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"I'm going to stop holding back from now on. Forget about Hase! I'll be by your side forever! Don't say that you're moving to L.A.! I'm the only guy who would go shopping with you for four hours! When you call in the middle of the night and keep me up until morning, I'm the only guy who wouldn't get ticked off."
—Kaito to Airi[src]

Kaito Taira (平 海斗 (たいら かいと) Taira Kaito) was a gifted computer programmer and member of the Correct 5. Kaito attended Eitoku Academy with his friends, Haruto Kaguragi, Sugimaru Eibi, Issa Narumiya, and Airi Maya. He developed a crush on Airi during childhood, which he kept a secret for a long time. She later returned his feelings.

Biography[]

Early life[]

Young-Kaito-Airi

Kaito and Airi when they were children

Kaito was born on April 23.[1] He began computer programming as a child.[2] In elementary school, he became friends with Haruto Kaguragi, Sugimaru Eibi, Issa Narumiya, and Airi Maya, after meeting at one of their parents' dinner parties.[3][4] They were also friends with Amei Hanawa, before she moved away in the fourth grade to receive treatment for her illness.[5]

He developed a crush on Airi during his early childhood.[6] She later confided in him that she had a crush on Haruto. Kaito decided to support her instead of telling her his feelings. He helped her lose weight since Haruto thought she was fat. Kaito himself felt that she was fine as she was.[7] The Correct 5 played basketball a lot as children, but Kaito was never able to score. Airi laughed at him so much that he began practicing in order to impress her. He eventually practiced too hard leading him to develop a stress fracture on his ribs.[8]

High school[]

Kaito started attending Eitoku Senior High, shortly after joining Haruto's newly formed Correct 5. He acted as Haruto's right-hand man during their "peasant hunts." Kaito handed out the withdrawal notices to the poor students, who no longer paid donations to Eitoku.[9]

Meeting Oto[]

Kaito-and-Airi

Kaito realizes that Airi outed Oto as a commoner

"Haruto. We're not the F4. We don't have to become them either. As long as we protect Eitoku Academy in our own way, isn't that enough?"
—Kaito Taira to Haruto Kaguragi[src]

The Correct 5 first met Oto Edogawa, after she ran in front of their car by accident. Later that day, Kaito waited in the car while Haruto picked up his mail-order items, which he had advised him to stop buying. Haruto returned in shock, revealing that he was seen by Oto.[9] The next day, Haruto hurt his hand while protecting a student. He loudly complained about the pain in private but acted like he was fine in public. Kaito said "It's scary how you're all for show."[10] Later, Kaito learned that Oto was actually poor. He told Haruto to "just kick her out," but he refused since he wanted revenge on her for embarrassing him.[11] Haruto later spied on Oto and Kaito reluctantly followed. After Haruto saved her from her co-worker, Oto was creeped out by Haruto following her. Kaito defended him to Oto, saying he was not stalking her.[12]

Later at school, Airi, who had seen Oto at Haruto's house, asked Kaito if he knew her name. Despite her scaring him, he did not reveal anything but promised to do "some research" into her identity.[13] A few days later, Airi, having grown tired of waiting, revealed to Kaito that she had learned Oto's name and about her fiancé, Tenma Hase. Kaito then went over to Haruto's house to tell him about Tenma, which caused him to fall sick.[14] Kaito began to suspect that Haruto was in love with Oto, though he denied it.[15] Some days later, he discovered fliers, declaring Oto a "peasant." Seeing Airi , Kaito immediately knew that she was behind it. She then asked about when they were going to make her leave.[16] Despite recognizing Airi's actions as "horrid", Kaito later told Haruto that they had to expel Oto.[17]

