Daizaemon Kaze

Kaze is quiet, stoic and intensely interested in combat. He travels in search of powerful opponents and responds to danger with enthusiasm rather than fear, especially when an enemy can genuinely challenge his physical ability.

He is not sadistic. Kaze enjoys testing strength against strength but does not share Izumi's pleasure in indiscriminate killing. Outside combat he is reserved and often socially awkward.

His relationship with Takeshi reveals strong paternal instincts. Once he understands what the child has endured, protecting him becomes more important than simply finding the next strong opponent.

Kaze is an extraordinary martial artist with immense natural strength. Even without a functioning Gantz suit, he is capable of fighting creatures that would overwhelm ordinary humans.

His fighting style emphasizes explosive close-range force. One of his signature attacks involves driving his back into an opponent with tremendous power, sending the target flying. His techniques and physical presentation resemble Bajiquan, a Chinese martial art known for explosive short-range strikes.

Kaze generally refuses Gantz firearms, relying instead on his body and the strength enhancement of the suit. This makes him unusual among experienced hunters, who normally depend heavily on ranged weaponry.

Kaze first becomes entangled with Gantz through the violence surrounding Izumi's return to the game. He confronts Izumi during the Shinjuku massacre and is killed, causing him to materialize in the Tokyo Gantz room with the other victims.

His role changes substantially after Takeshi arrives. The child mistakes Kaze for "Muscle Rider," a superhero he had imagined, and Kaze gradually accepts the responsibility that comes with that belief.

After accumulating more than 100 points, Kaze chooses not to leave Gantz because he wants to protect Takeshi and continue challenging powerful opponents. On Kurono's advice, he uses his points to revive Nishi instead.

Takeshi Koumoto becomes the most important person in Kaze's life. Takeshi Koumoto believes Kaze is his imaginary hero, Muscle Rider, and Kaze eventually embraces the role of protector and surrogate father.

Kei Kurono earns Kaze's respect as a fighter and leader. Kaze trusts Kei Kurono's judgment enough to seek his advice when deciding how to use 100 points.

Joichiro Nishi benefits from Kaze's decision at the 100-point menu. Kaze chooses Nishi for revival after consulting Kurono.

Reika Shimohira and Yoshikazu Suzuki become teammates Kaze can rely upon, particularly when Takeshi needs protection.