a rocky start, Akane and Yamada's relationship blossomed into something beautiful. Their initial meeting was far from positive, but as the day went on, they began to develop a deeper connection. Akane met Yamada when she was at her worst, struggling with illness and barely able to move herself up after stumbling.

Despite her vulnerability, Yamada was there for her, subtly attempting to keep her safe and showing gentle kindness despite his typically cold behavior. This care and concern did not go unnoticed by Akane, who found herself growing more attracted to him as time went on.

Their relationship developed from a friendship into something more romantic over time. Because they had already established a strong foundation of trust and understanding as friends, they were able to better understand each other's personalities during their dating days. This allowed them to communicate effectively with each other and support one another through difficult times.

When Akane and her first and current ex-boyfriend, Takuma, broke up, Yamada was there for her physically but not mentally. He didn't understand her problem at the time and didn't make an effort to either. While they were dining at a restaurant, Akane was drinking alcohol while Yamada was drinking soda. She essentially ranted about Takuma the entire day, and after a lengthy discussion, Yamada decided to take her to his residence and spend the night rather than leaving her alone because he may feel bad about it the next day.

As the day went on, their relationship developed better. Akane met Yamada when she was at her worst, but he had been subtly attempting to keep her safe. Particularly that day when she became so ill that she was barely able to move herself up after stumbling. Due to his gentle kindness toward her despite his extremely cold behavior, she had grown more attracted to him and he had fallen for her as well.

Since they had a friend-to-lover relationship, they were able to better understand each other's personalities during their dating days. This understanding helped them build a strong foundation for their relationship. They were able to communicate effectively with each other and support one another through difficult times.

Overall, Yamada proved himself to be a reliable partner who cared deeply for Akane's well-being. Their relationship may have started under difficult circumstances, but it blossomed into something beautiful because of their mutual understanding and respect for each other.

#### Momoko Maeda

Momoko is Akane's closest friend, and she affectionately calls her Momo or Momo-chan most of the time. Throughout Akane's life, Momo has been a constant source of support and comfort, especially during her difficult breakup with Takuma. When Akane needed to let go of all the old items Takuma had given her in order to move on, Momo was there to help her clean up and start fresh.

Momo has also been instrumental in helping Akane find the courage to express her feelings to Yamada. During times when Akane was feeling unsure or hesitant, Momo would offer words of encouragement and motivation, inspiring her to take action and pursue what she truly wanted.

One particular instance where Momo's support was invaluable was when Akane needed to reconcile with Yui, a friend she had met through an online game. While Momo and another friend went off to have lunch on their own, she brought food and drinks for Akane as she tried to work up the courage to talk to Yui on the phone. With Momo's silent but unwavering support, Akane was able to overcome her fears and successfully reconnect with Yui.

#### Eita Sasaki

At first, Akane was a bit put off by Eita when she learned that he was a Nekama - a term used to describe males who pretend to be female in online games in order to receive gifts and freebies from their fans. However, as she got to know him better, Eita quickly became one of her closest friends.

When Akane was still new to the game Forest of Savior, Eita was one of the people who helped her out by answering her questions and showing her the ropes. He even invited her to join the guild he had founded, which made her feel welcomed and appreciated. As Akane began to confide in Eita about her personal problems, particularly her difficult breakup with Takuma, she found that he was a great source of comfort and support. He listened patiently as she poured out her heart and offered words of encouragement and consolation when she needed them most.

When Akane finally worked up the courage to confess her feelings for Yamada, Eita was one of the first people she told about it - along with Momo. His support and encouragement helped give Akane the confidence she needed to take this important step in her life. Eita proved himself to be a loyal and caring friend who was always there for Akane when she needed him most. His kindness and generosity helped make Akane's journey through Forest of Savior all the more enjoyable and rewarding.

#### Runa Sasaki

At their initial encounter, Runa had coerced Akane into meeting a peculiar man who was an ardent admirer of her brother's in-game persona. However, as time passed, they developed a strong bond and became good friends. Akane had taken on the role of a big sister figure to Runa and provided her with guidance and support whenever she needed it.

At first, Runa was hesitant about Akane joining the guild that her brother had founded. However, as she got to know Akane better, she began to appreciate her gentle nature and kind-heartedness. In fact, Runa became so enamored with Akane's overall demeanor that she started to cling to her.

Akane had taken on the role of a big sister figure to Runa, and despite her initial reluctance to join the guild founded by Runa's brother, she eventually became an integral part of it. Despite their initial awkwardness, their friendship blossomed into something beautiful over time. Runa was initially hesitant about Akane's inclusion in the guild but was won over by her kind and gentle nature. As a result, she became quite attached to Akane and began to rely on her for guidance and support.

#### Takezo Kamota

Takezo is a highly respected member of the guild and holds the position of sub-master. Despite his seniority, he is known for his kind and compassionate nature, which has endeared him to all members of the guild. In fact, Takezo's generosity extends beyond the guild as he occasionally sends products and snacks to Akane during her part-time employment at a convenience shop.

One of Takezo's most endearing qualities is his love for food. He takes great pleasure in funding every meeting with delicacies and beverages for the entire guild team to enjoy. His contributions have become an integral part of their gatherings, and everyone looks forward to them.

During one of their guild events, Takezo was partnered with Akane. He took it upon himself to carry her throughout the game, ensuring that they emerged victorious in the end. As a result, they won the event's prize, which Takezo himself had contributed towards.

