Masanobu Hojo

Hojo is confident, independent and initially irritated by Sadayo's constant presence. Her stalking unnerves him, and waking beside her in the Gantz room only extends a situation he had been attempting to escape.

Despite his reluctance to become involved, Hojo adapts quickly once confronted with genuine danger. He is willing to use the Gantz equipment, cooperate with other hunters and take risks rather than simply hide until the mission ends.

His relationship with Sadayo also changes as their shared ordeal continues. Fear and irritation gradually give way to concern as he sees her repeatedly follow him into danger.

Hojo quickly becomes competent with standard Gantz equipment. He wears the suit, learns to use the firearms and makes practical use of the controller during the Tanaka Alien mission.

The suit gives him enhanced strength, speed and durability, while his physical fitness and willingness to fight allow him to use those enhancements effectively.

Hojo also shows tactical initiative despite being a new participant. Rather than depending entirely on experienced hunters, he experiments with equipment and contributes directly to defeating mission targets.

Hojo enters Gantz after borrowing a motorcycle to escape Sadayo, only to discover that she has climbed onto the back without his noticing. A truck whose driver has fallen asleep crashes into them, sending both to the Gantz room.

He participates in the Tanaka Alien mission and becomes one of the newcomers who actually learns to use the available technology. His continued survival places him among the returning hunters for the Buddhist Temple mission.

During the Buddhist Temple battle, Hojo and Sadayo fight together against the statues. Both are mortally wounded, and their final moments reveal how dramatically their relationship has changed as they kiss before dying together.

Sadayo Suzumura begins as Hojo's unwanted stalker. He initially fears and avoids Sadayo Suzumura, but their experiences inside Gantz gradually create genuine affection, culminating in a kiss as they die during the Buddhist Temple mission.

Masaru Katou becomes one of the more experienced hunters fighting alongside Hojo and the other participants.

Kei Kurono is another surviving member of the Tokyo team who participates in the same early missions as Hojo.