In the context of the anime City Hunter, Kabukicho is not a character but a real-life district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, which serves as the primary setting and backdrop for the series. It is depicted as a vibrant, chaotic, and neon-lit entertainment and red-light district. This location acts almost as a living entity, defining the atmosphere and the nature of the cases that the protagonist encounters.

As a setting, Kabukicho is characterized by its constant activity, nightlife establishments, and a mix of glamour and sleaze. Its narrow alleyways, hostess bars, pachinko parlors, and adult entertainment venues create a hotbed for the city's underworld dealings. The district's high-energy, transitory, and morally ambiguous environment directly shapes the series' core themes. The constant flow of desperate people, criminals, and those seeking pleasure provides a steady stream of clients for the city’s cleaner.

Kabukicho’s role in the story is fundamentally that of a catalyst. It is the hunting ground where the protagonist operates, known for cleaning up the district’s unique brand of trouble. The setting dictates the type of cases that arise, which often involve yakuza, disreputable businessmen, femme fatales, and individuals caught in the crossfire of urban crime. The urban landscape of Kabukicho, with its bright signs hiding dark secrets, is inseparable from the series' identity as a gritty, action-packed detective story. The protagonist's deep familiarity with its every corner, hideout, and coffee shop is a key element of his effectiveness, making the district an integral character in its own right rather than mere background scenery.