Kitagawa serves as a minor antagonist in the early narrative of Genshiken, specifically occupying the role of vice president of the campus activities organization at the university the characters attend. In this capacity, Kitagawa is depicted as a determined and adversarial figure whose primary goal is to disband the Genshiken club. The stated reason for this opposition is the perception that the club members do nothing but spend their time playing video games and engaging in other otaku pastimes, which Kitagawa apparently considers to be an invalid or wasteful activity for a recognized student organization.

The character is described as vicious in the pursuit of this goal, suggesting a personality that is aggressive, uncompromising, and willing to use the authority of the student council position to target the club. However, despite this hostile stance, Kitagawa is not presented as an overwhelmingly powerful or untouchable foe. The club president, known only as the Prez, possesses compromising information or leverage over Kitagawa, which is used to blackmail the vice president and neutralize the threat to the Genshiken. This dynamic implies that Kitagawa may have personal secrets or past actions that could be exposed, hinting at a less-than-pristine personal conduct that contradicts the official position.

Kitagawa also engages in pointed verbal exchanges with the main cast. After a confrontation regarding relationships, Kitagawa labels the couple of Saki Kasukabe and Makoto Kousaka an otaku couple, a term used in a derogatory manner similar to how Kasukabe had previously insulted Kitagawa. This interaction reinforces the adversarial relationship and shows Kitagawa is willing to trade insults and attack the characters based on their association with otaku culture. The role in the story is primarily functional, acting as an external threat that forces the Genshiken members to unite and also showcases the Prez's resourcefulness in protecting the club. Information regarding Kitagawa's background, personal motivations beyond disliking the club, any significant development over the course of the series, or notable abilities is not present in available sources.