Risa Hamaoka

"I'm glad you finally told me something. But it would be nice if I didn't always have to pry information out of you. You could, you know, just tell me sometimes."

- Risa Hamaoka

Risa Hamaoka (浜岡理沙) is a character in .hack//Another Birth. She is a friend of Akira Hayami, and a member of the Tennis Club.

.hack//Another Birth
Although Risa is one of Akira's closest friends, she began distancing herself from her after Akira made first string in tennis. This is possibly due to peer pressure, as many of the older members of the tennis club hated Akira and made several pranks on her because of her status as a freshman that made first string. Risa eventually gathered up the courage to cheer for Akira during her first match in the tournament. Akira forgives Risa and their relationship went back to normal. As if to make up for the past, Risa stands up for Akira in front of the juniors that were harassing her. This eventually leads to the end of the bullying and making Risa and Akira closer friends. The following year, Akira becomes the captain of the tennis club, causing some resentment from the upperclassmen again. However, Risa prevents any bullying from happening again, assuring Akira that she has her full support.

Risa, along with Akira's other friends, also conspired to pair Akira up with Hagiya.