TV-Series
Description
Kaoru Misato is a prominent supporting character in Moyashimon, recognized as a second-year student at the agricultural university where the story is set. He is easily identifiable by his distinctive physical appearance, which includes a long face, a ponytail, and a mustache, giving him the look of an older, seasoned researcher. This mature appearance is noted to be a stark contrast to his actual status as a university student.

Misato's personality is defined by a vibrant and ambitious drive to enjoy his college life to the fullest, primarily through his deep passion for alcohol and the science of brewing. His primary motivation is to leverage his knowledge of fermentation to create sake, not merely for academic pursuit but as a means to earn money. This entrepreneurial, or sometimes scheming, nature positions him as a catalyst for many events, often hatching grand plans alongside his close friend and roommate, Takuma Kawahama. Together, they reside in a dormitory on campus and form a comedic duo, with their exaggerated facial expressions occasionally shifting into a high-contrast, sarcastic style reminiscent of classic manga art.

His ambitious nature leads to a significant early failure when he attempts to secretly brew sake for a school festival. The endeavor fails because the location had an unsuitable environment for proper fermentation, causing the alcohol to convert into acid. The situation worsens when the weight of the fermentation tank breaks through the weak floor of the old building, resulting in substantial repair costs of over ten million yen. This incident forces Misato to join the laboratory of Professor Keizo Itsuki as a researcher, which ultimately nullifies the debt.

Despite this rocky start, Misato plays a crucial role as a senior figure to the main protagonist, Tadayasu Sawaki. His relationship with his juniors includes providing encouragement and acting as a supportive, if often misguided, mentor. His most significant relationship development occurs with Haruka Hasegawa. A romantic subplot forms between them over the course of the series, evolving to the point where Misato chases after Hasegawa when she leaves for France, and she later confesses her feelings for him.

In terms of abilities, Misato is characterized by his practical knowledge of fermentation and the specific techniques required for sake production. His determination and resourcefulness, however flawed, are his core traits. He is not content to passively observe his environment but constantly seeks to experiment and make things happen, serving as a driving force for much of the plot's conflict and humor. His speech reflects his background, as he commonly uses the Kansai dialect. The character’s name is a notable detail, as both his first name, Kaoru, and his last name, Misato, are frequently used as female names in Japan, creating a gender-blender name.