Grandpa Higurashi (じいちゃん, "Grandpa") is the paternal grandfather of Kagome and Sōta Higurashi; as well as the father of Mr. Higurashi and father-in-law of Mama Higurashi. Grandpa often covered for Kagome's prolonged absences at school with interesting, and often absurd, excuses, which make Kagome's friends worry a lot about her.