Live action TV
Description
Masayoshi Sōda is the chief executive officer of Anchor, the telecommunications corporation that operates the secret investigation unit Under Anchor. He is a brilliant scientist often described as a heretic in the field of robot development, and he is responsible for creating the artificial intelligence system that powers the Phone Bravers. Alongside Yuto Date, Sōda co-founded Under Anchor and played a central role in developing the Phone Braver project, with Kohei Mito having brought the two together.

Sōda is portrayed as a principled and responsible leader. When the rogue Phone Braver Zero-One and the former agent Magira cause a major incident, Sōda takes full blame and resigns from his position as CEO of Anchor. However, he retains his duty as the leader of Under Anchor, continuing to guide the organization from behind the scenes. This decision reflects his sense of accountability and his commitment to the mission of fighting cyber crime.

His motivations are rooted in a desire to use technology for protection and justice. He provides the AI core that gives each Phone Braver its sentience and ability to link with human partners. Although he rarely appears in field operations, his role as the architect of the Phone Braver system makes him a key figure in the organization's structure.

Sōda’s key relationships include his partnership with Yuto Date, who succeeds him as Anchor’s CEO, and his collaboration with Kohei Mito, the head of the development team. He also interacts with other Under Anchor members such as Chigusa Mimasaka and the new agent Keita Amishima, providing oversight and guidance. His character undergoes a subtle development as he transitions from a corporate leader to a more hands-on director of Under Anchor, accepting the consequences of past failures while continuing to support the team.

In terms of abilities, Sōda is a highly advanced AI engineer and robotics expert. He designed the neural architecture that allows the Phone Bravers to think, learn, and communicate, making him the intellectual foundation of the entire Phone Braver initiative. His technical expertise is integral to Under Anchor’s operations, even if his direct involvement in missions is limited.