Kashima Kotarou is one of the central figures in the 2018 anime series School Babysitters, and honestly, it’s hard not to notice how much depth he brings to the story. As a first-year high school student at Morinomiya School, Kashima Kotarou becomes an essential part of the babysitting club, where his calm demeanor and sharp mind really stand out. He’s known for being serious, intelligent, and incredibly responsible—qualities that make him someone others can always count on.
Now, when you look into his background, things get even more meaningful. Kashima Kotarou lost his parents in a tragic plane crash, which understandably left a deep impact on him. After that, he was taken in by his uncle, Saikawa Keigo, who happens to be the chairman of Morinomiya Academy. While Kashima Kotarou is truly grateful for his uncle’s support, he often struggles with feelings of loneliness and isolation due to the trauma he’s endured. But here’s the beautiful part—he gradually finds comfort and connection within the babysitting club. Over time, the members become like a second family to Kashima Kotarou, offering him the warmth and belonging he so deeply needed.
One relationship that stands out is his bond with Kamitani Hayato, the club president. Kashima Kotarou looks up to him a lot, admiring his kindness, leadership, and even his sense of humor. There’s also something quietly touching about Kashima Kotarou’s feelings for Taka, Kamitani’s younger brother. He keeps his crush a secret, of course, but it shows in the way he’s especially protective and caring toward Taka. It’s subtle, but it adds another layer to his character. And beyond these close connections, Kashima Kotarou genuinely values every member of the club. He’s always going the extra mile to help them out and make sure everyone feels supported.
All in all, Kashima Kotarou is far from a one-dimensional character. His journey through grief, isolation, and eventually finding love and friendship makes him incredibly relatable. In many ways, Kashima Kotarou embodies the idea that even after great loss, healing is possible through the bonds we form with others. He’s a powerful reminder of how friendship and chosen family can help someone overcome even the toughest challenges.
From a personality standpoint, Kashima Kotarou seems to fit the ESTP type quite well. You can see it in his spontaneous and outgoing nature—he adapts quickly, takes charge when needed, and isn’t afraid to jump into action. He’s naturally sociable, making friends without much effort, and has a competitive streak, especially when it comes to challenging Ryuichi in sports or games. Kashima Kotarou thrives on new experiences and lives very much in the moment. That said, he might not always think too far ahead, and sometimes acts on impulse without weighing the long-term effects. Still, his bold, hands-on approach to life is a big part of what makes Kashima Kotarou so dynamic.
Looking deeper, there’s also strong evidence that Kashima Kotarou aligns with Enneagram Type 1—the Perfectionist. He’s highly organized, detail-oriented, and sets extremely high standards for himself and those around him. This is especially clear in how seriously he takes his responsibilities with the children. For Kashima Kotarou, doing things right isn’t just important—it’s essential. When things don’t go as planned, he can get visibly frustrated, which reflects his deep need for order and control. He may come off as critical at times, but it usually stems from a place of wanting everything to be done properly.
In conclusion, Kashima Kotarou from School Babysitters is a richly layered character whose experiences shape a compelling arc of growth and emotional resilience. Whether it’s his ESTP tendencies that drive his action-packed, adaptable spirit, or his Type 1 Enneagram traits that highlight his sense of duty and integrity, Kashima Kotarou consistently proves to be thoughtful, dependable, and deeply human. Understanding these aspects of his personality doesn’t just deepen our appreciation for him—it also offers insight into how people like Kashima Kotarou navigate the world with both strength and vulnerability.
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