Kashiwade Aoki is a senior pilot in the anime Knights of Sidonia, serving as a member of the Akai squad. His call number is 003, which indicates he holds the rank of the third highest-ranking Garde pilot aboard the Sidonia, signifying his considerable experience and seniority among the force.

In terms of personality, Aoki is portrayed as a good-natured and optimistic individual. Even when facing the immense threat of Gauna 487, he maintains a positive outlook and expresses confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory. This optimism defines his character in the brief time he is featured.

His role in the story is primarily defined by his participation in the high-stakes extermination mission against Gauna 487. During this mission, he works in coordination with his squadmates to expose the enemy's core, a standard but dangerous tactic for destroying the Gauna.

Key relationships during this event show his reliance on his squad leader, Akai, and fellow pilot Izumo. After Akai is killed in the battle, Aoki is left in a vulnerable position. Instead of receiving support, he is abandoned by Izumo, who chooses to attempt a rescue of Momose, a pilot who was already dead. In his final moments, Aoki watches in horror as the Gauna's tentacles close in on him. While his actual death is not explicitly shown on screen, the audience hears his screams, confirming his demise. He and the rest of his squad are later mourned on the Sidonia.

Little is known about his background prior to the series, and his character undergoes no significant development due to his early death. His notable abilities are those of a senior Garde pilot, skilled enough to hold a high call number and participate in a direct assault on a Gauna core, though the specific details of his combat skills are not elaborated upon.