Kawabe Eiji of Taiyou to Umi no Kyoushitsu

The series Taiyou to Umi no Kyoushitsu follows a versatile group of students hailing from the same class in a private high school. These senior students are studying diligently to pass their college entrance exams, as their school is based almost solely upon strict academics. One day, somehow, a teacher of a different variety is hired to teach there. His name is Sakurai Sakutaro, and he would rather spend his time getting to know and helping out his students with their personal problems instead of teaching them a ridiculous amount of academics. He would rather teach them the things that books and studying cannot. At first, they are not receptive to him in any way, but after helping a few of them out, they begin to see what kind of man he really is.

Kawabe Eiji is somewhat of a mystery at first. He is not seen in class very much, and even kissed the assistant teacher outside of the school once. She later sees him in a store purchasing items such as diapers, and while she is highly curious of his situation, she is somewhat intimidated by him and keeps these interactions a secret. Until one day, the principal tells her to visit Eiji's home and find out why he has been skipping school and allowing his excellent grades to slip to the bottom.

As it turns out, Eiji's mother is in the hospital and he has been forced to take care of his three younger siblings. Setting aside his own goals and dreams to take care of them, he makes sure the older two arrive safely at school and he cares for the baby at home. The principal won't have his school's name tarnished by something like this, and convinces the reluctant Eiji to give up his siblings to temporary foster care, but Sakurai knows that it isn't really what Eiji wants. Despite Eiji feeling as if he has been left behind in his own life while everyone moves forward, he loves his siblings and he at least wants all of them to see their mother in the hospital before they have to part ways. Sakurai and some of the other students help him escape in order to do just that.

This is one of Yusuke's earlier roles, and it was one of the first to really catch my attention. Despite not being a leading role, he took the reins happily and showed the world that he is more than just a background, supportive character. Eiji is versatile, highly conflicted, and has trouble getting his own priorities and problems straight. He is still young and makes mistakes, but he cares deeply for his siblings. I think Yusuke pulled off this role flawlessly, even portraying someone in severe pain very well, as he is injured while attempting to reunite everyone with their mother one last time. This is definitely one of my favorite roles of his, even if it is just a one-hour episode.