Kotaro Bokuto commands attention as Fukurodani Academy's third-year volleyball captain, ace spiker, and charismatic leader. His striking appearance—spiky white-grey hair with black streaks mimicking a horned owl’s horns, piercing golden eyes, and a muscular frame honed post-timeskip—sets him apart, as do his signature thigh-length knee pads, a rarity among players.
Brimming with childlike exuberance, Bokuto’s volatile emotional pendulum swings between infectious enthusiasm and sudden slumps, requiring steady support from setter Keiji Akaashi during matches. Though often deemed simplistic, he reveals unexpected depth, delivering crucial insights to peers like Tsukishima and Hinata. His craving for praise fuels his confidence, yet he openly acknowledges his dependence on teammates, striving to transcend his flaws while maintaining playful humility.
Discovered for his raw power in middle school, Bokuto’s high school career initially hinged on mercurial form, his elite spikes tempered by predictability. A pivotal evolution saw him master unstoppable straight shots over cross spikes, securing his status among Japan’s top-five aces. Post-graduation, he joins the MSBY Black Jackals and Japan National Team, showcasing refined skills and emotional maturity.
On the court, Bokuto wields explosive power, razor-sharp cut shots, and tactical feints, mentoring rising talents like Hinata in advanced techniques. His occasional lapses paradoxically fortify Fukurodani’s adaptability, earning Kuroo Tetsurou’s observation that a focused Bokuto rivals the nation’s top-three aces.
His self-designed "Wisdom of the Ace" shirt encapsulates his philosophy, while his jersey number #4 honors Fukurodani’s tradition of reserving it for the ace. Off the court, he favors yakiniku and wrestles with mathematics, balancing his larger-than-life persona with relatable quirks. Akaashi meticulously catalogs 37 weaknesses in his game, from showmanship tendencies to tunnel vision.
Post-timeskip, Bokuto redefines himself as an "ordinary ace," prioritizing steadfast reliability over theatrics. This shift reflects his embrace of teamwork and shedding past insecurities, evident when calmly countering Atsumu Miya’s provocations. His legacy spans professional leagues and international stages, highlighted in clashes like Fukurodani’s tense showdown against Mujinazaka High, cementing his enduring influence on volleyball’s next generation.