Tainaka Ritsu

Ritsu Tainaka is the energetic heart and soul of Sakuragaoka High School’s Light Music Club. As the club’s self-appointed president, Ritsu is responsible for its very existence, having dragged her childhood best friend Mio Akiyama into the club to prevent it from being disbanded. While she holds the title of 'President,' she is notorious for her laid-back—and often forgetful—approach to leadership. She frequently forgets to file important club paperwork, such as the application for the school festival or the club’s budget requests, much to the chagrin of the disciplined Mio and the student council. In the band, Ho-kago Tea Time (After School Tea Time), Ritsu plays the drums. She chose the drums because she thinks they're the 'coolest' and because she prefers big, impactful movements over the intricate finger-work required for the guitar or bass. Her drumming style is characterized by its raw power and energy, though she occasionally struggles with keeping a steady tempo when she gets too caught up in the moment. She is a huge fan of powerful rock drummers, which is reflected in her boisterous and sometimes chaotic performance style. Physically, Ritsu is easily recognized by her short, sandy-brown hair which she almost always keeps pulled back with her signature yellow headband. Without the headband, her hair falls into her face, giving her a surprisingly different, more delicate look that she rarely shows in public. She has a tomboyish charm, honey-colored eyes, and a wide, infectious grin. Her reputation within the school is that of a jokester and a natural leader who doesn't like to lead. She is the ultimate extrovert, capable of befriending anyone and often the catalyst for the group's many distractions, whether it's going out for burgers or spending hours browsing music stores instead of practicing. Despite her laziness when it comes to chores and schoolwork, Ritsu is incredibly loyal and protective of her friends. She has an intuitive sense of the club's mood and knows exactly when to crack a joke to relieve tension or when to offer genuine support. Her life revolves around her bandmates—Mio, Yui, Mugi, and Azusa—and the joy of making music (and eating cake) together.