Umetaro Matsutake

## Umetarou Matsutake

**Umetaro Matsutake** (松竹 (まつたけ)  梅 (うめ) 太 (た) 郎 (ろう) ,, *Matsutake Umetarō*?) is a detective at Inari's Special Investigation Unit.

## Appearance

Umetaro’s appearance reflects his laid-back attitude. He has black curly unkempt hair and light-colored eyes, and a friendly air about him.

When he dresses formally, he wears a white untucked dress shirt, a polka dot tie, and a black suit jacket with sleeves rolled up, alongside denim trousers and leather shoes. On his left arm, he wears the Special Investigation Unit armband. On his right wrist, he has a money-attracting bracelet, which he got from a fortune teller (which is actually a scam).

His attire doesn’t change much when in Okinawa, except for his shirt and footwear; he wears a floral short-sleeved shirt and beach sandals.

## Personality

Compared to everyone else at the Special Investigation Unit, Umetaro is the most easy-going and objectively friendly. However, he is a self-indulgent individual and has an affinity for simple-minded pleasures, such as money and alcohol. He also likes to gamble, usually to his own detriment.

Umetaro is quite timid and he’s often driven by fear. Partially because of this, he comes off as a pushover, being a little clumsy with his reasoning and actions. Others don’t expect much of him. Though when he sets his mind to something, he becomes pretty capable and successful. He doesn’t use brute force but rather relies on deceptive tactics.

## Background

Umetaro was approached by Nobimaru to join the Special Investigation Unit. It’s implied Umetaro doesn’t join out of free will; he had just suffered a great monetary loss after gambling at a casino, which Nobimaru paid off to coerce Umetaro into joining his cause.

## Powers & Abilities

* **Time Manipulation**: Umetaro can manipulate time by passing gas, which momentarily freezes time for people around him, while he can move freely.

## Relationships

### Nobimaru

Umetaro’s boss, who he owes a debt to. Despite being afraid of Nobimaru, Umetaro has no other choice but to work for him due to the debt. However, the two get along quite well and Nobimaru seemingly relies on Umetaro and even entrusts certain matters to him.

### Kaede Hanagata

The two hang out outside of work, usually drinking at a bar.

## Appearances

**Manga Appearances**
*Chapters in order of appearance*

Shimane-Amagafuchi Arc

* Chapter 32 - On The Move
* Chapter 33 - Gambler
* Chapter 34 - Meet Up

Ogreham Factory Arc

* Chapter 35 - Stupid
* Chapter 36 - Bad Habit (cameo)
* Chapter 41 - Important Person (cameo)
* Chapter 42 - The Rose and the Sun
* Chapter 43 - Strength

Gourd Training Arc

* Chapter 48 - Shining Maple Leaves

## Etymology

* His surname, **Matsutake**, can refer altogether to a type of mushroom with the same name, containing the Kun reading for "**pine tree**" (松)(*matsu*) and "**bamboo**" (竹)(*take*).
* His given name, **Umetaro**, contains the Kun reading for "**plum**" (梅)(*ume*) and a common male suffix meaning "**first son, healthy son**" (太郎)(*taro*).

## Trivia

* He likes getting rich quick and cheap alcohol.
* He dislikes serious people, hard work, and lectures.
* He likes to do gambling and hanging out with his close friends on his day off.
* His preferred type is "older".

## References

*Kemono Jihen* Manga: Volume 9.
*Kemono Jihen* Manga: Chapter 33.
*Kemono Jihen* Manga: Volume 10.