Haruto went along with it at first, but ultimately could not bring himself to expel Oto. Tenma later paid a donation in her name.[18] Airi called the money "tainted," though Kaito replied "Money is money" and rescinded Oto's expulsion.[19] Several days later, Airi went missing for two days. Kaito went to Oto's home to ask her if she knew of her whereabouts.[20] The two then proceeded to Haruto's. Kaito quickly became frustrated with Haruto whom refused to help. He yelled at him to think over his conversation with Airi, before leaving to continue searching.[3] Later, Kaito was glad when Airi was found "safe and sound." At Issa's flower arranging demonstration, Kaito was shocked to find out that Haruto had no idea how Airi felt.[21] An hour later, Kaito told Oto that he hoped that she could forgive Airi.[22]

Enter Megumi[]

Kaito-tells-Haruto

Kaito tells Haruto about "Eitoku hunting"

Kaito: "What's going on with you and Megumi Nishidome?"
Haruto: "Nothing..."
Kaito: "Okay, use her to your advantage. Nishidome's got the pull to level up your presence. If you don't like the idea of using her, then just fall in love with her for real."
— Kaito's advice to Haruto[src]

The next day, Kaito and the others were surprised when Haruto was approached by the popular model, Megumi Nishidome, at the school's gates.[23] He, like the Issa, Sugimaru, and Airi, found it hard to believe that his meeting her at the resort's bath was an accident. Once the shock wore off, they brought Megumi to their "Salon." Airi was angered by Megumi's presence, forcing Kaito to hold her back several times to stop her from attacking.[24] Several days later, Megumi transferred to Eitoku. Kaito reported that the school had a twenty percent increase in transfer applicants in just one day.[25] Later, students were being targeted in "Eitoku hunts." Kaito, Sugimaru, and Issa shared the concerns about the trend to Haruto. He advised Haruto to pretend to date Megumi since it would "level up [his] presence."[26]

A few days later, the school's gates were vandalized. At Oto's urging, the Correct 5 joined her in cleaning it up. Kaito then looked to Haruto, saying "We have to do something."[27] That night, the Correct 5, except Airi, and Megumi were at Haruto's house. When Issa brought up Oto, Kaito quickly told him not to discuss that in front of Haruto.[28] Some days later, Kaito informed Oto that Haruto and Megumi were "over". He asked her if something had happened between her and Haruto, before telling her about his advice to Haruto to "raise his status" with Megumi. Kaito then sighed, saying "I guess Haruto really prefers you".[29] Haruto later informed the others that a Momonozono student was involved in the Eitoku attacks. The revelation prompted one of them to predict "a battle between [Eitoku] and Momonozono" in the future.[30]

Haruto vs. Tenma[]

C5-guys-comfort-Haruto

Kaito, Issa, and Sugimaru take Haruto home

Issa: "We're doomed, aren't we? What are we going to do?"
Kaito: "What do you men, what do we do? Haruto's got no chance of winning. His opponent is Tenma Hase."
— Kaito and Issa have no confidence in Haruto winning[src]

After Haruto and Sugimaru had been absent from school for some days, Kaito inquired about their whereabouts. He found out that the two of them were together, while Issa called Sugimaru's house and learned that he was in Kyoto. Issa guessed that they were probably at Sugimaru's family's dojo.[31] Several days later, the news that Haruto was planning to compete against Tenma at the "Manly Man Festival" had been released. Kaito had no confidence in Haruto's chances of winning, which he expressed to Airi, Issa, and Oto by saying "Haruto's got no chance of winning." He lamented that Haruto could not "quietly" lose since everyone knew about it.[32] Kaito still attended the festival to support Haruto with the others. He lost to Tenma in the first round, which disappointed Kaito though he was not surprised.[33]

Before the second round, Kaito had calculated that Haruto's chances of winning were only three percent. The others similarly lacked faith. Kaito told Haruto "Don't worry about shouldering the weight of Eitoku" just before he left. During the round, Kaito noticed something was wrong with Tenma and figured that Haruto had a chance to win. He was still shocked when Haruto won the round. Haruto won the contest by default, after Tenma choose not to participate in the final round.[34] Afterwards, Kaito met up with Issa, Sugimaru, and Airi. He noted the absence of Haruto and Oto, saying "It's gotta be the toughest on her."[35] The next morning, Kaito, Issa, and Sugimaru found Haruto at Shijo Ohashi Bridge, where he had spent a whole day waiting for Oto. Kaito's words of comfort were "All rain stops eventually, Haruto."[36]

