ATTRIBUTES
VITAL STATS
OVERVIEW
Mitobe Rinnosuke is Seirin's second-year center and one of the tallest players on the club. Riko calls him the hardworking, unsung hero whose voice no one has ever heard. He still communicates perfectly—especially with Koganei, who has understood him since junior high.
He joined with Koga as the club's third and fourth members, played power forward until Kiyoshi's injury, then shifted to center. His year of focused training produced an almost unblockable hook shot. His pressure defense does not always block the shot; it stops the opponent from doing what they want. He taught that method to Kagami.
NAME ETYMOLOGY
Mitobe (水戸部): The kanji 水 (Mi) means "water," 戸 (To) means "door," and 部 (Be) means "section" or "department."
Seirin Naming Pattern: Following a hidden theme where Seirin's core roster members feature a day of the week in their surnames, Mitobe's 水 represents Wednesday (水曜日, Suiyōbi).
Rinnosuke (凛之助): The kanji 凛 (Rin) means "dignified" or "severe," 之 (No) is a possessive, and 助 (Suke) means "help" or "assist"—a name that fits a silent big man who carries the team by doing the work.
TRIVIA & DETAILS
OFFICIAL KUROFES INTERVIEW
Source: KuroFes Official Fanbook | Interviewer: Kuroko Tetsuya | Interpreter: Koganei Shinji
Q1: [Appearing suddenly out of nowhere] Mitobe-senpai, congratulations on taking third place [in the center poll]. How do you feel right now?
Koganei (for Mitobe): He says that because he normally doesn't talk, this feels kind of weird... but he's really happy!
Q2: What do you consider your greatest strength?
Koganei (for Mitobe): His calm side. Well... he's too calm, don't you think! (laughs)
Q3: Then is there anything you would like to improve upon in the future?
Koganei (for Mitobe): He wants to fix his indecisiveness? ...Wait, really, Mitobe!? That's the deal!? You have absolutely no intention of speaking anytime soon!?
Q4: Who is the opponent Mitobe-senpai least wants to lose against?
Koganei (for Mitobe): Now that Kiyoshi is gone, there will likely be more opportunities for him to play as Center, so it seems he'll be keeping an eye on the other Center players.
Q5: Looking back at the Winter Cup, how do you feel about it now?
Koganei (for Mitobe): He's really happy... Whoa!? I don't think I've ever seen Mitobe this excited before!
Q6: It's nice to see your siblings getting along so well. What's the secret?
Koganei (for Mitobe): It's hardly a secret, but they always make sure to eat together.
Q7: When did you become this quiet?
Koganei (for Mitobe): He says he doesn't really remember. Anyway, by the time I met him in middle school Mitobe was already like this.
Q8: I don't mind if it's only one word... could you please say something for me?
Koganei (for Mitobe): ......No, it's no good. It looks like he tried his best for a split second just now, but I guess it's not going to happen.
Q9: Please tell us your goals for the future?
Koganei (for Mitobe): He's especially aiming to make the starting lineup, but to do that - as he mentioned earlier - he wants to grow enough to be able to fill Kiyoshi's shoes.
Q10: Please give me a message to your fans.
Koganei (for Mitobe): He never imagined he'd take third place - he's truly very happy. He says thank you for the support. He will keep working even harder to live up to everyone's expectations. ...Anyway, let's really work on speaking, Mitobe... I've gotta admit, even I'm pretty worn out this time.
