Chikage Kazama is a pureblood demon, known as an oni, and the head of the powerful Kazama family from western Japan. His clan is bound by an ancestral debt of honor to the Satsuma domain, which protected them after the Battle of Sekigahara. As a result, he lends his considerable strength to the imperialist forces, though he does so with open disdain for the humans he is obligated to work alongside.

In terms of appearance, Kazama typically has honey-blonde hair and red eyes. He is often seen wearing a traditional white kimono with red trim. However, when he unleashes his full demonic power, his form transforms dramatically: his hair turns silver, his eyes shift to a yellow hue, and four white horns emerge on his head. This transformation significantly enhances his already formidable physical strength.

Kazama's personality is defined by his deep-seated arrogance and pride in his demonic heritage. He is thoroughly prejudiced against humans, viewing them as greedy, foolish, and disposable. His contempt is even greater for Rasetsu, humans transformed by the Water of Life, whom he regards as disgusting fakes and abominations that must be eliminated. Despite his cold and often cruel demeanor, he possesses a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that typically manifests at the expense of others. He finds it beneath himself to lie and will generally tell the truth as he sees it, though he may omit information or twist a situation to his advantage.

His primary motivation is to preserve the strength of the demon bloodline. To this end, he becomes relentlessly fixated on Chizuru Yukimura after discovering she is a rare pureblood female demon. His goal is to forcibly take her as his bride, believing that the union of two purebloods will produce even more powerful offspring. This objective brings him into direct and repeated conflict with the Shinsengumi, as they protect Chizuru and regularly thwart his attempts to abduct her.

Within the story, Kazama serves as a primary antagonist to the Shinsengumi. He is a highly skilled swordsman whose raw demonic power rivals the best captains of the group. He engages in several key confrontations, including severely injuring Souji Okita during the Ikedaya Incident and clashing multiple times with Toshizo Hijikata, whom he considers his sworn enemy. In certain narrative routes, his role becomes more complex, and he is even presented as a potential love interest for Chizuru, where he demonstrates unexpected loyalty and protectiveness.

Kazama maintains key relationships with two other demons who often accompany him. The first is his vassal, Kyuuju Amagiri, who loyally follows his orders and is not afraid to speak frankly to remind him of consequences. The second is Kyo Shiranui, a demon with his own agenda who sometimes joins forces with Kazama. Though he begins with a singular and obsessive goal, Kazama experiences development over time, particularly through his escalating rivalry with Hijikata. His worldview is challenged when he encounters humans and Rasetsu who refuse to betray their principles, forcing him to acknowledge spirits that transcend his fatalistic view of humanity. In some endings, his final confrontation with a mortally wounded Hijikata leads him to bestow the title Hakuouki upon his enemy, resolving their conflict before he is fatally wounded himself.

His notable abilities include his immense demonic strength and speed, which surpass ordinary humans. In his transformed state, his power multiplies, granting him the edge in most physical confrontations. He is also a master swordsman capable of standing against the best of the Shinsengumi. Beyond combat, his demonic nature grants him enhanced senses and a rapid healing factor.