Satoshi Hōjō, born June 16, 1968, is Satoko Hōjō's older brother whose absence significantly impacts events. He carried multiple surnames—Hatake, Yoshizawa, Matsūra—due to his mother's remarriages before adopting Hōjō from their fourth stepfather. After their parents died during the 1980 Watanagashi Festival (attributed to an accident or an incident involving Satoko), Satoshi and Satoko endured abuse from guardians Tamae and Teppei Hōjō. Satoshi frequently shielded Satoko, worsening his own physical and mental state. Ostracized by Hinamizawa villagers over their parents' dam project support, Satoshi briefly joined the Hinamizawa Fighters baseball team. He quit to work multiple jobs, saving to buy Satoko a teddy bear. Developing terminal-stage Hinamizawa Syndrome, he suffered paranoia, hallucinations, and depression. During the 1982 Watanagashi Festival, he killed Tamae to protect Satoko from abuse. Days later, while buying the teddy bear in Okinomiya, he experienced a public psychotic episode, mistaking bystanders for Tamae. Dr. Irie Kyōsuke intervened, confining him to the Irie Clinic's basement under sedation to manage aggressive symptoms. His disappearance was falsely reported as a transfer or a Nagoya train station sighting, covers orchestrated by Irie and authorities. Across most storylines, he remained comatose until 1987, when he awoke in one conclusion, noticing the teddy bear in his room. In another storyline set 35 years later, he married Sonozaki Shion and lived in Hinamizawa. Satoko affectionately called him "Nii-nii," relying on him deeply. He prioritized her safety, using earnings for her gifts and absorbing abuse to protect her. Despite occasional frustration over caretaking burdens, he reaffirmed his dedication. Shion harbored strong romantic feelings for him, partially motivating her vengeful actions. Satoshi acknowledged her kindness but showed limited reciprocation due to stress. Before vanishing, he entrusted Shion (disguised as Mion) with Satoko's care. Mion also expressed affection, though Satoshi often responded curtly. Rena bonded with him over shared mental health struggles, later regretting her inability to aid him. Keiichi resented him for "abandoning" Satoko but later felt spiritually protected by his baseball bat. Satoshi had blond hair, red-violet eyes, and a slim build, standing slightly taller than Keiichi. He typically wore his school uniform, a baseball uniform, or a hospital gown. Reserved and soft-spoken, he struggled to express emotions but displayed strong protectiveness, particularly toward Satoko. He shared Satoko's color blindness, confusing cauliflower with broccoli.