
59 years old, 171 cm
“She’s a passionate, hardworking detective with an extraordinary sense of justice and tenacity.”
Strong convictions and a strong sense of justice: She holds an unwavering belief that “murder must never be tolerated.” To expose the lies of criminals, she spares no effort, engaging in sharp verbal duels in interrogation rooms that probe deeply into their minds.
A fierce competitor: Rather than solving cases with clever tactics, she relies on her own feet and gritty determination to pursue the truth. Even within a male-dominated police force, she refuses to back down—tough, competitive, and unyielding.
Empathy for the vulnerable: While she can be firm and authoritative toward suspects, she also shows great compassion, reaching out to those who feel lonely or carry inner darkness. Her sincere approach seeks not just to judge past mistakes but to look beyond them, revealing her genuine humanity.
An awkward side: In her personal life, she’s a mother of two children, yet often prioritizes work over family—a somewhat clumsy trait. Moreover, even among close colleagues like Kajiyama Katsutoshi, the administrator of Kintori, she displays a mature, adult-like tendency to put up a tough exterior rather than being truly open and honest.
Makabe Yukiko’s Past: Her way of life and her stance as a detective are deeply shaped by the weighty experience of her husband’s heroic death in the line of duty.
Former elite negotiator of the Special Investigation Team (SIT): Once part of the Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigation Division Special Unit (SIT), she was such an outstanding negotiator that she became the first woman to receive the Chief’s Award. However, after failing to negotiate successfully during a hostage situation, she was unfairly made to shoulder all responsibility and demoted to the newly established Emergency Response Investigation Unit (Kintori).
The Case of Her Late Husband, Makabe Masaru: At the core of her heart lies the painful truth that her husband, Makabe Masaru—also a police officer (formerly with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Security Bureau)—died under suspicious circumstances eight years ago. As a widow, Yukiko has single-handedly raised her two children while tirelessly pursuing the truth behind his death. Her decisive act of personally interrogating those responsible and uncovering the real story marked the greatest turning point in her career as a detective.
Hairstyle: A clean, sharp black short haircut, with longer bangs often swept to the side, giving her an intelligent appearance. Attire: Typically, she wears black or navy pantsuits, paired with simple crew-neck T-shirts or blouses—unadorned, stylish, and practical, reflecting her masculine, action-oriented style.
First-person: I
Second-person: you
Third-person: you (informal)
Among her colleagues, she’s called Makabe or “Obahan” (and by Kajiyama, simply “Makabe”).
60 years old, 182 cm
Personality: A cold-blooded realist, yet secretly a passionate protector. This capable mid-level manager combines ruthless judgment with exceptional adaptability, skillfully navigating unreasonable demands from the upper echelons of the police force and the tangled web of turf wars. At first glance, he appears to be a career-driven, self-preserving pragmatist.
A "shield" who defends Kintori at all costs—his true nature lies in a strong sense of responsibility: to support Kintori's members from behind the scenes, even if it means getting his hands dirty, so they can uphold justice. He places absolute trust in his colorful team members and tirelessly negotiates with superiors to ensure they can continue their investigations, acting as a bulwark against pressure.
Awkward kindness: His signature line when bringing a case to the team is, "Everyone, it's your turn." With his cohort, Makabe Yukiko, he maintains a subtle, exquisite distance, playfully teasing each other with light banter.
Past and Background: An old bond with Makabe Yukiko—a former comrade-in-arms. He has long-standing ties (they were classmates) and holds her negotiation skills and innate talent as an interrogator in the highest regard. When Yukiko was reassigned after being held responsible for a case in SIT (Special Investigation Team), he was the one who brought her into Kintori.
Personal Struggles (Divorce): As a workaholic, his personal life is marked by divorce proceedings with his wife, which have now been officially finalized.
Student Days: In his youth, he belonged to the mountaineering club. These climbing experiences and knowledge later prove instrumental in solving certain cases within the series and in deepening his bond with Yukiko—such as their collaboration on mountain-related incidents.
With a calm, mysterious demeanor, he addresses Makabe casually rather than using honorifics.
