Jou Kitahara

Overview

Jou Kitahara is a major supporting character in Umamusume: Cinderella Gray. Operating as a tall trainer around forty years of age at the Kasamatsu Tracen Academy in Gifu Prefecture, he later transfers to Central Tracen Academy. Upon discovering Oguri Cap's extraordinary latent talent during a gate test, he recruits her into his team with the dream of winning the Tokai Derby together. Although initially prone to self-deprecation, his dedicated approach builds an unshakable bond of trust with his trainees.

Appearance

Kitahara is a tall, middle-aged man around forty years of age. He has short, salt-and-pepper hair that flares outward at the sides. He constantly wears a newsboy cap identical in style to one previously used by Musaka Ginjirou. Following his transfer to Central Tracen Academy, his attire shifts to a summer sweater paired with a jacket over it.

Personality

Described as a rational romanticist, Kitahara initially carried out his duties out of habit due to a lack of inspired trainees, but regained his passion upon meeting Oguri Cap. He suffers from low self-esteem, frequently belittling himself as third-rate, which occasionally leads him to misinterpret his partner's true feelings. Despite these insecurities, he possesses profound tenacity and resolve. When faced with the immense pressure of G1 races, he maintains a smiling composure even while suffering physically from anxiety.

Abilities

Kitahara has notable physical stamina, capable of running while physically carrying Oguri Cap. As a trainer, he excels at identifying hidden physical qualities like joint flexibility, providing effective instruction on course pace distribution and sand-running techniques. While susceptible to minor oversights such as missing damaged footwear, he demonstrates sharp tactical intellect by turning a runner's flaws into strategic advantages. Additionally, he demonstrated remarkable dedication by passing the rigorous Central trainer licensing examination within just two years.

Background

Formerly unmotivated and unemployed, Kitahara became a trainer at Kasamatsu through the guidance of his uncle, Musaka Ginjirou. He scouted Oguri Cap and Berno Light, setting his sights on the Tokai Derby. When Central Tracen Academy sought to transfer Oguri, Kitahara yielded his personal dream for her career due to lacking a Central license. After emotionally sending her off, he committed to taking the Central licensing exam. Despite an initial failure, he passed within two years, rejoining Oguri as a sub-trainer under Musaka. He went on to coach her to victory in the Yasuda Kinen and remained a guiding presence throughout her career.

Relationships

Kitahara shares a profound mutual trust with Oguri Cap, who relies heavily on his guidance. He views his uncle Musaka Ginjirou as both a benefactor and mentor, calling him by a nickname despite Musaka's constant reprimands. Berno Light, whom he scouted alongside Oguri, provides administrative support and eventually joins his Central training team as a peer. Symboli Rudolf initially questioned his commitment when facilitating Oguri's transfer. Additionally, he experiences a somewhat chilly rapport with the Kasamatsu runner Norn Ace.

Trivia

Kitahara's character concept incorporates traits from several real-life figures associated with Oguri Cap, including horse owner Koichi Oguri, trainer Masao Sumi, and jockey Katsumi Ando—the latter sharing an initial failure on the Central license examination. The kanji for his given name, Jou, can also be read as Yutaka, referencing jockey Yutaka Take. In the story, he showcases a whimsical side by gifting Oguri a handmade voodoo doll modeled after her.