Masashi Yahari, known in the English version as Larry Butz, is a supporting character in the anime adaptation of the Ace Attorney series. He is Phoenix Wright’s oldest friend, having known him since grade school, and also shares a childhood friendship with Miles Edgeworth. Yahari is a carefree and emotionally expressive individual who frequently finds himself in trouble. He is easygoing and laid back but also very trusting and somewhat flaky, which leads him to move between different part-time jobs and romantic interests. Despite his shortcomings, he is a loyal friend who sticks by Phoenix when it matters. His primary motivation appears to be a search for love and stability, though his poor judgment often lands him in difficult situations. In the story, Yahari serves as Phoenix’s first client in his debut case, and he reappears in various episodes either as a witness, a suspect, or a source of comic relief. His relationships with Phoenix and Edgeworth are central to his character; he maintains a close bond with both, even though his antics often frustrate them. Over the course of the series, Yahari shows little significant personal growth, remaining essentially the same well-meaning but accident-prone friend. His notable ability is his uncanny talent for being present at the scene of incidents, often becoming entangled in the cases Phoenix handles. He also occasionally adopts the pseudonym Laurice Deauxnim when pursuing artistic endeavors. Overall, Yahari provides a lighthearted contrast to the serious courtroom drama, embodying the theme of enduring friendship.