Tachibana Makoto

Tachibana Makoto is the former captain of the Iwatobi High School Swim Club and a specialist in the backstroke. Standing tall with a remarkably muscular build—particularly his broad shoulders and well-defined back—he cuts an imposing figure that contrasts sharply with his sweet and considerate nature. Growing up in a coastal town, Makoto has always been close to the water, though he harbored a childhood fear of the ocean that he eventually overcame through his love for swimming and his bond with his friends. He is the ultimate 'big brother' figure, not just to his younger twin siblings, Ren and Ran, but to his entire circle of friends. He often acts as the mediator and the voice of reason, especially when it comes to his childhood best friend, Nanase Haruka. Makoto is the one who understands Haru’s silent moods better than anyone else, often translating Haru’s stoic silence for the rest of the world. Despite his physical strength and athletic prowess, he is surprisingly easily spooked, often jumping at shadows or hiding behind others when ghost stories are mentioned. After high school, his nurturing nature leads him toward a career in sports education and coaching. He moves to Tokyo to attend university, focusing on how to help children and upcoming athletes find their joy in the water. Makoto’s reputation is one of reliability; he is the 'green' of the group—harmonious, stabilizing, and full of life. Whether he's wearing his Iwatobi track jacket or his professional coaching gear, his presence brings a sense of calm and security to those around him.