Kanata is a young man with brown hair cropped at his ears and grey or brown eyes, of moderate stature. His physique evolves modestly through the story, later showing more defined abdominal muscles from rigorous training.
Born before 2222, he lost his father and surrogate mother—a Magus who raised him—when they died shielding him from Enders. This loss profoundly shaped his worldview, leading him to inherently treat Magus as equals. He grew up in the post-apocalyptic settlement Rock Town, working as an engineer repairing bipedal combat vehicles called Coffins while dreaming of becoming a Drifter. His childhood friend Ellie developed unrequited romantic feelings for him, though he remained unaware despite their closeness.
His life shifts dramatically upon discovering Noir, an amnesiac Magus in stasis within ruins. After awakening her, he names her and becomes her master. Despite her initial clumsiness and inefficiency, he partners with her upon recognizing her exceptional combat prowess against Enders. Their bond evolves from mutual reliance to profound loyalty; Kanata consistently prioritizes her safety, even risking his own life during confrontations like Claudia's attempt to capture her. He proves resourceful, notably improvising a way to reach an abandoned satellite station by combining transports with Ellie's aid.
Initially dependent on his mentor Tokio for combat support and guidance, Kanata gradually hones his skills as a Drifter through battles and experience. His resolve hardens in opposition to the organization Ideal and its leader Weisheit, who seek Magus extermination. This commitment intensifies when confronting Ciel, a Magus who initially betrays him as an Ideal mole but later develops genuine feelings for him. Her eventual sacrifice and personality wipe result in her body becoming a new vessel for Noir.
Kanata's core principles drive his dedication to protecting Noir and fostering human-AI coexistence. His journey reveals ties to larger mysteries, including the mythical city Histoire—a place linked to his dreams and Noir's origins as a prototype "Type Zero" Magus. Throughout the story, he navigates alliances, confrontations, and personal growth, culminating in his active role in challenging forces that threaten his world's fragile balance.