#### Yukari Tsubaki

The first time Akane and Tsubaki met in person was during the graduation day of their batch at Tousei Academy. Akane was waiting outside for Yamada, her boyfriend, when Tsubaki noticed her on the side and approached her to introduce herself. The two girls hit it off immediately and started chatting happily. Meanwhile, Takeaki Okamoto, who happened to be on the second floor of their classroom by the window, was watching them interact with interest. For Tsubaki, it was a memorable moment for her as she formed a new friendship that would last beyond graduation day.

Their first encounter was through a game, where they both started as novices. Despite being new to the game, they would often team up and go on hunting missions together. Occasionally, they would also invite Ruri-chan to join them on their adventures. However, due to their lack of experience in the game, they would often suffer significant damage during these hunts. Despite this setback, they continued to persevere and improve their skills with each mission. Over time, their bond grew stronger as they shared many exciting moments together in the virtual world of gaming.

As time passed, the bond between the two grew stronger and they became great friends. Despite Tsubaki's confession to Yamada and her subsequent rejection by him, she held no grudges against Akane. Instead, she chose to focus on their friendship and cherished it dearly.

#### Yui Kurata

Akane had a strong desire to be a dependable source of support for Yui during the challenging moments in her relationship with Ren. She invested a significant amount of time and energy into building a meaningful connection with Yui, starting by keeping her company in their shared virtual world. Over time, their interactions evolved into a genuine friendship, and they even made plans to meet in person.

Despite some initial setbacks during their first few face-to-face encounters, Akane remained committed to fostering a positive relationship with Yui. Eventually, their persistence paid off, and they were able to establish a deep bond that extended beyond just the two of them. Along with Momo, they formed an unbreakable friendship who supports each other.

#### Takuma Furukawa

Akane and Takuma's relationship had started off on a positive note, with both of them sharing a love for the game and spending countless hours playing together regardless of her fully unaware about it and isn't a tech savvy at all, especially that it was Takuma who initially introduced Akane to the game. However, things took a turn for the worse when Takuma cheated on Akane with another girl he had met in-game. This betrayal had left Akane feeling hurt and betrayed, and she struggled to come to terms with what had happened.

Despite the pain that Takuma's actions had caused her, Akane was determined to move on from the past and start afresh. She realized that dwelling on what had happened would only hold her back from experiencing new things and meeting new people. As such, she made the difficult decision to leave the past behind and focus on moving forward.

Although their relationship didn't end well, Akane was able to reach a satisfactory conclusion by choosing to let go of the hurt and pain that Takuma's actions had caused her. She recognized that forgiveness was key to healing and moving on from difficult situations. By doing so, she was able to find peace within herself and start anew.

In conclusion, while Akane's relationship with Takuma may have ended in heartbreak, she was able to find closure by choosing to forgive him and move forward with her life. Her decision to let go of the past allowed her to experience new opportunities and grow as an individual.

## Etymology

Akane's name is broken into three syllables *"A-KA-NE,"* but only one kanji character - 茜 (あかね) .
**茜 (AKANE):** means madder, red dye or turkey red.
**Description:** Akane is the Japanese word for 'deep red' (茜, Akane, Rubia cordifolia) and is associated with red (from the red dye made from its roots) and brilliant red. Akane (written in a variety of forms) is both a female Japanese given name, ranked #9 of names to give girls in Japan, as well as a surname. In fiction, the name Akane has been used for various characters in anime, manga, games, books, and comics.
While Akane's surname is broken into four syllables, *"KI-NO-SHI-TA,"* but only three kanji characters - 木之下 (きのした) .
 **木 (KI):** means tree, wood;
 **之 (NO):** means of, this;
 **下 (SHITA):** means below, down, descend, give, low, inferior.
**Description:** Akane's surname Kinoshita means '(one who lives) under a tree'; the surname is found throughout Japan and the Ryūkyū Islands. The most famous bearer of this name, Kinoshita Tōkichi, used several names throughout his career and is best remembered as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the brilliant general who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century. It is doubtful, however, that anyone named Kinoshita is his descendant.
## Trivia

* Inori Minase is the Japanese voice of Akane Kinoshita in My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 anime adaptation.

* Before working part-time at a convenience store in Tokyo, Akane had previously worked as a part-time convenience store employee during her high school days in Gunma Prefecture, which is her hometown.

* Akane had a unique way of predicting how her day would unfold - she relied on her dreams. She believed that her dreams were a sort of premonition for what was to come, and she would often use them as a guide for her actions. For example, if she had dreamed of eating a particular food, she would make sure to eat it the following day. One day, Akane had a dream where she was kissing Yamada. Akane felt compelled to act on this dream and requested that Yamada kiss her in real life. When Yamada obliged and kissed Akane, they were both enveloped in an almost surreal atmosphere.

* Playing the Forest of Savior is utterly new to Akane because she lacks technical knowledge. Most of the time, she is unsure of her exact actions but makes a great effort to comprehend them. Thanks to Runa's advice about the game, she eventually reached Level 62 at the most.

* Akane is such a skilled player of the game Othello that she even beats Yamada who is a pro-player himself.

## References

*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 24 (Page 6). — Calling her name for the first time.
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 9 (Page 15).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 52 (Page 10).
 The author, Mashiro, have retweeted the official merch of the anime adaptation, thus confirming her age and birthday on the first half of the series. Please refer to Akane's anime version.
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 42 (Page 2).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 21 (Page 1). — Start of Employment.
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 41. — Start of their relationship.
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 83 (Pages 6-7).
 "Akane name meaning". *Wikipedia*.
 "Akane's surname 'Kinoshita' meaning". *Oxford Reference*.
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 43 (Page 2).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 79 (Page 9).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 57 (Pages 11-12).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 44 (Pages 1-4, 12-13).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 73 (Page 6).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 77. — Mashiro's Postcard.