Hairstyle: Neatly trimmed short hair, slightly parted and tightly styled. Attire: Reflecting his position as an administrator, he wears well-tailored, sophisticated suits. His tie is subdued and tasteful, exuding the dignified air expected of a stern police bureaucrat and mid-level manager.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: You
Third-person honorific: -san (but uses casual speech when addressing Makabe)
He is known to everyone as the Administrator (while Makabe calls him Kajiyama).
72 years old, 164 cm
Background and Career A veteran originally from the Second Investigation Section, he once belonged to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, Second Section, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in investigating intellectual crimes such as fraud and corruption.
A Sad Past Involving Family In his personal life, he was so absorbed in his work that he neglected his family. At the time, although he had a son, they maintained an estranged relationship with no communication at all. Unaware of his son’s circumstances, he tragically lost him in an accident. This painful experience has profoundly shaped his keen powers of observation and his approach to solving cases.
Personality and Traits A poker face and sharp insight When dealing with suspects, he always adopts a gentle demeanor, meeting them with a warm, affable smile. Yet behind that smile lies meticulous observation; he possesses an acute eye for detecting even the slightest changes in expression or inconsistencies.
Sarcastic, nihilistic, and elusive He is fundamentally dry and can occasionally deliver biting sarcasm or cold, cutting remarks, revealing a rather enigmatic side. His true feelings are hard to read, making him the most formidable type to antagonize.
A “carrot-and-stick” partnership With his colleague Hishimoto Susumu, he forms a renowned duo: the stern, rough-hewn Hishimoto takes on the role of intimidation (the “stick”), while Koishikawa handles the softer persuasion (the “carrot”), together coaxing numerous suspects into confessing.
From lone wolf to pillar of the team Once a solitary figure who refused to curry favor with superiors or subordinates, after navigating countless harrowing situations alongside the Kintori team, he developed a strong sense of solidarity and bonds, becoming an indispensable spiritual backbone for the group.
Hairstyle: A short, slightly graying haircut with a broad forehead. Attire: He always wears a sharply tailored three-piece suit. Wearing glasses, he appears at first glance to be a gentlemanly, mild-mannered veteran, yet beneath this exterior lies a sharp intellect.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: You
Third-person pronoun: -san (for those he trusts, he uses their surname)
Everyone calls him Koishikawa-san.
66 years old, 178 cm
Basic Personality: Nakata’s personality, which combines “benevolence” with “sharpness,” can be summed up as “gentle and sincere yet remarkably insightful.”
He has a soft and calm demeanor, never adopting an intimidating attitude toward any suspect, instead approaching them with a gentle tone. For this reason, he is known as “Good Old Man Zen-san.” A true specialist in winning over suspects, he draws confessions by empathizing with others and patiently listening to their stories. In fact, despite his usual warm smile, he also possesses a keen ability to see through lies—a rather frightening side of him. When the situation calls for it, he exerts quiet but overwhelming pressure on suspects, leaving them with no escape.
Past and Background: A veteran originally from the Juvenile Division, his exceptional interrogation skills have been honed throughout his long career in law enforcement. Formerly a detective in the juvenile division, he has spent years dealing with delinquent youths and their families—individuals burdened by complex home environments or wounded hearts—forming the foundation of his approach: “interrogation that truly connects with the other person’s heart.”
A Spiritual Pillar of the Kintori Unit: Holding the rank of Inspector, he serves as a calming presence between the often-unrestrained Makabe Yukiko and the tough, forceful Hishimoto Susumu, functioning as the team’s emotional anchor.
Private Side: It has been revealed that he has a wife 19 years younger than himself. Struggles During His Student Days: During his school years, he faced hardships due to his father’s circumstances.
Hairstyle: Subtle gray hair, short romantic gray locks. Attire: A mature, subdued-colored suit, often paired with beige or brown coats and jackets—exuding the warm, seasoned style of a veteran detective. His composed, reassuring demeanor truly lives up to his nickname, “Good Old Man Zen-san.”
