Okonogi functions as a villain within the Higurashi series, leading the paramilitary group Yamainu under the codename "Phoenix 1." His background includes covering up incidents related to Hinamizawa Syndrome on Takano Miyo's orders. He directly participated in the kidnapping of the Prime Minister's grandson and the deaths of the dam manager and Satoko's parents. Okonogi exhibits strategic cunning, adaptability in complex scenarios, and susceptibility to financial incentives. He harbors resentment towards formal martial arts and jealousy towards superior fighters, notably "that Karate guy."

During the events of Matsuribayashi-hen, Okonogi commands the Yamainu's failed operation to capture Tomitake, Rika, and Irie. Following this failure and the activation of Emergency Manual 34, he betrays Takano per pre-existing orders to designate her the scapegoat. He orders her suicide but pragmatically allows her escape when she refuses. His actions ultimately serve his true superiors in Tokyo, specifically Nomura of 'Tōkōo.'

In the non-canonical, comedic OVA *Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira*, specifically the "Ayakashisenshi-hen" parody arc, Okonogi leads the antagonistic organization "Tokyo Magica," opposing Rika in her "Oyashiro Rika" magical girl persona.

Beyond Higurashi, Okonogi appears in the *Umineko no Naku Koro ni* series as a company president connected to Rudolf and Hideyoshi Ushiromiya. Employing Juuza Amakusa (Hibari 13), he becomes an unexpected ally to Ange Ushiromiya. Though initially hired by the Sumadera family to hinder her investigation, he instead aids her escape, offers protection, and provides philosophical guidance, asserting that truth can only be attained through love. A character sharing his name also appears in *Ciconia no Naku Koro ni*.