Daisaku Akatsuka, widely recognized by the nickname "Taisho" or "The General," debuted as a major supporting character in the 1969 anime adaptation. He subsequently appeared in later iterations like the 1988 and 1998 anime series and manga revisions. The 1988 anime explicitly revealed his full name. Taisho presents as a tall, heavy-set boy who acts as a rival to protagonist Atsuko Kagami (Akko) and her best friend Moko. He frequently targets them with pranks and schemes designed to antagonize. Despite his bullying behavior, he secretly nurses a crush on Akko, subtly influencing some actions. He commands a small group: two henchmen named Gyoro, the shorter and shy one, and Goma, the taller, submissive "yes-man." His toddler brother, Shosho, often accompanies them; Shosho can speak but not yet walk, frequently seen riding their large family cat, Dora. Dora possesses the strength to carry Shosho and occasionally participates in Taisho's misadventures. Taisho's core personality persists across adaptations: hot-headed, trouble-seeking, and awkward in expressing genuine feelings. His interactions typically showcase the contrast between his aggressive exterior and hidden affection for Akko. The 1998 anime introduced direct romantic competition via Eiji Haraguchi, Akko's boyfriend. His design and role show minor variations. In the Nakayoshi manga, henchmen Gyoro and Goma were redesigned as visually more comical classmates of Akko, with their presence becoming less consistent—Goma featured more often than Gyoro. His established background as a bully and key familial ties, especially with Shosho, remain central. Merchandise, including keychain charms, reinforces his recognizable status within the franchise.