Kotetsu was born in Oriental Town, where he grew up idolizing heroes and aspiring to be one himself. He later discovered that he possessed NEXT powers, specifically Hundred Power, which allows him to increase his strength hundredfold for five minutes at a time. Determined to use his abilities to protect others, he pursued a career as a hero in Sternbild City, eventually adopting the Wild Tiger persona.

During his earlier years as a hero, Kotetsu was part of a duo with Mr. Legend, a legendary hero who inspired him. However, as corporate sponsorships took over heroism, Kotetsu’s idealistic views on justice became outdated, causing his popularity to decline. After struggling to keep up with younger heroes, he was eventually paired with the rookie hero Barnaby Brooks Jr., marking the beginning of his journey toward rediscovering his purpose as a hero.

Kotetsu is a tall, well-built man with messy brown hair, a goatee, and hazel eyes. His casual attire consists of a green vest over a white long-sleeved shirt, black pants, and a fedora, which adds to his laid-back yet rugged aesthetic. As Wild Tiger, he wears a sleek green and white armored suit with a retractable visor, designed to enhance his combat abilities while promoting his sponsors.

Despite being one of the older heroes, Kotetsu maintains a youthful and energetic appearance, though he is often teased for being outdated compared to the newer generation of heroes. His relaxed and slightly disheveled look reflects his carefree and easygoing nature, distinguishing him from the more polished and professional image of heroes like Barnaby.

Kotetsu is a charismatic, kindhearted, and old-fashioned hero who values saving lives above all else, even when it goes against corporate expectations. Unlike many of his fellow heroes, he does not care about popularity, sponsorships, or competition, prioritizing helping people over earning high scores on Hero TV. He is deeply dedicated to his sense of justice, often putting himself in harm’s way without hesitation. However, his reckless nature and lack of concern for collateral damage make him a controversial figure, earning him the nickname “Crusher for Justice”.

Despite his laid-back and goofy personality, Kotetsu is highly dependable in serious situations, proving time and time again that he is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. His fatherly nature extends beyond his own daughter, Kaede, as he often acts as a mentor to younger heroes, particularly Barnaby Brooks Jr.. While he is often seen as outdated and clumsy, his experience, wisdom, and unwavering dedication make him one of the most genuine and respected heroes in Sternbild City.

• Struggles as a Veteran Hero
  At the beginning of the series, Kotetsu is one of the least popular heroes in Sternbild City due to his reckless methods and declining physical performance. With Hero TV prioritizing ratings and sponsors over genuine heroism, Kotetsu finds himself struggling to keep up with the younger and more strategic heroes, especially when paired with Barnaby Brooks Jr., who views him as inefficient and outdated.

• Development as a Mentor & Partner
  Over time, Kotetsu’s persistence and genuine heroism begin to change Barnaby’s outlook on justice, forming a strong bond between them. Though their partnership starts out rocky, Kotetsu becomes a mentor figure to Barnaby, teaching him that being a hero is about protecting people, not about personal revenge or fame.

• Family & Retirement Struggles
  Kotetsu’s biggest personal challenge is balancing his role as a hero with being a father. Throughout the series, he struggles with keeping his identity hidden from Kaede while trying to be present in her life. When he realizes that his NEXT abilities are declining, he ultimately decides to retire from hero work to focus on his family, proving that his sense of responsibility extends beyond heroism.