Heiji Kozenigata is a self-proclaimed hard-boiled police officer in Edo, famous for trailing the phantom thief “Foxfire Nagogorou” for over ten years. Despite his tough claims, he is known for his cowardice, quirky habits, and love for cheap pleasures. He often visits a local oden stand and calls it a "bar," referring to the shop owner as "Master" to sound cool. Though he acts clumsy and is tempted easily, Heiji Kozenigata is truly strong when needed, showing great skill in policing and throwing coins. He follows a lesson from his childhood savior, has a handsome face behind his sunglasses, and actually has a wife (who later leaves him). Throughout various storylines, he helps main characters with documents and plans, putting himself in danger for others, and sometimes even shelters allies at his home.
Heiji Kozenigata is 183cm tall and weighs 76kg.
He almost always wears sunglasses that hide his surprisingly handsome face.
He looks unremarkable and plain, but as a younger man, he was actually quite good-looking.
Heiji Kozenigata calls himself a hard-boiled detective and uses cool words to describe his surroundings and people.
He really wants to be seen as tough, but in truth, he is very scared easily and tries to avoid danger whenever possible.
He is lazy, often skipping out on work or spending time at fun places like theme cafes even on duty.
He feels nervous in real bars and uses small change to pay, even if the bill is high.
He uses a monologue style when speaking, talking to himself in a box-shaped speech bubble, which leads to others poking fun at him.
He also has a masochistic side, dreaming about being whipped by a queen, which is shown in his flashbacks.
Even though he acts scared, he is very loyal and courageous when things get serious.
When Heiji Kozenigata was a child, his parents were killed by robbers.
A man saved him at that time and taught him a lesson about the value of money.
This person turned out to be the oden shop owner, who is also Nagogorou, the thief Heiji Kozenigata has chased for years.
Ever since then, Heiji Kozenigata has always tried to follow that lesson.
Heiji Kozenigata is a fantastic coin thrower with great control.
He’s strong with his police baton (jitte) and very skilled as an officer.
Despite his lazy habits and being clumsy, when duty calls, he becomes impressive and reliable.
The oden shop owner is his only real friend and truly understands him.
Heiji Kozenigata is secretly married, although his wife leaves later in the story because of his police work.
He has an assistant, Haji, who used to be a thief and now works as a helper.
He even protected Tae Shimura by hiding her at his house when needed.
Pursuing the Phantom Thief
Heiji Kozenigata spends over a decade trying to catch “Foxfire Nagogorou.”
He struggles with temptations, even sneaking out on duty to visit themed cafes and the oden “bar.”
Through all those years, he listens to the lessons the thief once taught him as a child.
Kabukicho Four Kings Arc
Heiji Kozenigata comes back into the story during the Kabukicho Four Kings Arc.
He works to protect Kabukicho from invaders, using his jitte and coin-throwing skills brilliantly.
The Shogun Assassination Arc & Aftermath
After the Shinsengumi was dissolved, he hires Toushirou Hijikata as his subordinate.
When the Shinsengumi stages a coup, Heiji Kozenigata's wife leaves him because of his criminal actions.
He helps rescue their friends by making fake documents and plans for them.
Facing the Liberation Army
Heiji Kozenigata resurfaces to defend Kabukicho from the Liberation Army.
He tries a clever trick against the enemy, though it does not work very long.
Assisting Main Characters
He sacrifices himself to protect Hijikata from the Naraku assassins, cheering him on so he can reach Kurojun Island.
Returning to Edo
He manages to survive and returns to Edo but finds his wife has run away due to his rebellion against the shogunate.
Before the Shinsengumi leave, he hides Tae Shimura in his home for her protection.
School Alternate Universe
In "Class 3-Z Gintama: Gimpachi Sensei," he works as a bomb disposal expert, keeping his silly but brave personality.
He sometimes uses double quotation marks when acting serious.
In "Returns," he gets questioned about the Murata siblings' popularity.
His catchphrase is “I can do hard-boiled!”
He always talks as if he is living in a noir movie.
He got his name from a famous detective in Japanese novels.
His true face, which is rarely seen because of his shades, is very handsome.
Heij Kozenigata also appears in side stories as a clumsy but skilled police officer with Haji.
- "Let me retreat to the bar for now..." (meaning the oden shop)
- "I can do hard-boiled!"
- "This is no ordinary flashback! That’s just your wish, isn’t it?" (as said by Gintoki Sakata about his masochist daydreams)
💬 Community Discussion
Talk about this anime with people who actually care.