Shinya Kogami, born in Kanagawa Prefecture to Tomoyo Kogami and an unnamed father, formed a close high school friendship with Nobuchika Ginoza after defending him from bullies. He majored in social science, practicing kickboxing and wrestling for stress relief. Influenced by Ginoza, Kogami pursued law enforcement, graduating at the top of his class with a Sibyl System proficiency score of 721. He joined the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as an Inspector in April 2104, assigned first to Division 03 before transferring to Division 01 in May 2106. Three years before the main events, Kogami investigated the "Specimen Case" alongside Enforcer Mitsuru Sasayama. Sasayama's brutal murder by Shogo Makishima profoundly traumatized Kogami, spiking his crime coefficient. Refusing therapy, his obsessive pursuit of the case led to demotion to Enforcer status in February 2110. This event catalyzed his disillusionment with the Sibyl System's inability to judge criminally asymptomatic individuals like Makishima. As a Division 01 Enforcer under Inspector Akane Tsunemori's supervision, Kogami's exceptional deductive skills and unorthodox methods proved pivotal. He maintained a calm, analytical demeanor during investigations but harbored a relentless drive for justice, often clashing with protocols. His formidable physical capabilities included specialization in Silat, alongside proficiency in kickboxing and wrestling. After Makishima evaded Sibyl's judgment, Kogami abandoned his duties in February 2113 to pursue personal vengeance, killing Makishima outside legal channels and becoming a fugitive. He fled to Southeast Asia, working as a mercenary supporting oppressed populations, notably in Shambala Float. By 2116, he engaged in anti-government guerrilla activities, adopting olive military attire, combat boots, a bulletproof vest, and conventional firearms. In 2118, Kogami joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Suppressing Action Department (SAD) as a Special Investigator. Traveling through the Tibet-Himalaya region, he rescued refugees and encountered Tenzing Wangchuk, a half-Japanese girl seeking vengeance for her parents' deaths. He trained her but cautioned against revenge, drawing on his experiences with Makishima. After thwarting mercenary Garcia's plot, Kogami accepted Frederica Hanashiro's offer to return to Japan under SAD's employ. Key relationships shaped his path. His partnership with Akane Tsunemori centered on mutual trust and ideological respect; he viewed her as principled justice's embodiment and left her an apology letter before fleeing Japan. His friendship with Ginoza endured despite opposing ranks and conflicts, rooted in their shared history. Tomomi Masaoka provided refuge during his fugitive status; Kogami later placed a key at Masaoka's grave in tribute. Physically, Kogami possessed gray eyes, short dark hair, and a muscular build. As a CID member, he wore standard black suits with a gray field coat. His mercenary years saw him in olive military gear. His personality blended detachment with dry humor, often teasing Tsunemori about their first encounter where she shot him. He lived by the motto: "Be gentle to others, but strict with oneself." His licenses included archaic language proficiency, speed reading, multiple vehicle operation permits, and a social sciences teaching credential. His emergency contact remained his mother in Kanagawa Prefecture.