Inspector Zenigata is Interpol's foremost investigator obsessively pursuing master thief Lupin III. His career centers on this relentless chase, yet repeated failures occasionally cost him the case, plunging him into despondency. Once removed from duty, he even shared drinks with Lupin and Jigen, voicing his despair. Despite their rivalry, Zenigata displays complex loyalty, collaborating with Lupin to dismantle the terrorist network Shot Shell—a joint effort aimed at reinstating his position. This alliance arises from shared justice ideals and Zenigata's personal code: capturing Lupin alive takes precedence over killing him. This philosophy starkly opposes his lethal-minded replacement, Keith Haydan.

Zenigata wields formidable physical prowess, mastering judo and karate to overpower multiple foes. His signature tactics include precisely hurling handcuffs like bolas and expert marksmanship with a Colt .45 automatic pistol. During pursuits, his determination fuels superhuman endurance and focus. Beyond professional setbacks, Zenigata reveals emotional depth. He grieves intensely when believing Lupin dead, sometimes retreating into temporary retirement. Conversely, Lupin’s escapes renew his purpose, perpetuating their rivalry. An unspoken pact binds them: neither seeks the other’s death, and Lupin has retaliated against Zenigata’s attackers. This dynamic sparks speculation about Zenigata’s hidden affection for Lupin—denials persist despite rare tender gestures.

Japanese by heritage, Zenigata claims ancestry to fictional detective Zenigata Heiji. "The Mystery of Mamo" fleetingly mentions a daughter, but later narratives omit this, spotlighting his lifelong fixation on apprehending Lupin—a devotion excluding personal relationships. His resolve faces new trials in "Zenigata and the Two Lupins," where he probes a terrorist bombing implicating Lupin and confronts an enigmatic impostor, challenging his commitment to justice.