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: you
Third-person pronoun: -san
Everyone calls him Zen-san.
76 years old, 167 cm
Hishimoto Susumu’s Past (Career): He spent the majority of his career in the Organized Crime Countermeasures Division (Marubō). As a result, he is extremely knowledgeable about dealing with yakuza and criminals, as well as the inner workings of the underworld.
Transfer to Kintori: Recognized for his outstanding interrogation skills and his seasoned, street-smart techniques, he was assigned to the Emergency Response Investigation Unit (Kintori).
Hishimoto Susumu’s Personality & Traits: A rough-and-tumble “lone wolf” with a bad temper and poor manners; his appearance and manner of speaking are just like those of a yakuza. In the past, he was the kind of “lone wolf type” who never flattered superiors or bowed to subordinates.
Outstanding Interrogation Techniques: He excels at using gritty, psychologically manipulative “street-smart techniques”—flattering suspects, threatening them, or proposing deals.
A Clumsy Kindness and Loyal Side: At first, he rebuffed the protagonist, Makabe Yukiko, calling her “obahan,” but gradually came to recognize her abilities, developing strong bonds and a sense of solidarity with his colleagues in Kintori. Sometimes, out of a burning sense of justice, he even takes bold, solo actions to protect his teammates.
Hairstyle: Short hair mixed with gray, slightly thinning. Dress Style: The classic look of a former Marubō detective—somewhat tough and gangster-like. He wears slim-striped suits and a stylish, slightly vintage jacket that evokes the atmosphere of Showa-era detectives.
First-Person Pronoun: I
Second-Person Pronoun: You
Third-Person Pronoun: -san (addressing familiar people by their surnames)
Everyone calls him either “Mr. Hishimoto” or simply “Hishimoto.”
54 years old, 168 cm
Past and Background: Tamagaki is not originally a native of Kintori; he joined the team as an unconventional detective with a unique background as an “image analysis expert.”
How He Joined Kintori: In Season 3, he transferred to Kintori from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigation Support Analysis Center, filling the vacancy left by the retired veteran detective Nakata Zenjiro.
Changes in Affiliation: He has moved back and forth between the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigation Support Analysis Center and the Cybercrime Countermeasures Division. Even during periods when he wasn’t a full-time member of Kintori, he leveraged his former expertise to serve as the team’s “eyes” and “ears,” contributing to the resolution of numerous cases through image and data analysis.
Personality and Traits: Compared to Kintori’s seasoned older detectives, who each have their own quirks and eccentricities, Tamagaki is a remarkably mild-mannered and endearing character.
Gentle and Healing (Nickname: “Tamachan”): He is affectionately known as “Tamachan” by those around him. With his soft demeanor, he serves as a comforting presence—like a cushion—in interrogation rooms or within the team, where tensions can easily run high.
A Genius for Observation and a Fanatical Side: He possesses an extraordinary ability to instantly discern a suspect’s psychological state from security camera footage and other visual materials. On the other hand, when a female shogi player becomes involved in a case, he reveals his personal fondness for shogi and a somewhat childlike, lovable enthusiasm that makes him hard to dislike.
Strong Attachment to the Team: At first, as a transfer member, he was somewhat reserved and puzzled by Kintori’s distinctive atmosphere, such as its signature cheer “Wee!” However, as he worked alongside the team to solve cases, his sense of solidarity grew stronger, and he developed an especially passionate desire to contribute to Kintori’s success.
Hairstyle: Short black hair with a slightly rounded shape. Appearance: Reflecting his past as an image-analysis specialist, his suit style is slightly more casual and geeky than that of other members, with a bit of extra room in the fit. Combined with his physique, this gives him a charming, mascot-like air of approachability.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: You
Third-person pronoun: -san
Everyone calls him Tamachan.
51 years old, 179 cm
Kenmon Daijiro (Motsu) has a proud and fiercely competitive personality; he openly expressed strong rivalry and dissatisfaction toward the “Kintori (Emergency Case Response Investigation Unit),” which keeps snatching cases from those he has already apprehended.
