Nobuchika Ginoza
Nobuchika Ginoza |
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Kanji | 宜野座 伸元 |
Romaji | Ginoza Nobuchika |
Age: | Unknown |
Birthday: | November 21, 2084 |
Height: | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese: | Kenji Nojima |
English: | Jessie James Grelle |
Nobuchika Ginoza (宜野座 伸元, Ginoza Nobuchika), is a key character in the Psycho-Pass series, initially serving as an Inspector in Division 01 of the Criminal Investigation Department within the Public Safety Bureau (PSB). Over the course of the series, Ginoza undergoes significant development, transitioning from a rigid and skeptical Inspector to a Special Investigator in the Suppressing Action Department (SAD) of the Foreign Affairs Operations Department.
Ginoza’s character arc is deeply tied to his strained relationship with his father, Tomomi Masaoka, and his personal struggle with maintaining his Psycho-Pass hue in the face of the traumatic and morally ambiguous events of his career. His eventual demotion to Enforcer reflects his fall from grace and marks the beginning of his journey toward self-acceptance and redemption.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Ginoza grew up in a household overshadowed by his father, Tomomi Masaoka, who was an Enforcer in the PSB after being deemed a latent criminal. Ginoza’s relationship with his father was strained, as he resented Masaoka for succumbing to the system’s judgment and believed his demotion brought shame to their family. This led Ginoza to adopt a rigid and uncompromising adherence to the rules of the Sybil System in an effort to distinguish himself and avoid a similar fate.
As an Inspector, Ginoza partnered with Shinya Kogami, a skilled but rebellious officer. Kogami’s demotion to Enforcer after the Specimen Case further reinforced Ginoza’s belief in strictly adhering to the system to maintain his Psycho-Pass. However, his rigid worldview was challenged by his new partner, Akane Tsunemori, whose moral clarity and empathetic approach contrasted sharply with his own. Ginoza’s descent into latent criminal status occurred after witnessing the violent death of his father during the pursuit of Shogo Makishima, a tragedy that caused his Psycho-Pass to rise to an unacceptable level. His demotion to Enforcer forced him to confront his past, re-evaluate his beliefs, and eventually reconcile with his father’s legacy.
Appearance
Ginoza is a tall, slender man with a professional and polished appearance. He has black hair styled neatly, reflecting his serious and disciplined personality. His signature accessory is a pair of rectangular glasses, which symbolize his initial adherence to the Sybil System and his attempt to distance himself from the stigma of latent criminality.
After his demotion to Enforcer, Ginoza adopts a more rugged appearance, including longer hair tied back in a ponytail and the absence of his glasses. This change reflects his transformation and acceptance of his new identity.
Personality
Ginoza is initially portrayed as cold, pragmatic, and by-the-book, prioritizing efficiency and adherence to the Sybil System over personal connections. His strict demeanor often leads to tension with his colleagues, particularly Kogami and Akane, whom he views as too emotionally driven and idealistic.
Despite his outward stoicism, Ginoza harbors deep-seated insecurities and unresolved issues with his father, which manifest in his harsh judgment of latent criminals and Enforcers. His journey from Inspector to Enforcer forces him to confront these issues and embrace a more empathetic and open-minded perspective.
As a Special Investigator in Psycho-Pass 3, Ginoza displays a calmer and more composed demeanor, reflecting his growth and newfound acceptance of his role within the system.
Role in the Story
Psycho-Pass (Season 1)
Ginoza serves as the senior Inspector of Division 01, overseeing Akane Tsunemori and the Enforcers under his command, including Shinya Kogami. His strained relationship with Kogami and his rigid adherence to the Sybil System are central to his character arc. The Specimen Case and the pursuit of Shogo Makishima push Ginoza to his limits, culminating in the tragic death of his father, Masaoka. This event causes his Psycho-Pass to rise, leading to his demotion to Enforcer status.
Psycho-Pass 2
As an Enforcer, Ginoza works under Akane, who has since become the senior Inspector of Division 01. His experiences as an Enforcer allow him to develop a more balanced and empathetic approach to his work, often offering valuable insights to Akane and the team.
Psycho-Pass 3
In Psycho-Pass 3, Ginoza is a Special Investigator within the Suppressing Action Department of the Foreign Affairs Operations Department. He works alongside Shinya Kogami, providing mentorship to the new Inspectors Arata Shindo and Kei Mikhail Ignatov. Ginoza’s evolution into a more composed and understanding individual is evident in his interactions with his colleagues.
Relationships
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Tomomi Masaoka
Ginoza’s relationship with his father is one of the most significant aspects of his character. While initially resentful of Masaoka’s status as an Enforcer, Ginoza comes to respect and appreciate his father’s wisdom and sacrifice, particularly after Masaoka’s death. -
Shinya Kogami
Ginoza shares a complex relationship with Kogami, marked by mutual respect and tension. Kogami’s demotion and subsequent actions force Ginoza to confront his own fears and insecurities. -
Akane Tsunemori
Ginoza initially views Akane as naïve and inexperienced but grows to respect her judgment and leadership. Their dynamic evolves significantly as Ginoza transitions from Inspector to Enforcer. -
Arata Shindo and Kei Ignatov
In Psycho-Pass 3, Ginoza acts as a mentor to the new Inspectors, offering guidance and support based on his experiences.