Hōzuki serves as Chief of Staff to King Enma, ruler and head judge of Japanese Hell, managing underworld operations, resolving problems, and ensuring efficient function. He originated as a human child sacrifice; his spirit merged with demon fire, prompting Enma to name him Hōzuki—combining his human name "Chou" (丁) with "demon fire" (鬼火). He has served since Japanese Hell's early establishment and previously researched afterlife systems, including Chinese realms.

Physically tall and slender, he possesses black parted hair, a prominent forehead horn resembling an infected pimple, pointed ears, and visible fangs. His grey slanted eyes feature permanent red corner markings. He typically wears a black yukata with red lining and an obi embroidered with a Chinese lantern symbol on the back, reflecting his name. Wielding an exceptionally heavy toothed metal club with ease, he maintains careful personal grooming and is noted as attractive by some female characters.

His personality blends stoicism and sadism; he rarely loses composure except with rival Hakutaku or Enma, employing violent methods and psychological torment that often traumatize adversaries. Professionally, he demonstrates sharp intellect, impeccable organizational skills, and efficient problem-solving. He harbors deep affection for animals, caring for those in Animal Hell and cultivating Goldfish Plants, expressing disgust toward humans who abuse animals. He treats women cordially, valuing those resistant to repulsive objects, and conceals his demonic features during human-world visits with a hat, claiming ninja training.

Key relationships define his role. With Enma, a paradoxical dynamic exists: though Enma is his godfather and superior, Hōzuki holds de facto authority, issuing commands with superficially polite language. He subjects Enma to sadistic punishments for perceived incompetence, like fixing his slipped disc, yet their long-standing partnership fosters mutual trust and familiarity. His rivalry with Hakutaku stems from a bet during a Japan-China event over a passerby's gender and breast size, leading to mutual loathing; Hōzuki frequently insults Hakutaku's womanizing and drinking capacity.

Notable trivia includes his naming origin from the Chinese lantern plant (*Physalis alkekengi*), heavy sleeping habits, preferences for sushi, rice balls, carbohydrates, dango, karaage, and Baumkuchen, dislike of spicy food and Japanese-style pudding, heavy alcohol consumption, offense at human comparisons, and fandom of Studio Ghibli animations.