Norio Kunato is a Garde pilot and the heir to Kunato Developments, one of the major defense corporations aboard the seed ship Sidonia. He is the ninth eldest son of the powerful Kunato family. Kunato earned the highest rank during pilot training and initially displayed little respect for his fellow trainees, viewing them as beneath his skill level. This attitude fueled a fierce rivalry with Nagate Tanikaze, the protagonist, whom Kunato resented for receiving special treatment despite Nagate’s obscure background. Kunato is reserved and often cold in his interactions, projecting an arrogant and distant demeanor. His motivations are driven by a deep-seated need to live up to the expectations of his family name and to prove himself as the superior pilot. During the course of the story, Kunato falls under the control of the antagonist Ochiai and barely survives the encounter, losing all memories of that period. After recovering, he returns to active duty as a pilot and is entrusted with the Tsugumori Custom 2, a modified Garde that he has trained on since childhood using a combat simulator similar to the one Nagate used. This second chance allows Kunato to mature, and he becomes a capable and reliable member of Sidonia’s defense forces. His notable abilities include exceptional piloting reflexes, strategic thinking, and familiarity with advanced Garde weaponry.