Ichirou Maebara

前原 伊知郎

Maebara Ichirō is a character in the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni series, Maebara Aiko's husband, and Maebara Keiichi's father and the builder of the Maebara House. He works as an artist and is seemingly very fond of young girls. His name is not spoken in the anime (though it can be seen on a badge), but is seen various times throughout the manga adaptations. He was inspired to move to Hinamizawa after watching Rika and Hanyū playing in an open lot while he was sight seeing. In Tatarigoroshi-hen, it is revealed that Keiichi has never seen his father's art. However, when he questions one of his father's business partners about it, he learns that his father is actually quite famous. He's described as an artist who "doesn't set a limit of purchase, always replies to fanmail, understands what the public needs, knows that it's a big no-no to take off socks, glasses and uniforms", and that whenever he participates in an event, "there's always a long line" that expands as far as from the door of the convention to the furthest corners and walls. In the sound novel and manga adaptations of Minagoroshi-hen, he supports Keiichi when his son is facing the village about Satoko's abuse. Keiichi also confesses to the club that he and his father are very close. His appearance differs from anime and manga. (Source: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Wiki)