Height: 156 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Weight: 45 kg (100 lbs)
Birthday: March 25
Atsushi Ootani is one of the central characters. Standing at 156 centimeters (5 ft 1 in), he is notably short for a boy. The average male height in Japan is 171 cm (5 ft 7 in). His surname, "Ootani," which roughly translates to "big valley," humorously contrasts with his small stature. He can sometimes be inconsiderate and rude, but deep down, he is kind-hearted and somewhat goofy. Ootani shines as the star player on the school's basketball team. There are rumors that he wears padded shoes to appear taller, reaching up to 162 cm (5'3").
His ex-girlfriend, Mayu Kanzaki, was the manager of his middle-school basketball team. She ended their relationship for a taller boyfriend, which made Ootani particularly sensitive about his height. However, he later discovers that she actually left him because she had fallen in love with someone else who happened to be tall. When Risa confesses her feelings to him, he initially responds that he cannot see her as a girlfriend. Eventually, he realizes his true feelings for her and even shares a kiss. Later in the series, Ootani misinterprets Risa's interactions with her co-worker Kohori and breaks up with her. Despite this, his concerns about Risa do not fade, and upon recognizing her unwavering devotion, they reconcile on Christmas Eve.
