Kyōtarō Ichikawa is the male protagonist of the anime series Twi-Yaba. He is a second-year middle school student who initially presents himself as a gloomy and socially withdrawn boy with a pronounced chuunibyou, or middle-school delusional, persona. He spends much of his time alone in the school library, reading true-crime encyclopedias and anatomy books, and he often indulges in dark, violent fantasies about his classmates, particularly the popular and beautiful Anna Yamada. These fantasies are a defense mechanism born from his extremely low self-esteem and his perception of himself as an outsider. He believes that Yamada looks down on him, and his initial impulse is to see her as his primary target for his morbid daydreams.

However, as the story progresses, Ichikawa's true personality emerges. He is revealed to be highly perceptive, observant, and genuinely kind-hearted. Despite his internal darkness, he cannot stand to see others being mistreated or in distress. His dark fantasies are gradually replaced by genuine romantic affection for Yamada as he begins to notice her own quirky, clumsy, and unexpectedly vulnerable nature. He starts to secretly look out for her, solving small problems for her from the shadows long before he openly admits his feelings. His motivations shift from a desire for isolation and a yearning to feel special through a dark persona to a deep-seated need to connect with Yamada and to become someone worthy of her.

Ichikawa's role in the story is that of the central protagonist and the primary point of view character. The narrative is told very closely from his perspective, allowing the audience to witness his internal monologue, his anxieties, his self-loathing, and his gradual emotional growth. He is the lens through which Yamada's own complex personality is revealed, and his journey from a lonely, self-hating boy to a more confident and open individual forms the core of the story.

His key relationship is with Anna Yamada. Their dynamic is one of mutual growth; while he falls for her and learns to express his feelings, she also becomes more self-aware and overcome her own insecurities through her interactions with him. Alongside this, he has a significant relationship with his older sister, Kana Ichikawa. Kana is perceptive and often teases him about his relationship with Yamada, but she also provides crucial, grounded support and a sounding board for his romantic anxieties. He also maintains a complex dynamic with his male classmates, such as the loud and crude Adachi, who initially represents everything Ichikawa dislikes but eventually becomes a reluctant friend.

Ichikawa's development is one of the most prominent aspects of his character. He transitions from a state of intense self-doubt and social anxiety, where he constantly assumes the worst about himself and how others perceive him, to a state of greater self-acceptance and courage. He learns to confront his own feelings, to take risks for someone else's happiness, and to believe that he is capable of being loved. This growth is gradual and earned, defined by small, meaningful steps rather than a single dramatic change.

In terms of notable abilities, Ichikawa is academically strong and was early on shown to have won awards for essays and other school projects. His primary strength, however, is his exceptional observational skill, originally honed by his interest in crime and mystery, which allows him to notice minute details about Yamada's behavior and feelings. He also possesses a surprising capacity for decisive and bold action when the situation demands it, such as protecting Yamada from unwanted attention or stepping up to deliver a heartfelt speech despite his overwhelming shyness. His main struggle is with his own social awkwardness and his tendency to overthink and underestimate himself.