Umibōzu, whose real name is Kankou, belongs to the Yato clan and operates as a famed alien hunter. His moniker "Umibōzu," translating to "sea of star monk," reflects his formidable combat skills on a galactic scale. He married Kouka and fathered two children, Kamui and Kagura.
As a youth, Umibōzu fought Housen, the King of the Night, in an intense three-day battle that concluded without a victor. He later established a family with Kouka in Rakuyou. His frequent absences to seek a cure for Kouka's illness placed strain on their family life. A critical event occurred when, driven by uncontrolled Yato instincts during a confrontation, he nearly killed his son Kamui. This incident resulted in Umibōzu losing his left arm and subsequently distancing himself from his family, fearing he might harm them again.
Physically, Umibōzu shares the Yato clan's distinctive pale skin. He once sported a hairstyle resembling Abuto's, later braided after marriage. Over time, he suffered significant hair loss, retaining only small patches of black hair on the sides. His daughter Kagura accidentally ripped off these remaining patches, leaving him completely bald – a condition he remains deeply sensitive about.
Emotionally reserved, especially in expressing paternal affection, Umibōzu often communicates complex feelings like love or hatred through combat. He exhibits extreme protectiveness towards Kagura, vowing to kill anyone who harms her. Conservative views surface in his disapproval of Kagura living with Gintoki. He displays vulnerability regarding his baldness, reacting strongly to related insults. In his younger years, he was known as a "skirt-chaser," notably visiting Kouan to pursue romantic interests.
Ranked among the Yato elite, Umibōzu possesses superhuman strength, speed, reflexes, and tactical acumen. His abilities rival Housen's, placing him in the highest tier of Yato fighters. Severe injuries mark his battles: he lost his left arm during the conflict with Kamui and his right arm later fighting Utsuro. Mutsu, a former pupil, provided him with artificial arms after these losses.
His relationships are defined by loyalty and conflict. He deeply loved Kouka, blaming himself for her illness and dedicating himself to finding a cure. His relationship with Kamui remains fractured after their violent confrontation, while his bond with Kagura mixes protectiveness with guilt-driven distance. He eventually accepted Kagura's choice to live on Earth after recognizing her genuine happiness there. Umibōzu also formed a mutual respect with Sakata Gintoki, trusting him to protect Kagura. His mentorship of Mutsu during space travels evolved into lasting friendship, leading her to craft his prosthetics.
Throughout various storylines, Umibōzu undergoes development. In the Umibōzu Arc, he attempted to retrieve Kagura from Earth but relented after acknowledging her bond with the Yorozuya. During the Yoshiwara in Flames Arc, he confronted Gintoki about the potential consequences of fighting Kamui in Kagura's presence. In the Santa Arc, he visited Kagura disguised as Santa Claus to reassure her. The Rakuyou Decisive Battle Arc saw him fighting alongside the Harusame pirates against Kamui's forces and Utsuro, sustaining critical injuries. Later, in the Silver Soul Arc, he participated in the final conflicts against the Altana Liberation Army and Utsuro.
Trivia notes include the wordplay involving his real name "Kankou" (神晃), from which his children derived the "神" (kami) kanji. Kagura nicknames him "Papi," inspired by the sea monster Umibōzu of Japanese folklore. His battle record includes a win against Kagura, an interrupted fight with Kamui, and a loss to Utsuro.