Welcome to Gaia! ::

Kenji grew up in a typical family home, with his parents and older brother. He was put down by his parents all his life because, despite his efforts, he never did well academically, unlike his brother. He didn't have many friends in school and was often bullied because he behaved childishly. At a young age, he saved up any money he received from family members and bought his bass guitar, as music was the thing he felt most passionate about. In response to his bad grades and failed classes in school, he told his parents "I'm going to join a band and be rich and famous". As would many, his parents thought this was an unrealistic dream to have, and wished that he would be more like his brother. At age 16, upon receiving his latest failing grades from school, Kenji received a long lecture and much verbal abuse from his parents, who told him that he was a failure and an embarrassment to them. In the middle of the night, he took his guitar and fled from his home, not knowing where he would go.
After running for some time, he stopped to consider his options. He then picked up a sharp stone from the ground and attempted to use it to slit his wrists. It was then that he was saved by Akemi and taken into his apartment. His stayed at Akemi's apartment while his wounds healed and eventually ended up living there permanently.

Akemi encouraged him to have confidence in himself and do whatever he wants to do with his life, no matter what anyone tells him. From this point, he uses the name Karin, trying to get rid of the Kenji he grew up as, and changes his fashion style to better represent his new self.
Karin is inspired deeply by Akemi and falls in love with him immediately upon their meeting. For years, the other band members think Karin is either asexual or trying to hide his sexuality, as he never expresses interest in anyone. When he finally confesses his feelings to Akemi, Akemi at first rejects him and he fears that their friendship will be lost. However, after reconsidering his feelings, Akemi realises that he also loves Karin, and they become lovers, which completes Karin's new "perfect life" since their meeting.

Karin is positive and confident and makes an effort to befriend everyone he meets. He is (obviously) closest to Akemi, but is also close to Yuki, Hiro and Shouji, who see him as a little brother. He develops a close friendship with Zora, who spends some time living at Akemi's apartment, and later becomes very close with Eiko, before his death.