Minoru Minorikawa is a freelance journalist and a survivor of the Shibuya bio-terrorism incident. Two years after that event, he is dispatched to Shanghai alongside his partner and junior colleague, Maria Osawa, to cover the Shanghai NBCR International Anti-Terrorist Conference. He is known for his hot-headed and impulsive nature, often acting on instinct rather than caution, yet he possesses a sharp investigative mind and a deep commitment to uncovering the truth. His demeanor can come across as gruff and confrontational, but beneath that exterior lies a genuine sense of responsibility toward his work and those he protects. He earns the nickname Mino-san from both Maria and the mercenary Canaan, reflecting a certain familiarity and affection from the people around him.

His primary motivation is to expose the secrets behind the terrorist organization Snake and its leader, Alphard Al Sheya, as well as the truth about the Borners, individuals infected with the UA virus. This drive pushes him to take significant personal risks, moving beyond tabloid-level reporting into the dangerous territory of global conspiracy. He treats the pursuit of a real story as a serious obligation, and he is not above bending or breaking the law to obtain vital information. Despite lacking any supernatural or combat abilities, his resourcefulness, charm, and determination make him a valuable asset to the protagonists.

In the story, Minorikawa serves as the investigative lens through which the broader political and biological threads of the plot are connected. He follows the trail of a strange purple mark he spots on one of Canaan’s slain assailants, linking it back to the events in Shibuya and eventually to Snake’s operations. His role is practical and grounded, contrasting with the superhuman abilities of Canaan and Alphard. He acts as a mentor and protective figure to Maria, often trying to shield her from the darker realities of their reporting while relying on her photographic skills and optimism. He also develops a professional, though tense, relationship with the detective Yuri Natsume during his investigation.

Throughout the series, Minorikawa undergoes a noticeable transformation. Initially portrayed as a brash and somewhat cynical freelance writer chasing a scoop, he grows into a dedicated truth-seeker willing to endanger himself for a cause larger than his career. He accompanies Maria and Canaan on a journey to Western China to trace the origin of the UA virus, culminating in their safe return to Japan. His development emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity and the courage required to confront powerful, hidden forces. Notable abilities include his keen observational skills, his ability to analyze complex situations, and his talent for extracting information from reluctant sources. These traits, combined with his unyielding persistence, allow him to play a crucial part in unraveling the conspiracy at the heart of the anime.