On October 3, 2024, the debut of Blue Box introduced audiences to Inomata Taiki, a high school student passionate about badminton and an ardent admirer of his senior, Chinatsu Kano. Taiki has always found motivation in Chinatsu’s dedication to basketball, which unknowingly inspires him to push himself harder.
When Taiki finally gathers the courage to approach Chinatsu, his world is turned upside down as he learns that she will be living with him, marking the start of an exhilarating new chapter in his life.
Blue Box: Inomata Taiki’s admiration for senior Chinatsu Kano
As Taiki Inomata arrives at school each morning, his main aim is to catch a glimpse of Chinatsu Kano. One day at the gym, an errant basketball accidentally hits him in the face.
Chinatsu rushes over to apologize, offering him a candy bar as a consolation. Taken off guard yet enchanted, Taiki reflects on how Chinatsu always arrives early to perfect her basketball skills, which is one of the many reasons he’s drawn to her.
Later, Taiki shares his feelings about Chinatsu with his friend Kyo Kasahara, expressing his hopes of marrying her someday. Kyo, practical as ever, cautions that Chinatsu is talented and popular, suggesting that she might be too out of reach for Taiki. Nevertheless, Taiki is determined to prove himself and begins with the simple step of getting to know Chinatsu’s name and phone number.
Their conversation is interrupted by Hina Chono, a friend from the rhythmic gymnastics team, who overhears their discussion about girls. When Taiki asks her what qualities girls find attractive, she excitedly lists traits like dependability and being easy to be around, leaving the boys a bit disappointed with her lack of practical advice.
Blue Box: The growing connection between Inomata Taiki and Chinatsu Kano
The next day, Taiki sees Chinatsu waiting outside the gymnasium. Observing she looks cold, he enthusiastically offers her various items from his bag to warm her up. His exaggerated concern makes him feel silly, but to his surprise, Chinatsu finds it funny and playfully inquires what else he has in his bag.
Despite her laughter, she wraps his scarf around herself, thanking him for his kindness. When the gym opens, she wishes him well and unexpectedly calls him by his full name. Taiki is astonished at how she knows it until she reveals she read it off the label on his scarf, written by his mother.
Encouraged by Chinatsu saying his name, Taiki dives into his badminton practice. He notices Chinatsu conversing with the basketball coach and then Hina arrives, teasing him about wanting to be with Chinatsu. She light-heartedly mentions seeing her with another guy, heightening Taiki’s insecurities.
After practice, Taiki realizes he left his towel behind and returns to the gym to find Chinatsu still practicing. She challenges him to a one-on-one game, and despite his tiredness, he accepts. Taiki recalls that his mother was also on the basketball team, which gives him a solid understanding of the sport. Chinatsu mentions her mother’s history with basketball and questions Taiki if he’s ever thought of joining the team.
He admits he prefers badminton because it allows him full accountability for his wins and losses.
Surprised that he remembered their discussion, Chinatsu confesses she had forgotten about it. Leaving the gym, their fingers brush, and Taiki notes her hand is much warmer than before.
Blue Box: In a shocking twist, Taiki learns Chinatsu will be living at his house
At home, Taiki is startled to discover Chinatsu in a magazine. His mother casually mentions that she and Chinatsu’s mother used to play on the same basketball team. To his surprise, she goes on to reveal that Chinatsu’s family is moving abroad. Panicking, Taiki rushes to the school gym to confront her.
In spite of the move, he implores her to keep chasing her dream of reaching nationals. Chinatsu reassures him that she won’t be leaving Japan and will instead be staying with a family friend. Thankful for his encouragement, she suggests they can continue their basketball and badminton pursuits together.
The following morning, Taiki dreads the awkwardness of facing Chinatsu after their last encounter. However, when he enters the kitchen, he is taken aback to find her there. Their mothers reveal that Chinatsu will be staying with them while her parents are abroad, leaving Taiki in astonishment at the thought of living under the same roof as his crush.
Final thoughts
In Blue Box episode 1, Taiki’s admiration for Chinatsu takes an unforeseen turn when she moves into his home. What begins as a distant infatuation evolves into an opportunity for growth, paving the way for a heartfelt journey filled with personal development and emotional trials for Taiki.
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