Tsuneo Nikaido

Nikaido is shy, self-deprecating and deeply impressed by heroic behavior. Before entering Gantz, he discusses whether people genuinely exist who would risk their lives for complete strangers.

Meeting Katou gives that abstract idea a living example. Nikaido admires him almost immediately and continually compares his own frightened behavior unfavorably with Katou's courage, even when Nikaido himself acts selflessly.

His lack of confidence persists despite surprisingly strong results. Nikaido does not become arrogant after succeeding where experienced hunters fail; he remains concerned with helping others and fulfilling promises.

Nikaido begins as an inexperienced Gantz participant but adapts remarkably quickly to the suit and weapons.

During his first mission, he accumulates 80 points, an exceptional score for a rookie. He survives encounters with powerful yōkai and continues fighting despite lacking the confidence and accumulated equipment of Osaka's repeat-clear veterans.

His second mission takes him into the catastrophic Italian hunt. Despite severe fear and injury, Nikaido protects a young girl, fights the statue aliens and earns another 55 points, bringing his total to 135 and unlocking the 100-point menu after only two missions.

Nikaido enters the Osaka room as a newcomer shortly before the Nurarihyon hunt. He initially looks up to the city's famous veteran hunters, but Katou's behavior during the mission gives him a different model of what a Gantz fighter can be.

He assists during the battle and ends his first mission with 80 points. After Anzu's death, Nikaido promises Katou that he will revive her if he reaches 100 points.

The Italian mission raises his score to 135. Instead of using the menu for his own freedom or equipment, Nikaido keeps his promise and resurrects Anzu, allowing her to reunite with Katou and her son. He later joins the resistance during the Katastrophe.

Masaru Katou becomes Nikaido's principal heroic ideal. Nikaido admires Masaru Katou's willingness to protect strangers and measures his own actions against that example.

Anzu Yamasaki becomes the subject of Nikaido's promise to Katou. After reaching the 100-point menu, Nikaido chooses to resurrect Anzu rather than take a reward for himself.

Miho Nakayama, Sumiko Yamada and Kazuo Kuwabara are among the Osaka participants who reach the end of the Nurarihyon mission with Nikaido.