Det. Tanaka Hiroshi

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Hiroshi Tanaka (a.k.a. Hiro)

Detective Tanaka Hiroshi is a veteran officer in the Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB) of Nagoya’s police force, renowned for his unrelenting pursuit of justice and his sharp mind. Standing as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against the yakuza, Tanaka has made a name for himself as a thorn in the side of criminal organizations like the Nagasawa-kai and Hanabira-gumi. His work is a complicated dance of strategy, courage, and integrity, but beneath his dogged determination lies a man wrestling with the moral toll of his crusade. Driven by a deep-seated desire to protect the innocent, Tanaka walks a thin line between duty and obsession.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

  • Lean but Sturdy:
    • Detective Tanaka maintains a wiry build, reflective of his active lifestyle and the demands of his job. He has the stamina to endure long stakeouts and chase suspects, though he's not heavily muscled.
  • Aging Gracefully:
    • At 41, his reflexes remain sharp, but he's starting to feel the toll of years spent on the streets. Minor joint pain and occasional fatigue are reminders of his relentless work ethic.

Body Features

  • Height & Weight:
    • Standing at 5'10" (178 cm) and weighing 165 lbs (75 kg), his physique is balanced, neither imposing nor diminutive.
  • Hands & Posture:
    • His hands are calloused, with faint scars from years of rough encounters. His posture is slightly slouched, reflecting the constant weight of his responsibilities.

Facial Features

  • Angular Jawline:
    • Tanaka’s face is sharp and defined, with a strong jawline that adds a sternness to his expressions.
  • Eyes:
    • His dark brown eyes are observant, intense, and often tired, shadowed by faint circles from late nights and stressful cases.
  • Nose & Lips:
    • A slightly crooked nose hints at past altercations, while his thin lips are often pressed into a contemplative line.

Identifying Characteristics

  • Scar on His Left Brow:
    • A thin, faded scar runs through his left eyebrow, a remnant from an altercation early in his career.
  • Smoker’s Stain:
    • A faint discoloration on his fingers from years of chain-smoking cigarettes.
  • Wristwatch Tan Line:
    • His ever-present watch has left a distinct tan line on his left wrist, a subtle but telling detail of his habits.

Physical quirks

  • Habitual Smoking:
    • His left hand often moves as if reaching for a cigarette, even when he’s trying to cut back.
  • Twitching Eye:
    • When he’s particularly stressed, his left eye twitches slightly, something he’s barely aware of but others might notice.
  • Tap of the Fingers:
    • He rhythmically taps his index and middle finger against surfaces when deep in thought.

Special abilities

  • Intuitive Perception:
    • Tanaka has an uncanny ability to pick up on subtle cues—body language, inconsistencies in stories, or overlooked evidence—that others might miss.
  • Streetwise Knowledge:
    • Years of experience have made him adept at navigating Nagoya’s criminal underworld, knowing where to look and who to ask.
  • Resilience Under Pressure:
    • Maintains focus and composure even in high-stress situations, whether during a shootout or while interrogating a dangerous suspect.

Apparel & Accessories

  • Detective’s Attire:
    • Tanaka typically wears dark slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a muted tie under a trench coat. His look is pragmatic and understated, reflecting his focus on functionality over fashion.
  • Black Loafers:
    • Comfortable but polished shoes that are practical for long hours on his feet.
  • Signature Watch:
    • A Seiko 5 automatic watch—durable, reliable, and emblematic of his pragmatic personality.
  • Minimal Jewelry:
    • Wears a plain silver ring on his right hand—a sentimental item, though he rarely talks about its significance.

Specialized Equipment

  • Service Pistol:
    • A standard-issue SIG Sauer P230, dependable and compact, always holstered discreetly under his coat.
  • Notebook & Pen:
    • A leather-bound notebook filled with meticulous notes, key contacts, and cryptic shorthand only he can decipher.
  • Surveillance Kit:
    • Carries a small kit in his unmarked car, including a pair of binoculars, a mini-recorder, and disposable gloves.
  • Portable Flashlight:
    • A compact Maglite, used for crime scenes or chasing leads in dark alleys.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

  • Early Life:
    • Born in Nagoya on October 2, 1963, Hiroshi grew up in a working-class neighborhood, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of crime and corruption on families in his community.
  • Police Career:
    • Joining the force in the early 1980s, Tanaka quickly earned a reputation for his sharp intuition and dedication. By the early 1990s, he had risen to the OCCB, where he became instrumental in major anti-yakuza operations.
  • Moral Struggles:
    • Over the years, Tanaka has wrestled with the emotional toll of undercover work, the lives lost to his cases, and the cost of his obsession on his own family.
  • Current Role:
    • In 2008, Tanaka is in his prime as a seasoned detective, targeting the Nagasawa-kai and Hanabira-gumi with an almost personal vendetta, while striving to mentor younger officers in his department.