Changes at Eitoku[]

Kaito-and-Haruto

Haruto tells Kaito about Kei Windsor

"It's a new year. Things need to change. Since the Manly Man Festival, applicants to Eitoku have increased forty-fold. It's all due to Haruto's efforts. And about the conflict we had with Momonozono until now, there was a suggestion that we join forces as two of the most elite schools."
—Kaito's speech at New Years'[src]

Back in Tokyo, Kaito learned about Tenma being injured in Kyoto and that Oto was with him at the time. He reasoned that she was unable to meet Haruto because of that. Haruto still believed he had been rejected.[37] After spending Christmas on Haruto's yacht, Kaito gathered the Correct 5 and Megumi for New Years' Eve at Tenma's request. Kaito suggested for Eitoku and Momonozono to "join forces," before inviting Tenma inside. Tenma and Haruto made amends, therefore uniting the two schools.[38] Following the partnership, Eitoku experienced a rise in applications and popularity. The schools also began holding joint classes.[39] Eitoku and Momonozono later held a joint summer school, which took place at a beach resort. On the first day, Kaito and others, except Haruto, went on Megumi's yacht.[40]

When they returned to the resort, the group soon realized that Haruto was missing. They learned that Haruto went on a snorkeling tour, which Oto also happened to be on. After questioning some students, they came to the conclusion that the two had been left behind in the ocean.[41] The pair were saved by Tenma and Airi, who brought them back to the resort. Issa suggested a celebration, which Kaito seconded. Haruto declined in order to return to Tokyo immediately.[42] Several days later, Kaito, Sugimaru, and Issa were in Hawaii which Airi had suggested to go to for Haruto's birthday. However, neither ended up coming. Kaito made the comment "Things have been really weird lately," which Sugimaru said was normal for Haruto. Once they walked off, Kaito murmured that he was referring to Airi not Haruto.[43]

Worried about Airi, Kaito returned to Tokyo early. He first went to Oto's place. She told him that Airi had "been acting strange recently." He revealed that it was likely because of Airi's crush on Tenma, before leaving and saying "Let me know if something happens."[44] Next, Kaito went to Airi's house where he found Haruto by himself. Haruto's butler Kobayashi shortly burst in with an armful of documents full of details on the Kaguragi family and Oto.[45] Haruto then explained the whole situation to Kaito. Considering all of the information, Kaito surmised that Kei Windsor was "out to take over [Haruto's] life". He advised Haruto to "explain everything" to Oto. Haruto refused, yelling "Maybe she's with him by choice!" Airi then arrived home and informed them that Oto was leaving for America. Haruto promptly ran off.[46]

Pursuing Airi[]

Haruto-inspires-Kaito

Haruto inspires Kaito to pursue Airi

"Knowing you, you've probably been thinking about all the things you've told me, and now you don't know what you should do. Don't worry about hurting me. Go ahead and keep coming to me for advice. These past few days, not hearing you say "Kaito listen to me" has been far worse."
—Kaito confesses his feelings to Airi[src]

Later, Haruto and Oto had finally begun dating. Kaito asked him if everything was over between her and Tenma. Haruto admitted "I don't know." Kaito said "As long as you made your feelings known." He then left after saying "I envy you."[47] Later, Airi told Kaito that she asked Oto to be with Tenma. He criticized her for "thinking only of [her]self." She became angry, telling him he would not understand since he had never been in love. Kaito replied "Yes, I have" and looked at her when she asked who. He then left after saying "There's one more person whose feelings you're ignoring, mine!"[48] At the start of the new term, Kaito told Haruto about his crush. After receiving encouragement, Kaito told Airi his feelings and decided to pursue her. She warned him "Don't come crying to me when you're in tatters." He replied "Bring it."[6]

