Rantarō Kiyama stands tall with fair skin, a blonde pompadour, and brown eyes, often marked by a bandage across his nose and a lollipop between his lips. His signature outfit pairs a black gakuran jacket over a red or orange tank top, black trousers fastened by a white or blue sash, and brown shoes. Comic books, notably CoroCoro issues, protrude from his waistband, while a large white paper fan remains a constant accessory.
Dubbed "The Head Honcho," Rantarō exudes unshakable self-confidence, frequently using the title in self-reference. Though prone to simple-minded antics, he balances this with a fierce sense of justice, openly displaying emotions ranging from exuberant joy to fiery frustration. He mentors teammates with heartfelt encouragement and connects effortlessly with younger children. His quirks include an unexplained fear of unicorns, a love for tacos and meat, and vehement protests when his jacket is mislabeled as a cape.
As Valt Aoi’s initial rival, Rantarō engages in heated back-and-forth battles, culminating in a tournament loss via Burst Finish. Their rivalry evolves into camaraderie, spurring the creation of Beigoma Academy’s BeyClub alongside Ken Midori and Daigo Kurogami. Later recruited by Spain’s BC Sol, he upgrades his Beyblade and competes globally, mastering the Stamina Launch technique under Trad’s guidance to secure a pivotal World League victory against Richard Yello.
His prominence wanes in later arcs, with sporadic flashbacks hinting at his legacy as his younger brother Ranjiro inherits Raging Roktavor and steps into the spotlight. Transitioning to mentorship, Rantarō coaches Hikaru and Hyuga Hizashi, prioritizing discipline and teamwork. He shoulders responsibility for Hyuga’s disappearance and sacrifices his Beyblade to shield Silas in battle, underscoring his growth into a steadfast leader.
His Beyblades evolve from Roktavor Heavy Survive in manga origins to animated iterations like Raging Roktavor Gravity Revolve and Berserk Roktavor 4Cross Flugel. Signature techniques such as Roktavor Zone emphasize defensive stamina, while the precision-driven Stamina Launch avoids self-burst risks. Later advancements introduce Glide Roktavor Wheel Revolve 1S, a Lightning-type Beyblade synchronized via his Lightning Launch method.
Relationships highlight loyal bonds with Valt, Shu Kurenai, and Free De La Hoya, alongside a mix of rivalry and protectiveness toward Ranjiro. As a mentor, he shifts from comedic relief to a disciplined guide, balancing strictness with empathy. Manga depictions showcase chaotic early clashes with Valt, resulting in property damage and school sanctions, yet cementing his role as a founding BeyClub member unafraid to bend rules for passion.