Kojiro Inaba

Kojiro Inaba (稲葉（イナバ）虎二郎（コジロー）, Inaba Kojirō) is the leader of the mechanics in STORAGE.

Personality[]

Kojiro is a quiet man who gives off an old-fashioned Showa atmosphere and sometimes displays an unexpected skill, but his past is shrouded in mystery. His nickname is Mr. Bako (バコさん, Bako-san) and the members of the maintenance crew trust him deeply.^[2]^[3]

He possesses a rigorous craftsman spirit that doesn't compromise on ideals, and he approaches various individuals, from team members to subordinates, with enthusiasm and friendliness.

History[]

Life-Threatening Decision Height ―The Story of STORAGE's Founding―[]

Kojiro Inaba was born on July 30, 1961, in Shinjo City, Fukuoka Prefecture.^[4] In his early twenties, he joined the GAF as a contract member and gradually advanced through the ranks. After completing Officer Candidate School, he was promoted from Technical Sergeant to officer and earned a pilot license. Around this time, he married and had a daughter, Ruri.

While working on weapon development at the Integrated Research Institute, Inaba met GAFJ Director Kimizaki, who appointed him as a test pilot for combat aircraft outside the standard selection process.

In 2009, Inaba began developing bipedal robots. At Kimizaki's recommendation, he met Deputy Director Saburo Kuriyama, who was exploring robot-based countermeasures against monsters. Kuriyama invited him to help form the Robot Development Department. Progress was slow due to limited funding until January 2010, when Grigio Raiden crashed in Yamanashi Prefecture. The crash revealed unknown energy sources and alien technology. Although initially hesitant, Inaba agreed to use the technology after speaking with Kuriyama.

After the Special Airborne Armor Development and Test Unit was established in Gifu Prefecture, Inaba was assigned to lead its development and testing division. Two pilots were selected, but a test flight ended in failure, resulting in the death of pilot Yasuko Kuroe. Inaba considered stepping down but chose to stay after encouragement from the other pilot, Hebikura.

In June 2015, the SC1 Sevenger was officially deployed and engaged Namegon, which had been attacking Japan for two weeks. The live broadcast of the battle drew worldwide attention. After Sevenger entered full operation, the test unit was disbanded. Inaba became the Mechanics Team Leader in STORAGE, overseeing maintenance and repairs of the SC units.^{Life-Threatening Decision Height ―The Story of STORAGE's Founding―}

Ultraman Z[]

Kojiro Inaba continues to serve as the Mechanics Team Leader in STORAGE, overseeing the maintenance, development, and inspection of SC Units. In his first appearance, he reported a 0.25% deviation in Sevenger's stability settings to Yoko after her wrist wrestling match victory. When Neronga appeared, he instructed the team to prepare for deployment and encouraged Haruki as he boarded Sevenger.^{A Warrior's Principle}

Development of SC2 Windom was suspended due to budget constraints. Inaba informed Haruki that Kuriyama planned to request additional funding at the next budget meeting.^{Live Coverage! The Monster Transport Operation}

After GAF's North American HQ approved new funding, Windom's development resumed. However, design flaws required outsourcing components, causing connection issues and energy loss. As a result, Windom needed four days to fully charge. Inaba assured Hebikura that he would resolve the problem. That night, he encouraged a discouraged Yuka, reminding her that overlooked details could hold value. The team later worked with her to improve Windom's charging time.^{Robot-2 Activation Plan}

Bako fooling . — Bako fooling Alien Barossa.

While repairing King Joe, Inaba voiced concern about using alien technology. During an attack by Alien Barossa, he was injured while helping evacuate the team. In a critical moment, he activated King Joe by splashing soup from his lunch onto its final switch, aiding Haruki. Despite his injury, he soon returned and told Haruki and Yoko, "Defense robots are only as good as their pilots," encouraging them to co-pilot King Joe STORAGE Custom.^{Here Comes the Space Pirate!}

Later, STORAGE held a celebration for King Joe SC's success. Inaba surprised the team by arriving from a fishing port with a whole tuna. He prepared sashimi for everyone and entertained the group with magic tricks. When Bullton's powers caused a gravity disruption at the base, Inaba stayed calm.^{Four-Dimensional Capriccio}

During a paid leave, STORAGE organized a party to celebrate the multiple achievements of King Joe SC. Upon learning of the news, Inaba made a special trip from a fishing port to the base with a tuna in hand. This action left the entire STORAGE team astonished. After crafting the tuna into a lavish assortment of sashimi, he treated everyone to a hearty feast. Following that, he showcased impressive magic tricks during the subsequent entertainment segment. However, when the base lost gravity due to Bullton's abilities, he remained remarkably composed.^{Four-Dimensional Capriccio}

When his daughter Ruri returned to Japan after three years in Canada, Inaba took a day off to meet her. At her request, he brought her to the STORAGE base. During a group photo, he quickly returned to his professional role and ordered everyone back to their posts. Later, terrorists posing as researchers captured M1, a creature Ruri had raised, and exposed it to a generator, causing it to grow uncontrollably. STORAGE was ordered to eliminate M1, but proposed developing a cellular regressor agent first. The plan was approved on the condition that M1 would be destroyed if it failed. Inaba and Ruri disagreed on how to proceed, briefly straining their relationship.

As the operation neared failure, Inaba took responsibility. He piloted King Joe SC, fired the regressor, and successfully restored M1. He later told Haruki and Yoko that the SC Units were originally created to save lives. This helped repair his bond with Ruri.^{To Care and What Lies Beyond}

Under orders from GAFJ operations chief Mai Yuki, Inaba was later told to install the D4 device on King Joe SC. Although he initially objected, he complied after the emergence of Kelbim.^D4

Following STORAGE's disbandment, Inaba was transferred to the publicity department. Wearing a clown mask, he handed out balloons at a museum displaying Sevenger. When Haruki was attacked by Alien Barossa, Inaba intervened using martial arts. Before leaving the base, he handed over the SC Units to SAAG's team.^{Individual Tomorrows}

After Haruki's battle with Five King, Inaba visited him in the hospital and sensed something was wrong. He helped Haruki escape and learned that Yoko had been manipulated by Celebro and that Ultroid Zero was absorbing monster life energy. During the trip, Haruki asked to confront Celebro alone. Inaba silently acknowledged that Haruki was Ultraman Z's host and offered his support. The team then regrouped to reclaim STORAGE HQ.^{The Game to Extinction}

In the final battle, Inaba piloted Sevenger, supporting Hebikura and Haruki. He provided cover during key moments. When Haruki transformed into Z to face Destrudos, the team watched and cheered him on. After the victory, Inaba joined the others in seeing Haruki off as he left Earth.^{Warriors Shining Beyond}

Profile[]

Stats

Height: 178 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Age: 59
Blood Type: O

Merchandise[]

Kojiro Ultraman Z Deformed Pattern Acrylic Charm

Ultraman Z Deformed Pattern Acrylic Charm (2021)
- Release Date(s): November 2021 (Premium Bandai)
- Price: 550 yen for each piece
- Materials: Acrylic, metal (chain)

Released as part of the Z themed Deformed Pattern Acrylic Charm series, Kojiro (which is drawn in an Anime-fied style) is one the items to be produced as hanging acrylic keychain.

Kojiro (and the rest of the characters) is available as a made-for-order item (where the customers can choose one during purchase) for Premium Bandai in November 2021.