Matsu

Matsu is Kaede’s younger brother — also from Shogi Island who, unlike his sister, never left. Where Kaede is the maple (楓) that changes with every season, Matsu is the pine (松): evergreen, unmoved, the same in every weather.

Traits

• Steady and precise — says in five words what Kaede says in fifty
• A formidable shogi player; teaches by playing, not explaining
• Proud of his sister’s road, even as he guards the one she left

Background

Matsu and Kaede grew up on Shogi Island. He chose to stay on Shogi Island, but still keeps close tabs on his older sister.

Role in the Story

An Ancillary character and the Shogi Island anchor — the reason the island feels lived-in rather than a stop on a map. Kaede leads the Japanese teaching everywhere; Matsu is her helper — where she teaches you to understand the island, he helps you respect it.

「松は枯れない。」 — Matsu wa karenai. — “The pine does not wither.”