Arisunime — In Key’s captivating visual novel Summer Pockets, the idyllic island of Torishirojima harbors a rich tapestry of history and tradition, with the enigmatic Sorakado family at its heart. While the game primarily focuses on the individual stories of its heroines, the Sorakado name is intrinsically linked to the island’s mystical heritage, most notably through Ao Sorakado, one of the central figures in protagonist Hairi Takahara’s summer journey.
Ao Sorakado: The Shrine Maiden and Her Family’s Legacy
Ao Sorakado is introduced as a key heroine and, significantly, as the shrine maiden of the Sorakado family. This role immediately establishes the family’s deep-rooted connection to the spiritual and traditional aspects of Torishirojima. As a shrine maiden, Ao is entrusted with the sacred duty of overseeing and performing the island’s ancient rituals, particularly the “Mountain Ritual.” This suggests that the Sorakado family has historically served as custodians of the island’s spiritual well-being and protectors of its unique customs. Their lineage likely holds profound knowledge of Torishirojima’s legends and folklore, passed down through generations.
Personality and Isolation: The Burden of Tradition
Ao’s personality offers further insight into the potential burdens and unique characteristics of the Sorakado family. She is often described as aloof, shy, and somewhat blunt, at times even socially awkward. This isolation, particularly from much of the island’s populace, is attributed to her long-standing role and the unique responsibilities associated with the Sorakado name. While she eventually warms to Hairi, her initial struggles with social interaction hint at a life perhaps dedicated more to her duties than to widespread community engagement. This could imply a history of the Sorakado family maintaining a degree of separation due to their specialized and sacred role.
Despite her reserved nature, Ao possesses a sharp intellect and a unique perspective, often seeing things that others miss. Her “perverted” and straightforward remarks, though sometimes jarring, add to her distinctive charm and underscore her unvarnished honesty. These traits, combined with her dedication to the “Mountain Ritual,” paint a picture of a family deeply committed to their ancestral obligations, even if it comes at a personal cost.
The Sorakado Family’s Role in Torishirojima
While Summer Pockets does not explicitly detail other members of the Sorakado family beyond Ao and mentions of her grandfather (her sole surviving family member at the story’s outset), their collective importance is evident through Ao’s position. They represent a continuity of tradition, a bridge between the island’s past and present. The “Mountain Ritual” itself, a central element of Ao’s route, highlights the family’s responsibility in maintaining the delicate balance between the natural world and the island community. Their influence, though perhaps quietly exercised, is crucial to Torishirojima’s unique atmosphere and its residents’ beliefs.
In essence, the Sorakado family, epitomized by Ao, embodies the mystical and traditional heart of Torishirojima. They are the quiet guardians of its spiritual heritage, their legacy interwoven with the very fabric of the island’s existence***