To help Kaito, Haruto arranged a double date at a park. Kaito questioned the location, saying "I don't like going to places for no reasons." Haruto encouraged him to talk about "different" things, though Kaito only annoyed Airi.[49] Amei joined after everyone agreed. They separated to go on the pond. Kaito was left pedaling the boat while Oto and Airi talked in the back.[50] When Airi talked about Haruto and Amei being "sweethearts," Kaito said "Everyone has a first crush." Oto asked if Airi was his and what he liked about her. Kaito said yes and listed her qualities, which all seemed bad though he found them "endearing." Afterwards, everyone except Oto went to Issa's welcome home party for Amei.[5] By the end of the night, Airi, Amei, and Haruto had disappeared. Kaito stayed up late playing pool with Sugimaru and Issa.[51]

The next morning, the Correct 5 arrived at school with Amei. They gave her a tour of their salon. Haruto received a text from Oto about her father wanting to meet him. Kaito gave him information on her father from his database. When Haruto called her father a "typical nouveau riche," Kaito exclaimed "Don't you go saying that!"[52] It went badly and Haruto later reported that he needed a "do-over."[53] Sometime later, Kaito asked Haruto if Amei had "messed up" things to which he said "not exactly." He then said "Stop torturing yourself and go see her," but Haruto refused since he decided to wait for her. He felt there was a "reasonable explanation." Kaito was impressed by his maturity. However, that night, Haruto quickly rushed off to see her after spotting Oto and Tenma in the background of a news segment.[54]

Los Angeles trip[]

Airi-Kaito-together

Kaito and Airi after their first kiss

"I'm going to stop holding back from now on. Forget about Hase! I'll be by your side forever! Don't say that you're moving to L.A.! I'm the only guy who would go shopping with you for four hours! When you call in the middle of the night and keep me up until morning, I'm the only guy who wouldn't get ticked off. That pouty attitude of yours when things don't go your way. Your selfishness in taking out your anger on others. I've always liked you."
—Kaito confesses his feelings to Airi[src]

After Haruto left for Los Angeles, Kaito and the others followed. They arrived at the hotel and then went for a tour of Tenma's school. Kaito felt that he was "in the way" which he told Oto. He confessed that "the thought of losing Airi" was becoming too much.[55] Kaito then walked away after asking Oto to make up an excuse for him. He went back to the hotel, where Airi later found him. She told him that she was thinking of studying abroad in Los Angeles. He responded "You should do whatever you want."[8] Later that day, after speaking to Haruto and Oto, she yelled at Kaito for not telling Airi his true feelings. Kaito ran off and found Airi. He told her "I'm going to stop holding back from now on" and promised to be by her side forever. She then told him that she was not moving and the two shared their first kiss together.[7]

Afterwards, Kaito and Airi passed by a basketball court. A ball landed by him and he was able to shoot it through the hoop despite the long distance. As the two walked off, Airi called him "cool."[56] The next day, Tenma brought them to Tsubaki Domyoji's house. Later on, Airi asked Kaito if she could speak to Tenma. He said "It's fine" to which she stated "You don't seem to care much..." Kaito then amended his statement to "Hurry back" which pleased Airi. She returned soon and told Kaito "I love you," startling him and making him blush. That night, they boarded Haruto's plane back to Japan.[57] They soon discovered that Tsukushi Makino had stowed away. While she slept, some of the others questioned if she really was Tsukushi. Kaito confirmed her identity by looking at her pass, which had allowed her to board earlier.[58]

