Aoki Bunzo

Aoki Bunzo has a round face and a big head, which makes him look very young—almost like a student. Many people say he looks like a traditional Japanese Kokeshi doll. His appearance gives him a childlike look, and he does not seem very intimidating. Even though he looks soft, he is actually tough and sturdy.

Aoki Bunzo is honest, hardworking, kind, and very polite. He rarely argues or insists on his own way, which makes him well-liked by his bosses. Even though Shutaro Kiba sometimes treats him like an inexperienced rookie, Aoki will risk himself to help others when it matters most. He is brave and stands tall, even in tough situations or in front of angry people. Aoki is careful, serious, and responsible, often seen as a bit late to mature and overly earnest. He likes drinking, but he cannot handle alcohol well and quickly gets drunk.

Aoki Bunzo comes from a family near Sendai. His parents are still alive. After leaving the police dormitory, he now boards in Suidobashi. He strongly believes that children should not automatically take their parents' jobs, except for some special occupations. He is not married.

During World War II, Aoki was sent to the navy's special attack unit (kamikaze squad). Because the war ended before his mission, he survived. He has basic police self-defense training, but not high-level martial arts skills.

Aoki’s main strengths are his honesty, strong will, and sense of justice. Even though he seems gentle, he has the courage to act bravely when needed. He also shows great mental strength by staying calm even when others are angry.

Aoki Bunzo used to partner with Shutaro Kiba in the past, first at the Ikebukuro police station. He respects Kiba a lot and looks up to his beliefs and work attitude. Even though Aoki is more humble and follows the rules compared to Kiba, he can perform bold actions when he feels it’s necessary. He is often grouped with Toriguchi Morihiko and Tatsumi Sekiguchi as the “Three Idiots.”

Aoki has feelings for Atsuko Chuzenji, but he wants to avoid getting too close and personal. After the recent incident in Izu, he feels it's better to keep a respectful distance from her.

Demotion and Comeback

After his actions in "The Banquet of the Mud Buddha," Aoki was transferred to a small police box near the Edo River, in an area under the Komatsugawa police station. However, because of his brave work in "The Dews of the Evil Charm," he returned to the First Investigation Division in less than six months.

Wartime Experience

During the war, Aoki was assigned to the navy's special attack squad, but the war ended before he took off for a suicide mission. He survived, which left a strong impact on his character.

Working Style

Aoki usually follows the rules and is polite, in contrast to Kiba’s more independent style. Still, he is not afraid to take bold action when the situation is critical.

Personal Challenges

Aoki struggles with his feelings for Atsuko Chuzenji, deciding it's best to maintain some emotional distance after feeling he saw too much of her private self during a recent incident.

• In creative works, Aoki is often grouped with Toriguchi and Sekiguchi as the "Three Idiots."
• He has little physical presence, but he is tougher than he looks.
• Many people comment on how he looks like a Kokeshi doll.
• He enjoys drinking but can easily get drunk and forget what happened.

In the anime "Mouryou no Hako," he is voiced by Junichi Suwabe.

In the live-action movies "The Summer of the Weird Bird" and "Mouryou no Hako," he is played by Keisuke Horibe.