Gender Identity

Cisgender Male (男性 / dansei):

  • Tanaka identifies as the gender assigned at birth, adhering to traditional masculine norms in both appearance and demeanor.
  • His presentation reflects his profession: clean-cut, professional, and serious.

Sexuality

Heterosexual (異性愛 / iseiai):

Preferences:

  • Tanaka is romantically and physically attracted to women.
  • Relationships have taken a backseat due to his work and the emotional toll of his job.
  Romantic Challenges:
  • His all-consuming dedication to his career and unresolved personal trauma make it difficult for him to maintain long-term relationships.

Education

  • Police Academy Graduate (警察学校卒業 / Keisatsu gakkō sotsugyō):
    • Completed formal training at the Aichi Prefectural Police Academy, excelling in investigative techniques and criminal psychology.
    • Pursued additional courses in organized crime and forensics to specialize in anti-yakuza operations.
     
  • Self-Taught Knowledge:
    • Keeps up with developments in criminology and law enforcement tactics through personal study and professional seminars.

Employment

  • Detective, OCCB:
    • As a senior detective in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Tanaka is tasked with investigating and dismantling yakuza organizations in Nagoya. His work includes surveillance, undercover operations, intelligence gathering, and leading high-stakes raids.
  • Mentor:
    • Tanaka oversees younger officers and agents, instilling discipline and sharing his extensive knowledge of yakuza dynamics, while also shielding them from the harsh consequences of mistakes he’s already made.

Accomplishments & Achievements

  • Dismantled Yakuza Fronts:
    • Successfully led investigations that exposed financial networks and front companies tied to major yakuza clans.
  • High-Value Arrests:
    • Played a pivotal role in arresting high-ranking members of both the Nagasawa-kai and Hanabira-gumi.
  • Commendations:
    • Recognized by his department for exceptional service and bravery in the line of duty.
  • Building Informant Networks:
    • Developed a trusted web of informants within Nagoya’s criminal underworld.

Failures & Embarrassments

  • Yakuza Retaliation:
    • A botched raid early in his career led to a yakuza counterattack on a key informant, resulting in their death and a demotion for Tanaka.
  • Strained Relationships:
    • His marriage ended in divorce due to his workaholic tendencies and emotional distance, leaving lingering guilt.
  • Unsolved Cases:
    • Several high-profile cases remain unresolved, a source of personal frustration and professional regret.

Mental Trauma

  • Witnessing Violence:
    • Years of exposure to brutal yakuza crimes—murders, extortion, and human trafficking—have left Tanaka with recurring nightmares and a hardened emotional shell.
  • Survivor’s Guilt:
    • Blames himself for the deaths of colleagues and informants caught in the crossfire of his investigations.
  • Emotional Repression:
    • Struggles to process his feelings, often channeling them into his work at the expense of his mental health.

Intellectual Characteristics

  • Analytical Mind:
    • Tanaka excels at piecing together disparate clues to uncover hidden connections.
  • Street Smart:
    • Decades of experience dealing with criminals have given him a keen intuition for deception and danger.
  • Detail-Oriented:
    • Known for his meticulous approach to gathering evidence and preparing case files.
  • Weakness:
    • Can become overly fixated on a single theory or lead, occasionally missing alternative angles.

Morality & Philosophy

  • Justice Above All:
    • Tanaka believes in the rule of law, even when it’s inconvenient or dangerous, but he occasionally bends the rules to achieve justice.
  • Zero Tolerance for Corruption:
    • Holds himself and others in law enforcement to a high moral standard, which isolates him from more pragmatic colleagues.
  • Code of Honor:
    • Respects the humanity of even the criminals he pursues but has no patience for those who harm innocents.

