Blue Box episode 1: Inomata Taiki's journey takes an unexpected turn as his crush starts to live at his house

On October 3, 2024, the premiere of Blue Box introduced viewers to high school student Inomata Taiki, who is not only a passionate badminton player but also a great fan of his senior, Chinatsu Kano. Taiki has always been impressed by Chinatsu's devotion to basketball and unknowingly encouraged himself with the help of her efforts.

As Taiki gathers the courage to approach Chinatsu, his whole life is turned upside down when he realizes that Chinatsu will be living with him, the beginning of a thrilling new phase of his life.

Blue Box: Inomata Taiki’s admiration for his senior Chinatsu Kano

Inomata Taiki as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki Inomata, a high school student and member of the badminton team, arrives at school every morning with one goal in mind: to catch a glimpse of Chinatsu Kano, his senior and the girl he admires. One day, upon arriving at the gymnasium, Taiki is accidentally struck in the face by a stray basketball.

Chinatsu, the girl responsible, rushes over to apologize and hands him a candy bar in consolation. Taiki, both flustered and captivated, reflects on how no matter how early he arrives for badminton practice, Chinatsu is always there first, diligently honing her basketball skills. Her dedication and work ethic are part of the reasons why he has fallen in love with her.

Kyo Kasahara (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Later, Taiki confides in his friend, Kyo Kasahara, about his feelings for Chinatsu, going so far as to say he would love to marry her someday. Kyo, ever the realist, points out that Chinatsu is talented, popular, and seemingly out of Taiki's league. He suggests that the gap between them might be too wide for Taiki to bridge.

Undeterred, Taiki resolves to make an effort and prove himself. Kyo, trying to be helpful, suggests he start small by getting to know Chinatsu’s name and phone number.

Hina Chono as shown in the Blue Box anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Their conversation is interrupted by Hina Chono, a friend from the rhythmic gymnastics team, who overhears them talking about girls. When Taiki asks her what qualities girls find attractive in guys, she responds with enthusiasm, listing traits like being dependable, comfortable to be around, and attractive. The boys, expecting more practical advice, walk away disappointed.

Blue Box: The growing connection between Inomata Taiki and Chinatsu Kano

Taiki meets Chinatsu at practice in Blue Box episode 1 (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The following day, Taiki spots Chinatsu waiting outside the gymnasium for it to open. Noticing that she appears to be cold, Taiki jumps at the opportunity to help, frantically offering various items from his bag to warm her up. His over-the-top concern makes him feel ridiculous, but to his surprise, Chinatsu finds it amusing and playfully asks what else he might have in his bag.

Despite her amusement, she wraps his scarf around him, thanking him for his concern. When the gym opens, she wishes him well and calls him by his full name. Taiki is momentarily stunned, wondering how she knew his name until she reveals that she read it off the label on his scarf, which his mother had written.

Chinatsu gets to know that her parents are moving abroad (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Motivated by Chinatsu saying his name, Taiki throws himself into badminton practice. He soon sees Chinatsu talking to the basketball coach outside, and Hina arrives, teasing Taiki about aiming too high with Chinatsu. She playfully mentions seeing Chinatsu walking with another guy, further fueling Taiki's doubts.

After practice, Taiki realizes he forgot his towel and heads back to the gym, where he finds Chinatsu still practicing basketball. She invites him to a one-on-one game, and despite his immediate fatigue, he accepts. Taiki recalls that his mother used to be on the basketball team, which led to his familiarity with the game. Chinatsu shares that her mother also played basketball, and she asks Taiki if he ever considered joining the team.

A snapshot from the Blue Box anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

He admits he prefers badminton, where he can take full responsibility for his success or failure. He then tells her about a time a year and a half ago when he saw her crying after her team narrowly missed qualifying for nationals, an image that has motivated him ever since.

Chinatsu surprised that he remembered such a personal moment, had forgotten about it herself. As they leave, their fingers accidentally touch, and Taiki notes that she feels much warmer than earlier.

Blue Box: In a shocking twist, Taiki is surprised to know that Chinatsu will be living at his house

Taiki spots Chinatsu in a sports magazine (Image via TMS Entertainment)

At home, Taiki is stunned to see Chinatsu in a magazine. His mother casually mentions that she used to be on the basketball team with Chinatsu’s mother. To Taiki’s shock, his mother also reveals that Chinatsu’s family is moving abroad. Alarmed, Taiki rushes to the school gym to confront Chinatsu.

Despite the move, he urges her to never give up on her dream of reaching nationals. Chinatsu reassures him that she won’t be leaving Japan and will be staying with a family friend. She thanks him for reminding her of her determination and asks if they can continue playing both basketball and badminton together.

Chinatsu Kano moves into Taiki's house (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The next morning, Taiki dreads facing Chinatsu after his outburst. However, when he enters the kitchen, he finds her there, to his complete surprise. Their mothers announce that Chinatsu will be staying with them while her parents are abroad, leaving Taiki in shock at the thought of living with his school crush.

Final thoughts

In Blue Box episode 1, Taiki’s admiration for Chinatsu takes an unexpected twist when she moves into his house. What begins as a distant crush quickly turns into a life-changing opportunity, setting the stage for a heartfelt journey filled with both personal growth and new emotional challenges for Taiki.