Inspector Gumshoe, also known as Inspector Tawashi in the original Japanese version, is a recurring police detective in the Astro Boy series. His most distinctive physical feature is a long nose with a mustache directly beneath it that closely resembles a shoe brush, which is the origin of his English name. This unique appearance makes him instantly recognizable and is a consistent trait across nearly all versions of the story.

In terms of personality, Gumshoe is initially characterized by a gruff and antagonistic attitude, particularly toward robots. He holds a general dislike for robotic beings and is often very quick to blame or arrest Astro Boy for unsolved crimes in the city. This stems from a deep-seated belief that law and order, as enforced by human authority, is the only proper way to resolve any situation. He is a committed and loyal police officer dedicated to protecting his city, though his rigid methods have been proven wrong on several occasions.

His role in the story serves as a primary antagonist figure within the human law enforcement system, creating conflict for Astro Boy, who is often the target of his false accusations. However, this relationship is not static. Over the course of the series, Gumshoe's initial rivalry with Astro grows and softens. He eventually develops a liking for the young robot, and his general antagonism toward robots is diminished. In later storylines, he begins to trust Astro and other robotic allies, such as Delta, during crime sprees, demonstrating a clear character development from a robot-hating detective to a grudging ally and protector of the peace who accepts robotic help. His loyalty to protecting the city at all costs remains his primary motivation throughout this evolution. Regarding his background and specific notable abilities outside of standard detective work, no reliable direct information exists.