Goro Sasabe is a friendly and reliable adult who used to coach Haruka Nanase and his friends at their local swimming club. He is tall and broad, with a love for collecting aloha shirts. Even after the swim club shut down, Goro stayed in the boys' lives by working as a pizza delivery man and helping them whenever they needed advice or help, especially with boats. Sasabe has a big heart and a lively spirit, often becoming someone the boys trust and look up to. He later played an important role in bringing the Iwatobi Swim Club back to life after it almost closed for good.
- Height: 170 cm
- Weight: 70 kg
- Hobby: Collecting aloha shirts
- Image Color: Navy Blue
Goro Sasabe is a tall man with a strong build.
He has blonde hair with a star-shaped shaved design on the left side of his head.
His beard is darker, likely chestnut brown.
He often wears colorful aloha shirts, which is his favorite hobby.
Goro Sasabe is bold and big-hearted.
He is optimistic and energetic, with a true sportsman’s spirit.
People see him as open, daring, and a bit dramatic in a fun way.
He enjoys encouraging others and offers honest advice.
He is an alumnus of Iwatobi High School and was the last member when the swim team was still active years ago.
After coaching at the original Iwatobi Swim Club, he started working part-time at a pizza restaurant when the club closed.
Because of his past coaching experience, the boys call him when they need help or someone to talk to.
Goro Sasabe has experience coaching swimming and helping young swimmers grow.
He also holds a boat license and can steer his grandfather’s fishing boat.
These skills make him very helpful to Haruka Nanase and his friends, both on land and on water.
The boys, especially Haruka Nanase and his friends, trust Goro Sasabe deeply.
He often helps them in their swim club activities and gives them good advice.
Goro once told Miho Amakata he was a fan of “Marin” back in his student days after learning Miho was a gravure idol.
However, Miho silently warned him not to share that with others.
Helping After the Swim Club Closed
When the Iwatobi Swim Club closed, Goro Sasabe found work at a pizza shop.
But he stayed connected to Haruka, Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rei Ryugazaki.
The boys would order a pizza just to get Goro over, knowing he would help with everything from boat rides to advice.
Becoming a Coach Again
At first, Goro just helped around as a friend.
But as the Iwatobi High School Swim Club grew, he officially became their coach in episode 9 of the first season of Free! -Iwatobi Swim Club-.
Saving the Swim Club
In the second season, after being inspired by the boys’ relay race, Goro made a big decision.
He offered his grandfather's squid fishing boat as collateral to buy back and reopen the struggling swim club.
Thanks to him, “Iwatobi SC Returns” opened and the club was saved.
Goro Sasabe’s character design and looks often remind people of the actor and TV personality Takeshi Tsuruno.
Youth magazines feature a person he admires, and Goro can’t throw away those old issues.
He is known to fans by the nickname “Demon Sasabe” from his strict coaching days.
Goro Sasabe is a character from the anime Free!
He has become someone who helps out in big and small ways and is always ready to support his friends.
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