Taboos

  • Collaboration with Yakuza:
    • Refuses to make deals or compromises with yakuza, even for the sake of expediency.
  • Dishonesty:
    • Lies and half-truths from colleagues or informants are a surefire way to lose his trust.
  • Neglecting Duty:
    • Views negligence or laziness in law enforcement as a betrayal of public trust.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

  • Justice Through Relentless Pursuit: Driven by a deep-seated sense of justice, Tanaka is determined to dismantle the Yakuza and bring order to Nagoya’s streets, no matter the cost to his personal life.
  • Proving His Worth: Haunted by personal and professional failures, Tanaka pushes himself to earn the respect of his peers and to prove he can make a tangible difference.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

  • Savvies:
    • Investigative Skills: Exceptional at piecing together clues and identifying patterns that others overlook.
    • Interpersonal Savvy: Skilled at reading people, whether during interrogations or undercover operations.
    • Urban Navigation: Knows Nagoya’s streets, alleys, and underground pathways like the back of his hand.
  • Ineptitudes:
    • Work-Life Balance: His job consumes him, leaving little room for personal relationships or self-care.
    • Tech Ineptitude: Struggles with modern technology, often relying on younger colleagues for help with advanced tools and systems.
    • Blind Spot for Emotional Subtlety: While he’s great at reading criminal behavior, he struggles to connect emotionally with others outside of work.

Likes & Dislikes

  • Likes:
    • Late-night ramen shops—especially those in quiet, hidden alleys.
    • Classic noir detective novels, which resonate with his own life and ideals.
    • The sound of rain, which helps him focus and soothes his restless mind.
  • Dislikes:
    • Corrupt officials who shield criminals for personal gain.
    • The smell of cheap cologne, often associated with low-level thugs.
    • Office politics and bureaucratic red tape, which slow down justice.

Virtues & Personality perks

  • Integrity: Will not compromise his moral code, even when pressured by higher-ups or tempted with bribes.
  • Courage Under Fire: Keeps his cool in dangerous situations, providing a steady presence for his team.
  • Empathy for the Vulnerable: Driven by a strong desire to protect those who can’t protect themselves, especially victims of organized crime.

Vices & Personality flaws

  • Workaholism: His obsessive dedication to his job often isolates him from friends and family.
  • Chain Smoking: Relies on cigarettes to manage stress, despite knowing the health risks.
  • Stubbornness: Once he sets his mind on a course of action, it’s nearly impossible to change it, even if it leads to conflict or poor decisions.

Personality Quirks

  • Frequent Smoking Breaks: Uses them as a way to reflect or decompress during high-pressure moments.
  • Finger Tapping: A subconscious habit when he’s lost in thought or frustrated.
  • Knuckle Cracking: A ritual before heading into a confrontation, almost like a mental reset.

Hygiene

  • Meticulous with Personal Grooming: Despite his often rumpled trench coat and tired demeanor, Tanaka ensures he’s always clean-shaven and well-kept—an effort to maintain professionalism.
  • Smells of Tobacco & Aftershave: His distinct scent is a mix of fresh aftershave and lingering cigarette smoke.

Representation & Legacy

  • Symbol of Tenacity: Tanaka represents the relentless pursuit of justice in a world fraught with moral ambiguity, embodying both the strengths and flaws of the anti-Yakuza police force.
  • Legacy of Sacrifice: His story highlights the personal costs of his crusade, from strained relationships to physical exhaustion, showcasing the human side of those who fight for order in a chaotic world.

Social

Reign

  • Not applicable. As a detective, Tanaka operates under a bureaucratic system rather than reigning over an organization.

Contacts & Relations

  • Police Colleagues: Works closely with other detectives and officers, though he’s selective about who he truly trusts.
  • Informants: Maintains a network of small-time criminals, disillusioned Yakuza members, and civilians willing to trade information for favors or protection.
  • Community Ties: Known and respected by some local business owners and residents for his efforts to keep their neighborhoods safe from Yakuza influence.

  • Nagasawa-Kai (敵 / Teki - Enemies): As a staunch opponent of organized crime, Tanaka views the Nagasawa-Kai as a primary adversary.
  • Hanabira-Gumi (敵 / Teki - Enemies): Sees this group as a dangerous rival faction contributing to the escalating violence and corruption in Nagoya.
  • OCCB Division Head: Reports directly to his commanding officer, who respects Tanaka’s skills but frequently clashes with him over his unorthodox methods.

Family Ties

  • Estranged Father: A former factory worker who disapproved of Tanaka’s career choice, leading to years of tension and eventual estrangement.
  • Late Mother: Passed away when Tanaka was a teenager, her memory a driving force behind his moral code.
  • Younger Sister (Tanaka Miyuki): Lives in Tokyo and works as a schoolteacher. They maintain occasional contact but are not particularly close due to Tanaka’s demanding schedule.

