Kiyoshi Moriya is a character from the Bakeneko arc of the anime Mononoke. He is a journalist, and his role in the narrative is defined by his corrupt and self-serving actions. His background reveals a man who has entered into a conspiracy with the mayor, prioritizing personal gain and the protection of a dangerous secret over the truth, a betrayal of the ideals often associated with his profession.

Moriya's motivations are rooted in concealment and self-preservation. He and the mayor are desperate to hide a secret concerning the construction of a subway system. This secret is so damaging that when a woman named Setsuko discovers the truth, Moriya resorts to murder to silence her permanently. This act reveals a deeply ruthless and calculating personality, one willing to commit the ultimate crime to maintain a facade of legitimacy and protect his interests.

In the story, Moriya serves as the human antagonist whose sins form the core of the supernatural conflict. His actions directly lead to the creation of a mononoke, an evil spirit born from the grudges and corrupted emotions of the living. As a result, he is not merely a background figure but the primary source of the malice that the Medicine Seller must confront. His physical appearance includes black hair cut to ear-length, black eyes, and he is often depicted wearing a cap and a yukata with a mustache.

Kiyoshi Moriya does not undergo a positive transformation or redemption arc. Instead, he stands as a representation of human moral failure. His development is a deepening of his villainy as the truth of his crime is gradually exposed. He does not possess supernatural abilities; his power comes from his social position and his willingness to commit evil acts, making him a purely human threat whose corruption is the catalyst for the arc's tragic events.