The next day, the Correct 5 and Oto went to see off Tsukushi. Kaito told her how much Haruto had changed since he was saved by Tsukasa Domyoji.[59] Shortly later, Haruto surprised them by arriving with the F4. After they left, the Correct 5 rejoiced in finally meeting their heroes.[60] A few days later, Kaito and the others decided not to go to Oto's party. They wanted to give her and Haruto some time alone since they had crashed their trip.[61] Issa then left after getting an invite from Sojiro Nishikado, while Sugimaru made up an excuse. Kaito said "Sugimaru's so obvious" as he and Airi walked off.[62] On Christmas, the Correct 5 attended Arisa Konno's wedding. Sometime later, Airi complained about him not calling her cute lately. He quickly said it, thinking "It's scary how cute she is when she's like this."[63]

Physical appearance[]

Like the other Correct 5 guys, Kaito was good-looking though perhaps not conventionally so. His hair was a bit longer than usual for most males. It stopped right around his shirt collar. Kaito's most recognizable feature was his wire-rimmed glasses which he was never seen without. At school, he wore the special Correct 5 uniform, while he wore surprisingly stylish clothing outside.

Personality and traits[]

Kaito was an extremely smart and organized person. He was particularly talented at computer programming, having created an app that had data on every student at Eitoku. Kaito was also great at research. Considered the mature one of the Correct 5, he was able to wrangle "all [the] different personalities" of the group. He was loyal to friends, which sometimes made him come off as callous to strangers. Kaito was similar to Oto in that they often sacrificed their own feelings for those they cared for. For example, Kaito had a crush on Airi since he was young though he still helped her with her crush on Haruto.

Behind the scenes[]

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Boys Over Flowers Wiki has 93 images related to Kaito Taira.

Character notes

  • A major supporting character, Kaito first appears in chapter one of Boys Over Flowers Season 2.
  • In his character profile, Kaito's favorite word is listed as "organized" and his personality is described as neurotic with the example "Can't stand if an object is not in its usual place."[1]

Portrayals

See also: Category:Kaito Taira portrayals
Kaito-promo

Tatsuomi Hamada as Kaito

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Boys Over Flowers Season 2 volume 1, profiles
  2. Chapter 83, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  3. 3.0 3.1 Chapter 18, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  4. Chapter 55, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  5. 5.0 5.1 Chapter 88, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  6. 6.0 6.1 Chapter 78, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  7. 7.0 7.1 Chapter 99, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  8. 8.0 8.1 Chapter 98, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  9. 9.0 9.1 Chapter 1, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  10. Chapter 2, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  11. Chapter 3, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  12. Chapter 4, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  13. Chapter 5, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  14. Chapter 7, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  15. Chapter 8, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  16. Chapter 10, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  17. Chapter 11, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  18. Chapter 12, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  19. Chapter 13, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  20. Chapter 17, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  21. Chapter 20, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  22. Chapter 19, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  23. Chapter 21, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  24. Chapter 22, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  25. Chapter 26, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  26. Chapter 32, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  27. Chapter 33, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  28. Chapter 34, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  29. Chapter 38, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  30. Chapter 42, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  31. Chapter 43, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  32. Chapter 44, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  33. Chapter 46, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  34. Chapter 47, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  35. Chapter 48, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  36. Chapter 51, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  37. Chapter 52, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  38. Chapter 53, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  39. Chapter 54, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  40. Chapter 56, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  41. Chapter 57, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  42. Chapter 58, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  43. Chapter 62, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  44. Chapter 66, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  45. Chapter 67, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  46. Chapter 68, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  47. Chapter 73, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  48. Chapter 74, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  49. Chapter 86, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  50. Chapter 87, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  51. Chapter 89, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  52. Chapter 90, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  53. Chapter 93, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  54. Chapter 94, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  55. Chapter 97, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  56. Chapter 100, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  57. chapter 102, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  58. Chapter 103, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  59. Chapter 106, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  60. Chapter 107, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  61. Chapter 108, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  62. Chapter 109, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  63. Chapter 111, Boys Over Flowers Season 2
  64. https://natalie.mu/music/news/269957 (Japanese)

See also[]


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