Emperor Fred nominally rules Little Tokyo but wields no actual power due to chronic insanity and erratic behavior. He typically shouts his own name ("Fuh-RED!") or engages in scat singing, though he exhibits coherent speech in at least four documented instances.

A panda animaloid, Fred is married to the globally traveling and largely absent Empress Frieda; some accounts suggest her marriage to him is financially motivated. Their rabbit daughter, Princess Violet, manages palace affairs in Frieda's absence. Fred's differing species from his wife and daughter is explained by hereditary traits within this universe.

Originally conceptualized in Japanese media as Shogun Iei Iei Tokugawa, the character parodies the historical Tokugawa shogunate, which held de facto power while emperors were figureheads during Japan's Edo period. The name specifically satirizes Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Edo shogun, aligning with the series' broader parody of feudal Japanese structures. His design evolved during development from a more conventional look to his final eccentric portrayal.

An episode depicts Fred exiled with Speedy Cerviche after ruining Princess Violet's pizza, leading to their shipwreck on Prisoner Island. There, Fred demonstrates competence in cooking and resourcefulness, ultimately helping create a pizza that appeases the princess. A deleted scene implied potential infidelity, showing Fred envisioning himself surrounded by humanoid women despite his marriage; this scene was censored in adaptations.

Physically, Fred wields fans adorned with Japanese flag motifs. He features on the currency of Little Tokyo, reflecting his ceremonial status. Wealth is a noted aspect of his character. While typically passive, his rare coherent statements unsettle others.