Kotetsu is a large orange stray cat who becomes the pet of Chie Takemoto, the ten-year-old protagonist of Jarinko Chie. His most distinguishing physical feature is a crescent-moon shaped mark on his forehead. He first appears when Chie, who works at her family’s yakitori and kushiyaki restaurant, feeds him leftover grilled offal. After that, Kotetsu begins hanging around the eatery and eventually takes up residence there, becoming a permanent member of the household. Kotetsu possesses a mischievous and combative personality, often acting as a troublemaker, but he also displays moments of loyalty and surprising dignity. His primary motivation is tied to food, especially the grilled offal that Chie provides, and this bond of care gradually turns him into a protective presence. In the story, Kotetsu plays a significant role as both a comic foil and a catalyst for conflict. He is frequently involved in brawls with other neighborhood cats, most notably Antonio, the prized pet of Shachou, the local yakuza boss. Kotetsu’s most infamous fighting technique is a brutal move in which he grabs and injures an opponent’s testicles; during one such fight he partially castrates Antonio, an event that escalates tensions between the two households. The key relationship in Kotetsu’s life is with Chie, whom he seems to regard as his caretaker and friend. He also interacts with Chie’s father, Tetsu, though with less warmth. His intense rivalry with Antonio and later with Antonio’s son, Antonio Jr., forms a recurring subplot. Over the course of the series, Kotetsu undergoes subtle development. Initially portrayed as a scrappy, instinct-driven stray, he later demonstrates the capacity for restraint and respect. In the film, when Antonio Jr. comes seeking revenge for his father’s injury, Kotetsu refuses to fight and instead shows deference to the memory of the dead, an act that defuses the situation and earns the forgiveness of his would-be opponent. This moment suggests a growth in his character from a pure brawler to one who understands honor and reconciliation beyond mere violence. Kotetsu’s notable abilities include exceptional fighting prowess, a high pain tolerance, and an almost preternatural sense of timing in combat. Despite his small size as a cat, he regularly bests larger and more formidable feline adversaries. His presence adds a layer of earthy, animalistic humor and helps ground the series in the rough, working-class Osaka setting.