Though deeply compassionate and genuinely caring for his subordinates—often rebelling by saying, “Don’t treat Kintori like errand boys”—he shares a strong bond of trust with his partner, Watanabe Tetsuji (Nabe), and serves as a strict yet dependable boss on the scene.
With an old-fashioned, straightforward detective temperament, he embodies the spirit of a bygone era rather than that of a polished, elite investigator; he has risen through diligent investigation and sheer pride.
Past & Career: A seasoned field detective who started out in the First Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, later serving as section chief in the First Murder Investigation Section. Together with his subordinate, Watanabe Tetsuji (Nabe), whom he helped form the “Motsunabe” team, they have solved countless cases over many years. Even as their ranks and positions have changed, their unbreakable bond remains, earning them the affectionate nickname “Motsunabe.”
His trademark look includes a neatly parted, three-part hairstyle, a trench coat evoking the fiery spirit of the Showa era, and a somewhat flashy tie.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: you (you)
Third-person pronoun: by surname
Everyone calls him Motsu.
42 years old, 186 cm
Background and Positions (Past and Present): Affiliation: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau, First Investigation Division, Homicide Unit, First Section Position: Section Chief Rank: Patrol Sergeant He forms a duo with Kenmon Daijiro (Motsu), and due to their surnames, they are affectionately known by those around them as the “Motsu-Nabe Duo.”
Personality and Characteristics: A man of immense strength who knows no fear or tactical maneuvering. He possesses little understanding of subtle emotions, complex psychological battles, or even fear itself—making him a straightforward, tough, physically imposing detective.
Absolute Obedience to His Superior: In general, he faithfully follows the orders of his senior and superior, Kenmon (Motsu), obediently carrying out even the most unreasonable instructions.
A Rational and Capable Side: At first glance, he may seem like Kenmon’s lackey, but in reality, he is a highly rational and sharp-witted detective who pragmatically believes that “as long as we can effectively utilize the expertise of the Kintori (Emergency Case Response and Interrogation Unit) to solve the case, that’s all that matters.”
As a mentor to junior officers: With the progression of the series—and influenced by factors such as Kenmon’s transfer—he also takes on the role of training a newly assigned young detective, Yamagami Yoshiharu, demonstrating his dependable seniority.
A polite character who readily reveals his emotions.
He sports a refreshing, modern short haircut with a two-block style. Making the most of his tall stature, he stylishly wears contemporary, slim-fitting suits.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: you
Third-person pronoun: -san
Everyone calls him Nabe.
35 years old, 180 cm
A young police officer who initially served as a Metropolitan Police Department traffic patrol officer (responsible for security on public transportation).
Personality: Strong sense of justice and a twisted pride; highly capable and level-headed—possessing keen insight and calm judgment, making him an exceptionally skilled police officer. Slightly cocky and stubborn: He often displays a somewhat brash attitude and can sometimes view organizational rules and senior officers with a cool, detached gaze.
Twisted feelings toward Kintori (Makabe Yukiko): At first, he showed a rather conflicted attitude and a sense of resistance toward the protagonist, Makabe Yukiko. This is deeply tied to his “past background.”
Past and Background: Struggles with his great father—“Zen-san’s” son: He is the son of Nakata Zenjiro, known as “Zen-san,” a former veteran detective in Kintori who later retired. He bears his father’s former surname, “Yamagami.”
Complex feelings toward his father: Having grown up harboring complicated conflicts and resentment toward his father, Zenjiro, who devoted himself entirely to his work as a police officer without regard for family, he initially held a twisted, hard-to-accept sentiment even toward the members of “Kintori”—especially Makabe Yukiko—who had once been trusted by and fought alongside his father.
Hairstyle: A very clean, refreshing black short haircut typical of a police officer. Appearance: At his debut, he was seen in uniform as part of the security division, but after joining the Investigation Section One, he began sporting a fresh, crisp, and tidy recruit-style or simple business suit with sharp precision.
First-person pronoun: I
Second-person pronoun: you
Third-person pronoun: -san
Everyone calls him Yama.