hitoshi yamauchi

Yama meets Togawa at the same time as Tora. He is also part of the Tigers' team and introduces Togawa to it. Yama suffers from an illness that gradually diminishes his muscle function. Yama was previously the manager of the Hanazawa Middle School track team until his illness made it impossible for him to continue. He has extensive knowledge about national 100m race winners, even noting that the last one was won by Togawa, who "ran the fastest" before he had to stop due to his leg issues. Yama discusses his illness with Togawa, mentioning he won't live past 20, without showing resentment. This confounds Togawa, who is feeling depressed after his own surgery. Yama tells him, "Nobody knows why we're alive. We don't have time to bother." As Yama's condition worsens and he can hardly leave his home, Togawa frequently visits him, always bringing someone from the Tigers. Yama remains cheerful about these visits. Once, he jokingly assumes Azumi and Togawa are a couple, calling them "a nice couple" and asking about their engagement, which embarrasses both of them. As the disease progresses, Yama becomes increasingly negative and bitter, distressing Togawa. To lift his spirits, Togawa tells Yama how much of a hero he is to him, showing so much normality despite knowing his fate, and helping Togawa as well.