Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side (1st Love) Character Introduction - Himuro Reiichi
Otherwise known as Himuro-sensei, or Himuro-chi in the later stages of his and the heroine’s pseudo-relationship, if you choose to address him as such.
There is a name-calling function which you may utilize at various stages in the game, usually after school and at the time when the heroine is about to go home. This function appears after she hears someone call out to her, or after she calls out to somebody, and just before the options of going home together with them, or going to a café to chat flash on the screen. Call the wrong name at the wrong relationship level, and he (or she, for you may make girl friends) will not be well pleased.
Himuro Reiichi is a stern, easily agitated, and old-fashioned homeroom teacher at Habataki High. He believes in all the traditional principles of gentleman chivalry, although not as much as his superior, the moustached principal Ikkaku Amanohashi. At first glance, he is a dull sort of man, with a snarky attitude not dissimilar to Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice.
We are intrigued because of his square megane and floppy bangs, reminiscent of Koyasu Takehito’s role as Fujimiya Ran in Weiss Kreuz Gluhen, at about the same time. Coincidence? I think not.
Character design aside, Himuro-chi is always lovely in his crisp western suits, and seasonal tie colours. Plus, he owns a Maserati, which while a plus point, is not on par with his meager civil servant pay. Many an important event revolves around Himuro-chi’s use of the Maserati. It must not be dismissed.
The heroine’s unplanned trip to the pub/club/bar with Himuro-chi due to his Maserati’s breakdown introduces a relatively popular minor character, the bartender with fluffy blond hair, Himuro-chi’s classmate back in high school. With his well-sharpened senses of detection, he snuffs out Himuro-chi’s intentions towards the heroine, and pokes fun at him at the same time. Not an event to be missed.
Among Himuro-chi’s talents lie those of musical ability, fast-talking, and infallible frown muscles. Your first meeting during the homeroom period of the heroine’s first day in high school starts off with his criticism of her crooked scarf. She is dismayed. Greatly. Not to worry though, Himuro-chi is a stiff, upper-class man. His emotions are not swayed, and she shall face the wrath of his cold fury for a year and a half more, if she works hard, before he moves into a higher state on the tokimeki panel.
Himuro-chi is a difficult man to please. But the challenge is delightful.
Here arises the controversial problem. Himuro-chi is the heroine’s homeroom teacher. She is the student. Will their growing relationship not lead to unwanted questions by the school board? Is their relationship legal in the first place? What about pedophilia? The child protection service?
In Habataki City, Himuro-chi has no legal or professional obligations. There exists only you and him. And the confession requirements. So fulfill them and be happy.
Himuro-chi’s nephew is enrolled in Hanegaku of 2nd Kiss/Season, a Hikami Itaru. They are similar in the megane, bangs, and the studious attitude, and Himuro-chi is called Reiichi nii-san (0123) by the latter. A quirky pun on Konami’s part.
Himuro-chi’s teacher counterpart in Hanegaku is the Chemistry teacher, Wakaouji Takafumi. They are vastly different, so savour Himuro-chi’s stiflinf, oppressive countenance before you move on to the next game in the series.
Due to his seniority, seriousness, and seiyuu, Himuro-chi is my most favourite character of the Tokimemo series evar.
He is your band conductor and a piano player, so many a CG revolves around these characteristics too. As I was formerly a band member, this was a selling point. It must be noted, however, that you are unable to choose which instrument you play in the event that you join the band in Habataki High. You are, by default, a flautist, which I was not.
You notice that two commentaries into the TMGS introduction series, that I have not gathered enough steam to have a little chat about either of the two main bishounen, Hazuki Kei, or Saeki Teru. My reasoning is simple. As main bishounen, they are much loved. Much more so than Jin of Yo-Jin-Bo, who had nothing much to differentiate him from his friends. Hazuki and Teru are both blonde, immensely publicized, and popular. I give my love to the needy, or in this case, the supporting bishounen.
So look forward to another supporting bishounen commentary next. 8)
Credit picture to the official site.