Why Everyone Needs a Satoru in Their Corner: The Ride-or-Die Friend You Deserve!

Let’s talk about something every one of us needs: a ride-or-die friend. You know, that one person who’s got your back no matter what life throws your way—the kind who’ll show up at your door with snacks during a breakup, support your wildest dreams, and, when needed, call out anyone who’s done you dirty. They are the loyal, courageous, tell-it-like-it-is friend, the Satoru to your Takako. 

In Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, we get to see this kind of friend in action. When Takako is crushed by the betrayal of her boyfriend, Hideaki, she retreats into solitude, barely managing to make it through the days. And who’s there to pick up the pieces? Her quiet, gentle uncle Satoru. But here’s the twist: Satoru may seem mild-mannered, but he’s got a fierce protective streak that only emerges when someone hurts Takako. This man is not about to let anyone get away with breaking his niece’s heart without consequences. 

So, what does he do? In classic ride-or-die fashion, Satoru confronts Hideaki himself. He makes it clear that hurting Takako is not something he’ll just stand by and watch, showing Hideaki he’s not alone in dealing with the aftermath of his actions. But Satoru goes one step further. He gently but firmly pushes Takako to face Hideaki too, encouraging her to confront her ex and get the closure she needs. He won’t let her wallow forever or allow her pain to remain unresolved. Satoru is there for Takako, even when it means making her face things she would rather avoid. 

So, why is having a ride-or-die friend like Satoru so important? Here are some reasons we all need someone who’s got our back in the same way:

They Protect You Fiercely

A ride-or-die friend is protective, just like Satoru. They may not go around starting arguments, but they won’t let anyone take advantage of you, either. They care about your well-being and won’t stand for anyone hurting you. When someone treats you unfairly or tries to get one over on you, this friend steps up. They give you the courage to hold your ground or speak up because you know they’re in your corner, ready to face the situation with you. 

Satoru’s confrontation with Hideaki is a perfect example of this. When he sees how devastated Takako is, he steps in to address Hideaki directly. He does what a ride-or-die would do when we’re hurt—call out the person who did it, no holds barred. It’s a reminder that sometimes, we need that extra support to make sure our feelings and worth aren’t overlooked.

They Push You to Grow

A true ride-or-die isn’t just there to hold your hand; they’re there to help you grow, even when it’s hard. Satoru could’ve just comforted Takako and let her continue avoiding Hideaki, but he knew she needed more than comfort to heal. He wanted her to reclaim her voice and make her feelings known. It’s his gentle push that ultimately empowers her to confront Hideaki and say everything she needs to.

This kind of friend sees the best in you, even when you don’t see it yourself. They don’t let you sit in your sadness forever or ignore situations that could help you move forward. They’ll be there to offer you a shoulder to cry on, but they’re also ready to hand you the tissues and say, “Alright, you’ve got this, now let’s do something about it.” Having a friend who encourages growth is invaluable. They believe in your strength, often even before you do.

They Are There Through Every High and Low

A ride-or-die friend is someone who sticks with you through every season—good, bad, and everything in between. They’re not just fair-weather friends who show up for the fun times and disappear when life gets rough. They’re the people who, like Satoru, will show up when you’re at your lowest and walk with you until you find your footing again. 

When Takako finds herself living in Satoru’s bookshop, it’s not exactly a glamorous situation. She’s sad, aimless, and struggling to rebuild her life. Satoru’s presence isn’t flashy or overly sentimental; he simply stays. He lets her feel her feelings, offers quiet wisdom when needed, and gives her a place to be herself. He shows that true friendship is about being there, not just for the big moments but for the everyday, unremarkable ones too. A ride-or-die friend is steady, consistent, and never leaves you wondering if they’ll be there for you.

They See Your Worth (Even When You Don’t)

Finally, a true ride-or-die friend recognizes your worth, even on days when you might doubt it yourself. Takako is brokenhearted and feeling unworthy after her breakup with Hideaki. In the midst of her pain, Satoru is there as a reminder of her value. He doesn’t let her forget that she deserves respect, honesty, and someone who treats her well. He stands up for her and encourages her to reclaim her sense of self-worth, showing her she’s more than just the pain she feels.

At the end of the day, we all need a Satoru—someone who’ll stick with us when things are tough, who’ll fight for us when we can’t fight for ourselves, and who’ll help us see our own value. Having a ride-or-die friend is like having a lifeline, reminding us that we’re never alone in our struggles and that we always have someone in our corner. So, here’s to finding your Satoru, cherishing them, and maybe even being that kind of friend to someone else.

As we read on, let’s remember that true friendship is one of the most healing forces in life. And if you haven’t found your ride-or-die yet, stay open—you never know when you’ll cross paths with someone who’s ready to anchor down with you, rain or shine.

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