Movie
Description
Lui Ohwada is a central figure in Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning. He first appears in 2012 as a young man carrying a cracked Digivice, claiming to be the first chosen child. In truth, he is not a DigiDestined in the traditional sense but rather the first human to form a friendship contract with a Digimon, a unique and earlier kind of bond. His backstory is rooted in a traumatic childhood. As a young boy in 1996, Lui was abused by his mother and lived in isolation. He discovered a Digi-Egg that hatched into Ukkomon, a wish-granting Digimon. Ukkomon gave Lui the very first Digivice and used its power to manipulate Lui's parents, friends, and neighbors into treating him kindly, creating a façade of happiness. However, Lui later learned that his wish had indirectly caused an increase in the number of DigiDestined worldwide, many of whom risked their lives in battles. Horrified by this consequence, Lui confronted Ukkomon. In a moment of anger, he accidentally injured his own right eye, and Ukkomon gave him its own eye as a replacement. Overcome with mental instability, Lui insulted Ukkomon furiously, causing the Digimon to melt away and disappear. As a result of Ukkomon's prolonged puppeteering, Lui's parents suddenly died.

In the present day, a giant Digi-Egg appears over Tokyo Tower, transmitting a message that wishes for everyone on Earth to have a Digimon friend. This egg hatches into a giant Ukkomon, which intends to force a Digimon onto every human as a birthday present for Lui, threatening societal collapse. Lui is initially withdrawn and guilt-ridden, burdened by the consequences of his childhood wish. His personality is marked by deep trauma, a sense of responsibility, and a desire to correct his past mistakes. He is not outgoing or heroic; rather, he is haunted and hesitant. His motivations drive him to stop the giant Ukkomon and prevent further harm, even though he still cares for the Digimon.

Lui's role in the story is that of a catalyst; his personal history reveals the hidden origin of the DigiDestined and the true nature of the friendship contract. His key relationship is with Ukkomon, a Digimon whose innocent but warped love for Lui caused widespread harm. Lui also interacts with the DigiDestined—Davis, Ken, T.K., Kari, Yolei, and Cody—who help him reach Ukkomon and provide emotional support. Throughout the film, Lui undergoes significant development. He resolves issues with his mother and younger self by addressing his past, then confronts Ukkomon honestly, acknowledging their bond but accepting that it must end. He ultimately asks the DigiDestined to destroy the giant Ukkomon, resulting in the Digimon's reduction to a small Digi-Egg and Lui losing the eye Ukkomon had given him. This act allows Lui to move forward, and in a post-credits scene, the Digi-Egg begins to hatch, suggesting a potential future reunion.

Notable abilities include Lui's unique status as the first to form a friendship contract with a Digimon, which distinguishes him from later DigiDestined. He wields a cracked Digivice that serves as a symbol of his broken past and eventual healing. He does not possess combat skills or Digivolution powers; his strength lies in confronting emotional truths and taking responsibility for his actions.