Nostalgia plays a significant role in Takemichi's motivations as it fuels his desire to change the past and prevent future regrets. His longing for the past, specifically his relationship with Hinata and the Tokyo Manji Gang, drives him to take action and try to alter the course of events. This sense of nostalgia serves as a powerful emotional anchor for Takemichi, pushing him to strive for a better future and make amends for his past mistakes.