Nishikata

Nishikata is a fictional character in the Japanese manga and anime series Karakai Jōzu no Takagi-san (Teasing Master Takagi-san). He is a middle school student and the series' male lead. The character is a classmate of Takagi, who teases him playfully on a regular basis. Nishikata frequently devises schemes to retaliate, but Takagi's teasing usually outsmarts him, establishing the central dynamic of the series.

In the story, Nishikata's attempts to avoid embarrassment or to end Takagi's pranks often backfire, revealing his earnest, self-conscious, and competitive personality. Over time, the interactions contribute to his social development and his friendship with Takagi, sometimes hinting at deeper feelings.

The property has been adapted into an anime television series produced by Shin-Ei Animation, which expands the characters' interactions beyond the original manga. A live-action film adaptation has also been released, extending the franchise's reach.

Nishikata is generally depicted as affable and resilient, though frequently flustered by Takagi's clever antics. The character's enduring popularity stems from the lighthearted, slice-of-life humor of his rivalry-turned-friendship with Takagi, and from his relatable portrayal as a schoolboy navigating teasing and adolescence.

See also: Karakai Jōzu no Takagi-san, Soichiro Yamamoto.