 He might also be Sakuragi's classmate, as seen in the anime, because when Akagi asked about Sakuragi's whereabouts during practice, Kuwata answered that he hasn't seen him the whole day.Although he hasn't played in a single game, Kuwata can be a reliable person for the team.When Sakuragi and Mitsui where stuck in a melee with Tetsuo's former gang, Kogure asked Kuwata to call Sakuragi's phone.