Chikage Kazama leads the powerful Kazama demon clan of western Japan, bound by ancestral duty to aid the Satsuma domain for protection granted after Sekigahara. A pureblood demon, he possesses honey-blond hair, red eyes, and distinctive white horns in his true form, favoring traditional white-and-red kimonos or later Western attire. His personality blends arrogance, fierce pride in his demonic lineage, and open contempt for humans—whom he deems greedy and foolish—as well as Rasetsu (Furies), dismissed as unnatural abominations. He typically maintains calm confidence, speaking with blunt honesty and dry sarcasm, while prioritizing demonic preservation and personal honor.

His initial prominence comes during the Ikedaya Incident, clashing with Shinsengumi members, notably wounding Souji Okita and sparking a lasting rivalry with Toshizou Hijikata. Discovering Chizuru Yukimura is a rare pureblood female demon shifts his focus; he repeatedly attempts to abduct her to sire powerful offspring and preserve their bloodline, disregarding her objections and Shinsengumi interference. These efforts involve ambushes near their headquarters, confrontations at Nijo Castle, and a raid where he incapacitates Chizuru only to retreat after witnessing her defiant protection of Hijikata. Throughout, he warns Chizuru of inevitable human betrayal, citing her father's abandonment and Kyoto's political treacheries.

His character evolves across narratives. In the anime's second season, he confronts Hijikata with a demon-slaying sword during a castle siege but withdraws amidst chaos, later facing consequences for defying his clan. A pivotal moment occurs at Chizuru's father's grave, where he questions her faith in Hijikata, acknowledging her romantic feelings while reaffirming his resolve to settle their rivalry despite risking his demonic status. Their final duel ends with Kazama fatally wounded after bestowing Hijikata the title "Hakuouki" (Pale Sakura Demon), a symbol of respect for his adversary's spirit.

In visual novel routes, Kazama's role shifts from antagonist to ally or romantic partner. On non-romantic paths, he allies with antagonist Koudou to force Chizuru into marriage or pursues vengeance against Hijikata. His dedicated route reveals deeper layers: initially viewing Chizuru as a means to strengthen demon lineage, he gradually develops genuine affection through observing her resilience amid tragedy. His protective instincts shift from duty to personal care, spending over a year aiding her quest to reunite with the Shinsengumi. This path also shows his evolving view of humans, particularly the Shinsengumi, whose unyielding convictions earn his reluctant respect and envy for their freedom to prioritize ideals over demon obligations.

Kazama's backstory lacks personal attachments beyond utilitarian bonds with subordinates like Amagiri and Shiranui. His connection with Chizuru becomes his first meaningful relationship, softening his rigid worldview and fostering empathy. Despite this growth, core traits like pride and combativeness persist, evident in his final anime appearance saving Kamo Serizawa from rogue samurai while coldly noting Serizawa's debilitating illness.

Movies and spin-offs like *Sweet School Life* recontextualize Kazama in alternate settings, such as a university-educated student council president, though his arrogance and rivalry with Hijikata remain consistent, reinforcing his core traits across media.