Religious Views

  • Agnostic with Cultural Roots: Respects traditional Shinto and Buddhist customs but doesn’t actively practice or hold strong spiritual beliefs.
  • Pragmatic Outlook: Focuses more on tangible actions and justice than divine intervention or fate.

Social Aptitude

  • Professional Demeanor: Comes across as stern and no-nonsense in professional settings, commanding respect through his dedication and competence.
  • Rough Charm: When off-duty, can display a gruff but likable personality, especially among trusted colleagues or informants.
  • Limited Emotional Vulnerability: Struggles with opening up on a personal level, often appearing distant or overly formal in non-professional interactions.

Mannerisms

  • Intense Eye Contact: Fixes his gaze on others during conversations, a trait that can unnerve both allies and adversaries.
  • Frequent Cigarette Lighting: Uses smoking as both a stress reliever and a deliberate pause during tense moments.
  • Habitual Notetaking: Always carries a pocket-sized notebook, jotting down observations or thoughts even during casual exchanges.

Hobbies & Pets

  • Pet Goldfish: Keeps a single goldfish, nicknamed “Sora,” in a small tank at home. It’s one of the few elements of tranquility in his life.
  • Hobbies: Enjoys solving logic puzzles, reading true crime literature, and watching old detective movies.

Speech

  • Tone: Low and measured, often with a dry, sarcastic edge.
  • Language: Speaks formal Japanese at work but slips into Nagoya dialect (名古屋弁 / Nagoya-ben) in casual or heated situations.
  • Catchphrases: Uses terse, impactful phrases like “Talk. Now.” or “Cut the crap.” during interrogations.

Wealth & Financial state

  • Moderate Income: His police salary is stable but not extravagant, allowing him to live modestly.
  • Frugal Spending Habits: Rarely indulges in luxuries, preferring to save his earnings for essentials and the occasional indulgence like a rare book or quality whiskey.

Alignment
LG
Current Status
Investigating yakuza-related activity.
Current Location
Currently Boarded Vehicle
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles

  • Detective (刑事 / Keiji): Tanaka holds the official title of Detective within Nagoya’s Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB).
  • “Wolf of Nagoya” (名古屋の狼 / Nagoya no Ōkami): An unofficial moniker given by peers for his relentless pursuit of the Yakuza, reflecting his tenacity and sharp instincts.

Age
44
Date of Birth
October 2nd, 1963
Circumstances of Birth
Normal
Birthplace
Nagoya, Japan
Children
Current Residence
Nagoya
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Gender
Man
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Dark Brown
Hair
Short, Spiked
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Light Suntan
Height
5’10” (178 cm)
Weight
165 lbs (75 kg)
Quotes & Catchphrases

  • “Loyalty means nothing if it’s to the wrong cause.”
  • “The city doesn’t sleep, and neither can I—not until it’s safe.”
  • “Every lie has a crack. You just have to know where to look.”
  • “Some people live in the gray. I’m here to remind them black and white still exist.”

Belief/Deity
Shinto-Buddhism
Aligned Organization
Known Languages
  • Japanese (Native):
    • Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing. His ability to grasp complex nuances of the language aids in interrogation, negotiation, and decoding cryptic slang often used by criminals.
     
  • English (Intermediate):
    • Proficient in professional contexts, such as communicating with international law enforcement or handling cases involving foreign nationals. His reading skills are stronger than his conversational fluency.
     
  • Korean (Basic):
    • Possesses a foundational understanding of Korean, allowing him to get his point across and understand common phrases or certain conversations. This stems from his work with Japan’s zainichi Korean population and the prevalence of Korean-affiliated yakuza groups. He's particularly alert to its use as a code language among gangsters and continues to study it for his job.
     
  • Mandarin Chinese (Rudimentary):
    • Knows basic phrases and some key terminology relevant to criminal operations. While not conversationally fluent, he can pick up on important cues and context. This rudimentary knowledge stems from the need to handle occasional cases involving Chinese nationals or operations connected to mainland China.
Character Prototype

  • Ken Takakura-Inspired Detective:
    • Tanaka draws inspiration from classic Japanese cinema’s stoic, honorable anti-heroes—men driven by duty yet haunted by personal demons.
  • Modern Noir Archetype:
    • His pragmatic approach, ethical gray areas, and weary demeanor align him with hardboiled detectives of Western noir, such as Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe.



Cover image: by SheWolfSymphony

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