Genta Kojima attends first grade at Teitan Elementary School and co-founded the Detective Boys with classmates Ayumi Yoshida and Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya after an early case involving stolen Italian gold coins. He lives with his parents, proprietors of Kojima Liquors store, and has extended family including an uncle in Gifu Prefecture. His father, Genji Kojima, embodies the classic "Child of Edo" spirit, earning Genta’s profound admiration. Genta loudly claims leadership of the Detective Boys, though Conan Edogawa typically directs their investigations. His brash, impulsive nature often leads to poorly considered actions that endanger himself or the group. He obsesses over food, especially braised eel rice bowls (unagi donburi), converting monetary values into potential eel bowl purchases. Academically, he falters with common kanji and confuses homophones—particularly food-sounding ones—inviting peer teasing. Despite his recklessness, Genta displays steadfast kindness and reliability. His deep bonds with Ayumi and Mitsuhiko trace back to preschool. He harbors a crush on Ayumi, sparking jealousy when she favors Conan, yet feels no rivalry toward Mitsuhiko. His dynamic with Conan blends respect for the boy’s detective skills with sporadic resentment. Initial interest in Ai Haibara faded due to her maturity, though they maintain friendly rapport, and he has aided her when necessary. He features in 432 anime episodes, 29 theatrical films, 24 OVAs, and numerous specials. Notable episodes include "Boy Genta’s Misfortune" (Episode 242), "Genta’s Certain Kill Shot" (Episodes 476-477), and "The Culprit is Genta’s Dad" (Episodes 551-552). Non-canon appearances span OVAs like "Conan vs Kid vs Yaiba" and all 29 main films through "Black Iron Submarine" (Movie 26). His school shoe locker functions as a case-receiving mailbox. Trivia notes: His name derives from mystery writer Hajime Komine. "Genta" (元太) combines "origin" and "plump/fat," interpreted as "originally fat," while "Kojima" (小嶋) means "little island." Haibara once speculated about his unconfirmed shellfish allergy. He is right-handed.