Makoto Mizuhara is the central protagonist of the anime series El-Hazard: The Wanderers. He is a seventeen-year-old male student in his third year at Shinonome High School on Earth. He stands approximately one hundred and seventy centimeters tall. On Earth, Makoto is characterized as a well-rounded and capable individual with strong academic performance, skill in sports, and natural popularity among his peers. He is also scientifically gifted, possessing a keen intellect and an aptitude for building and inventing. This scientific talent is central to the beginning of his journey, as he constructs a complex machine intended for his school's cultural festival exhibition. Makoto carries himself with a kind and considerate demeanor. He treats others with respect and tries to see the good in people, even those who oppose him. This inherent decency is coupled with a genuine sense of courage; when faced with danger, he does not hesitate to act in defense of others, even at personal risk. He is not naive, however, and will stand his ground when the situation demands it, showing a notable strength of character. His motivations shift over the course of the story. Initially, he is focused on returning to his own world. His arrival in El-Hazard is accidental, the result of his rival tampering with the machine he built, which unexpectedly creates a portal to the alternate world. Once stranded there, his primary goal becomes finding a way home. He agrees to assist Princess Rune Venus by impersonating her missing sister, Fatora, hoping that this cooperation will grant him access to the Eye of God, an ancient artifact believed capable of sending him back to Earth. As his journey progresses, his motivations deepen. He becomes captivated by the mysterious being Ifurita, a powerful ancient automaton known as the Demon God. His desire to save Ifurita from her fate and to understand the connection he feels with her becomes a driving force that rivals his wish to return home. In the El-Hazard: The Wanderers version of the story, Makoto is not forced to impersonate Princess Fatora, as the character is not present. His focus in this continuity remains more heavily on navigating the strange new world, dealing with the antagonist Jinnai, and forging bonds with the people he meets. His role in the narrative is that of the primary hero. He is the central figure around whom the events of the series revolve. He serves as a catalyst, both for the initial transportation to El-Hazard and for many of the major events that follow. He is the one who can activate and synchronize with the lost technology of the ancient civilization of El-Hazard, making him the key to wielding the world's most powerful artifacts. This ability places him at the center of the conflict between the kingdom of Roshtaria, the militaristic Bugrom forces led by his rival Jinnai, and the machinations of the Phantom Tribe. He is a figure of unity, drawing allies to his cause through his sincerity and bravery. His key relationships define the emotional core of the series. His rivalry with Katsuhiko Jinnai is a constant source of conflict. Jinnai, the former student council president, views Makoto as his primary obstacle and holds a deep-seated, obsessive grudge against him. In El-Hazard, Jinnai becomes the commander of the Bugrom army, using his newfound power to pursue his vendetta. In contrast, Makoto shares a strong bond with his friend Nanami Jinnai, Jinnai's younger sister. Nanami harbors deep romantic feelings for Makoto, though she often struggles to express them directly. He also develops a close, respectful relationship with Princess Rune Venus of Roshtaria, who becomes a steadfast ally. A prominent relationship is with Shayla-Shayla, the priestess of fire, who falls in love with him after he rescues her. Makoto is often oblivious to the romantic advances made by Nanami and Shayla-Shayla, as his own affections become increasingly fixed on Ifurita. His connection with Ifurita is profound and seemingly predestined, spanning across millennia. He is drawn to her, and his ability to link with her consciousness allows him to understand her plight and ultimately act to free her. Throughout the story, Makoto undergoes noticeable development. He begins as a capable but ordinary high school student, largely defined by his academic and athletic success. His journey forces him to grow beyond these comfortable confines. He learns to take on responsibility for others, to make difficult decisions under pressure, and to confront threats far beyond anything he has experienced. His initial desire to simply go home evolves into a commitment to the people of El-Hazard and a personal mission to save Ifurita. He demonstrates an ability to persevere through hardship, and his experiences mature him, ultimately leading him to a point where he willingly sacrifices his own safety for the sake of others. His notable ability is the power bestowed upon him by the act of crossing into El-Hazard. He gains the unique capacity to activate, synchronize with, and control the ancient technology of El-Hazard simply by touching it. This includes the ability to operate the Eye of God, a powerful satellite-like weapon, and to link with Ifurita, the ultimate weapon of the old civilization. This ability makes him indispensable and places immense responsibility upon him. He does not possess inherent physical enhancements, instead relying on his intelligence, courage, and this special gift to navigate the dangers of the world.