Shougo Midorikawa

Shougo is hot-blooded, proud and intensely interested in fighting. He has considerable confidence in karate but is willing to test that confidence against other styles rather than protecting it through excuses.

He can be reckless when his pride is involved, yet he is not simply a bully. Once Yuu earns his respect, Shougo becomes a loyal friend and willingly shares technical knowledge with him.

Shougo also thinks seriously about martial arts. He examines how techniques change outside dojo conditions and understands that formal training can create habits that are both useful and dangerous on the street.

Shougo is an experienced karateka whose compact body has been heavily conditioned to compensate for physical disadvantages. His kicks provide range and power that Yuu initially has difficulty dealing with.

He understands hip rotation, weight transfer and kicking mechanics, concepts he later helps Yuu learn. His striking repertoire is broader than Yuu's early boxing-based style.

Shougo also modifies orthodox karate for street use. That adaptability is important because Holyland repeatedly distinguishes controlled martial-arts practice from fighting on pavement without rules.

Shougo hears about the Thug Hunter and deliberately challenges Yuu. Their confrontation exposes Yuu to an opponent whose kicks create problems his boxing experience has not prepared him to solve.

Yuu defeats Shougo, but the fight produces mutual respect rather than a lasting feud. Shougo subsequently becomes one of Yuu's closest fighting companions and contributes directly to his technical development.

Shougo continues participating in conflicts involving the street fighters and local delinquent groups. His perspective as a trained karateka frequently helps explain why particular techniques succeed or fail under street conditions.

Yuu Kamishiro begins as Shougo's chosen opponent and becomes one of his closest friends. Shougo Midorikawa teaches Yuu important kicking and body-mechanics concepts after their rivalry settles.

Masaki Izawa is a fighter Shougo respects for his exceptional combination of boxing, karate and street experience.

Shinichi Kaneda becomes part of the same friendship group as Shougo through Yuu.

Tsuchiya is Shougo's senior from Daizawa High and an experienced wrestler. Their familiarity extends beyond being fellow street fighters.