Nanako Itagaki (板垣菜々子, Itagaki Nanako) is a recurring character in Hajime no Ippo.
She is the the younger sister of Itagaki Manabu, who attends his boxing to cheering him on. Nanako is also romantically interested in Makunouchi Ippo, and hugs him when ever she see him. She tries to come between Mashiba Kumi and Ippo when ever she sees them together.
History
Part II
Submarine Wars Arc
The Itagaki family having dinner with Ippo.
Nanako met Makunouchi Ippo, who she is a fan of, at her house after her brother invited him to their home to meet his family and celebrate his victory as a pro boxer. Her and the rest of her family cracked jokes much to Ippo's discomfort. She then laughed with her family at Ippo's unintentional pun, much to the latter's chagrin.
Nanako greeting Ippo at the pool.
Nanako and Manabu went to a local pool to keep an eye on Ippo after hearing he was soaking and resting when he reached peak physical exhaustion from training for his upcoming match with Shimabukuro Iwao. When they arrived, she saw Mashiba Kumi with him. She greeted Ippo in the pool, and boasted about her young age to Kumi. Nanako wanted to know who Kumi was and what her relationship with Ippo was, since she heard that Ippo didn't have a girlfriend. Later, she talked with Kumi about their brothers being boxers and how she was jealous of Kumi's close relationship with Ippo, but believed she has a chance for her with Ippo if she works hard.
Hiroko stops an argument between the females.
After Ippo's victory against Shimabukuro, Nanako visited Ippo. When she learned that he had been sleeping the last two days, she worryingly went to Ippo's room after permission from Makunouchi Hiroko. Nanako tried to kiss Ippo after she saw him asleep, but was stopped upon Kumi's arrival. She argued with Kumi until Īmura Mari arrived and criticised them for being too loud. After Nanako saw Mari searching Ippo's bedroom and looking through his photo album, she joined her. After Mari's comments about being interested in Ippo, the three began to argue. Hiroko then entered the room with some tea for them, and commented that when Ippo was like this, she tries to let him sleep as peacefully as she can. After they heard that, Nanako, Kumi and Mari felt ashamed and decided to leave in order for Ippo to sleep.
Dragon Slayer Arc
After Umezawa Masahiko quit Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Itagaki started working there to train and earn money. Nanako also started helping out too in order to get close to Ippo.
Spirit of a Weed Arc
After Takamura's match against David Eagle, Kumi is helping Ippo and Itagaki train by timing their sprints. Itagaki wonders if Ippo is free this Saturday. Ippo, Kumi, and Itagaki Nanako mention they are free. Nanako thinks that was a close one, where she can't let her guard down with Kumi. Ippo tries to disagree, but tries to change the subject. Kumi thinks Itagaki is really into training, and mentions that he can win the Rookie King if he wins two more matches. Nanako mentions her brother is going to win, unlike someone's brother (Mashiba), but Kumi mentions he almost won it (while Ippo apologises for winning.) When Itagaki returns, he mentions he is not in the mood for fun.
Later, while Nanako at Ippo's house waiting for Itagaki, she talks to Kumi on the phone to rub her face in the fact that she and Ippo going out this Saturday. Kumi wonders why she is calling from Ippo's house, and Nanako mentions that is how her and Ippo are, before Ippo takes over the phone to explain things. He tells Kumi that this Saturday he is going to see who Itagaki will face in the Semi-Finals in the Rookie King Tournament, where he promises that he will go out with her next time.
Phantom Card Arc
Nanako attended Itagaki vs Imai Kyōsuke match.
Father's Back Arc
Nanako arriving at the hospital
After Itagaki's match with Imai Kyōsuke, he was sent to the hospital. Nanako decided to visit him. When she arrived she saw Imai get into an arguement with Itagaki over something. Kumi returned to yell at Itagaki for not resting, that causes Itagaki and Imai to calm down, which annoyed Nanako.
A few days later, Nanako is with Itagaki when he was ready to leave the hospital. Ippo arrived to pick Itagaki up in a truck, while Imai offered to walk Nanako home, which Kumi comment that Nanako should do it since they would make a good couple. That mde a Nanako a little angry, and she told Imai she thought he wasn't suppose to talk to her since he lost the match. Imai walked away determined to beat Itagaki in a rematch. Kumi thought men hate to admit they lost, and Nanako told her that if she had something to lose why wouldn't you try to keep it as she left.
Seiken Arc
Red Lightning Arc
with Ippo, Nanako and Itagaki becomes jealous, with the latter thinking Ippo has a cute girlfriend. Nanako disagrees with him since she doesn't think Kumi is his girlfriend.
In the Jungle Arc
Nanako attended Itagaki's match before Mashiba Ryō OPBF title match. During the match, Nanako teases Kumi about her "slip" problem.
Speed Zone Arc
Go to the World Arc
Part III
Second Step Arc
Nanako appears in this arc.
Appearance
When she first appeared in the story, she is pretty young, and Ippo comments on her beauty.
Personality
A 16 year-old high school student at introduction, Nanako is one of Makunouchi Ippo's biggest fans. Because of this, she views Mashiba Kumi as a rival and competes with her at almost everything. She takes any chance to be around Ippo, and even tried to steal a kiss from him once when he was sleeping after a rough match, but she was interrupted by Kumi. It's shown that she has a perverted side, as when she jumped into pool where Ippo was, she rudely grabbed his penis while stating an innuendo.
Like her older brother Manabu she is very attractive, but she also has the same love for puns as the rest of her family. Imai Kyōsuke is in love with her, but she tends to ignore his feelings as she has no interest in dating her brother's rival.
Gallery
