Batsugorō, also known as X-gorō due to the unusual spelling of his name with a multiplication symbol, is the father of the main character Atarō in Mōretsu Atarō. He lives with his son in downtown Tokyo, where they run a family vegetable store together. Batsugorō's life comes to an abrupt end early in the story when he falls from a tree while attempting to retrieve a balloon for a young child. Prior to this accident, he is portrayed as a somewhat foolish figure who often tries to predict the future but is frequently incorrect.

Despite his death, Batsugorō remains a central presence in the series. After passing away, he discovers that because of the unconventional way his name is written, Heaven cannot locate him on its list, preventing his entry. He is subsequently sent back to the Earthly realm. However, by the time he returns, his body has already been cremated and buried, leaving him stuck as a ghost that only his son Atarō can see and hear. This unique circumstance drives his primary motivation: he cannot move on to the afterlife and instead remains to watch over his young son, worried about Atarō's ability to manage the store and navigate life alone.

Within the story, Batsugorō takes on the role of a spectral guide and mentor. He is a wise ghostly presence who offers advice and support to Atarō as the boy struggles to keep the family business running. Their relationship is the emotional core of this aspect of the series, as the father and son continue to interact and work together despite the barrier between the living and the dead. As a ghost, Batsugorō possesses several notable supernatural abilities. Beyond his inherent intangibility and invisibility to all except Atarō, he has the power to possess unconscious people, allowing him to interact with the physical world in a more direct manner when the opportunity arises.