Akane bears an uncanny resemblance to Wakaba Tsukishima. Her parents opened a soba restaurant next to Kitamura Sporting Goods shortly after Seishū's loss to Ryuō. She is an excellent artist, and won the grand prize of the Kōshien Poster Art Competition, using Aoba as the model. She is currently enrolled in Seisen Private Girl's Academy and is employed at Coffee Clover. She has suffered from an unknown disease since childhood and is often admitted into the hospital for various tests. She has stated that she is dating Kō Kitamura, but she seems to be very caring towards Akaishi as well.   (Source: Wikipedia) 

The main character is Kou Kitamura, son of the owner of Kitamura Sports. In the same neighborhood is a batting center run by the Tsukishima family. Due to their proximity and the relationship between their businesses, the Kitamura and Tsukishima familes have been close for many years, with their children going back and forth between the two homes like extended family. Because Kou and Wakaba were the same age and always together, Aoba was jealous of all the time Kou spent with her older sister. Aoba is a natural pitcher with excellent form, and Kou secretly trains to become as good as she was, even while publicly showing little interest in baseball.

__Game Roles:__
- __Persona 4:__ Nanako Dojima
- __Rune Factory:__ Melody


1997 MBC Voice Actor in Korea.

*Note: Not to be confused with the [background artist](https://anilist.co/staff/187359).*

Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch. The series centers around a boy named Ko, the family of four sisters who live down the street and the game of baseball. This poignant coming-of-age story will change your perception of what shonen manga can be.
<br><br>
(Source: Viz Media)

Akane Takigawa