Takenaga Oda

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Takenaga Oda (Oda Takenaga) is one of the main characters from manga The Wallflower, and is a roommate with several of the other main characters. He is the only one of the guys who was not modeled after Kiyoharu.

[edit] Personality

Shy and sensitive, Takenaga is often seen as the voice of reason and intelligence within the series. Originally withdrawn due to high tensions within his family and tremendous expectations, he eventually opens up after living in the Landlady's house. He is also the only one of the group who can enter Sunako's room without being frightened.

Compared to the other four, he is fairly level headed and not as easily fazed by Sunako's morbid habits. During a brief period of depression, Sunako, Ranmaru, and Yuki were shocked to find him hiding in Sunako's room, where he commented to Sunako that her room was oddly comforting, to which she responds by offering one of her anatomical figures to hug (to the further discomfort of the other members of the house).

He is something of a genius, consistently getting good grades in school. Not long after Takenaga's move into the mansion, Yuki is surprised and somewhat in awe at Takenaga's wide collection of books, most in foreign languages or on obscure subjects.

A comparison can be seen between Sunako and Takenaga. While the reasons for withdrawal are different, both characters have been dealt a blow that caused them to react differently to their environment. Since Takanaga had family problems, he withdrew from close personal relationships, while Sunako withdrew from trying to be physically attractive.

[edit] History

Takenaga was sent to the Landlady's home in order to live a more normal life. He is the heir apparent to a family of ikebana masters, but constant pressure from his fiercely traditional family caused him to distance himself socially and emotionally. Upon his arrival to the Landlady's home, he shut himself away in his room and read constantly, but would slightly respond to Yuki's attempts at friendship. After the story arc concerning Kyohei's introduction to the household he has become more friendly and open, though still somewhat aloof from Yuki and Ranmaru and speaks when he feels is necessary.

His attempts at reforming Sunako usually run more towards her education, and he has frequently tried to tutor her in math. Occasionally he has been forced to attempt to seduce the rather unwilling Sunako, often with humorous results.

[edit] Relationships

In the series Takenaga has often been seen pursued by women, however he is rather clueless on how to start or successfully maintain a relationship. Noi is often considered by many to be his girlfriend, however their relationship was not officially considered to be such until later in the manga. He has been considered dense by his friends, since he had kissed Noi but not declared her his girlfriend. During one story arc concerning his relationship with Noi many girls become infatuated with him due to a careless statement about whether Takenaga was dating Noi.

It is unknown so far whether Takenaga's cluelessness towards women is because of past events concerning his family or from a scenario the author has yet to reveal. His reactions could also be attributed due to a lack of experience in the world in general, due to his withdrawal from society.

Takenaga initially had difficulty forming friendships, as he was too withdrawn to truly communicate, preferring his books to human interaction. However as his character develops he becomes less withdrawn. Takenaga easily shows kindness to many, while still keeping his inner thoughts to himself.