Gen Tanaka is the young son of Ouji and Yoshiko Tanaka, living with them in Tokyo. He develops an intense fascination with an outer space television program, watching it daily. This fascination becomes pivotal when he encounters Layla, an alien operative; Gen instantly links her to a character from his favorite show, convinced she belongs to the fictional "Flying Five" or "Flying V" space team.

His actions sometimes collide with the larger conflict involving his father. Gen accidentally destroys Ouji's prized Michael Schenker autographed LP record, an incident Yoshiko meets with indifference. Driven by curiosity, he follows Ouji to an alien spacecraft disguised as a model home. Identified as an intruder aboard the craft, Gen forces Ouji to rescue him by navigating rotating generator blades—a feat Ouji achieves using rhythmic timing reminiscent of drumming. Gen emerges unharmed, more certain than ever of the link between Layla and his television show, expressing admiration for his father's perceived connection to "Commander Nakamurabashi" (Layla's show alias).

Gen's perspective often unintentionally mirrors the interstellar war. His absolute belief in the "Flying Five" narrative parallels the actual alien conflict, though he remains largely unaware of the true stakes or his father's role as a weapon operator. His presence occasionally compels Ouji to balance domestic duties with otherworldly activities, notably during the rescue. His role remains that of the observant child whose innocent interpretations connect ordinary family life to the cosmic battle surrounding them.