Michiya Kudou is the coach of Inazuma Japan, the national junior soccer team that competes in the Football Frontier International tournament. He is not Fuyuka’s biological father, but he became her foster parent after her parents died and has raised her since then. His coaching methods initially appear unusual to the players, but they consistently prove to be effective and well‑thought‑out. He is a highly intelligent and analytical strategist who approaches every match with intense focus and a deep understanding of the game. Kudou is known for being serious, strict, and somewhat distant with the team at first; he does not try to befriend the players and holds them to rigorous standards. For instance, he once benched the captain Endou during a match against Fire Dragon to teach him the full weight of his responsibilities. Beneath his stern exterior, however, he is genuinely caring, especially toward Fuyuka. As the story progresses and his memories of his foster daughter resurface, he gradually opens up and develops a closer, more supportive relationship with the players, particularly with Endou. His primary motivation is to guide Inazuma Japan to victory, but he also invests in the personal growth of each team member. In the later series Inazuma Eleven GO, Kudou becomes the coach of Raimon Junior High, but he is forced to resign after opposing the oppressive Fifth Sector organization. He then joins the resistance movement, using his tactical knowledge and leadership to help free soccer from the regime. His notable abilities include a sharp tactical mind, the capacity to design effective training regimens, and a calm, authoritative presence that commands respect from his players.