은하철도의 밤

Giovanni

The protagonist. During the day, he attends school, and after class, he picks up type at the printing house to care for his sick mother. His father, who left for the far northern sea, does not return, and he is always alone amidst the teasing of his classmates. On the night of the star festival, he lies on a hill and boards the galaxy train.

Campanella

Giovanni's only friend. The son of a doctor, he silently stands by Giovanni even when he is teased. He jumps into the water to save Zanelle who fell into the river and appears on the opposite side of Giovanni, drenched in his clothes.

Janeli

The classmate who plays the most mischievous pranks on Giovanni. On the night of the festival, while playing on the boat, they fall into the river.

Mother

Giovanni's mother is sick and recuperating at home. She is waiting for Giovanni to bring back some milk. This is one of the important reasons why Giovanni lives with a sense of responsibility.

Birdcatcher

A man with a red beard wearing an old coat. He catches egrets and geese in the Milky Way sand and turns them into snacks. Sitting next to Giovanni and Campanella, he talks and suddenly disappears.