Furuhonya, also known by the fan-given name Kani, is a character from the Chiikawa series who operates a used bookstore as a street vendor. Their official name, Furuhonya, is the Japanese word for a second-hand bookshop, reflecting their primary occupation.

In terms of physical appearance, Furuhonya has a light pink body with a darker pink forehead. A distinctive feature is their crab-like pincers and two black antennae, which are not actual body parts but a headband that they wear. Without this headband, Furuhonya originally had simple, rounded ears when first appearing as an unnamed background character. They possess two rows of eyebrows and sharp teeth, with no visible tail.

Furuhonya has a kind and honest personality, demonstrating a hardworking nature and a genuine love for reading. They are often seen with a book during their free time when not managing their shop. The character exhibits a great deal of patience and care, particularly in their interactions with Momonga, a friend known for being demanding and impulsive. Furuhonya consistently defends and de-escalates situations when conflicts arise involving Momonga, showing a capacity for taking care of others. They are known to be well-prepared for various situations and react with happiness to small successes, such as making a sale or being considered a friend.

In the story, Furuhonya started as a mob character, meaning a faceless background figure, while selling a weeding book to Hachiware. The character was later developed and given a distinct face and personality after forming a friendship with Momonga, becoming a main character in the manga. Their role is primarily as a supportive friend and a local merchant, providing a service to the community by selling a variety of books, including textbooks, comics, and recipe books, as well as buying them in bulk.

The most significant relationship for Furuhonya is with Momonga, whom they consider a close friend. Furuhonya often acts as a patient caretaker, defending Momonga from their own misdeeds, dragging them away from trouble, and preparing meals for them. The friendship deepened when Momonga gave Furuhonya the crab pincer headband, an item Furuhonya has worn ever since. The character also interacts with other members of the community, such as Hachiware, to whom they sold a book in their first appearance, and Chiikawa, who once suggested they make spicy curry. Furuhonya lives in a house filled with books, and they demonstrate surprisingly capable skills beyond bookselling, including proficiency in monster subjugation using a weapon called a sasumata and cooking.

Regarding development, Furuhonya transitioned from an anonymous background vendor to a fully realized character with a unique design and personality upon befriending Momonga. This event marked the character's ascension in the series, leading to more prominent appearances in the manga, often seen accompanying Momonga on various activities. Although the character initially appeared in the anime as a mob figure, later announcements confirmed their formal introduction into the animated adaptation, completing their evolution from a silent extra to a named, speaking character. Notable abilities include running a successful business, a deep knowledge of books, culinary skill, and the combat capability to participate in dangerous subjugation quests alongside other armed characters.