Nezumi Otoko

**Nezumi-Otoko** (ねずみ男, "*Rat Man*") is a rodent-like Hanyō and member of the Kitarō Family. He is Kitarō's self-proclaimed "best friend" and a notorious trickster. Born to a Human and a Yōkai, he constantly tries to con members of both races, but almost always gets his comeuppance.

## Background

While it is assumed he was born to a Human and a Yōkai, he has been depicted living on an island inhabited only by rats, implying his parents may be a Human and a rat.

## Personality

Nezumi-Otoko really only cares about money and women, and there are no depths he won't sink to obtain them. As he admits, he believes it's only natural to protect oneself by pledging unconditional loyalty to whoever is the strongest. For example, even if he accompanies Kitarō on a case, if he thinks the enemy yōkai is stronger, he can easily be convinced to betray Kitarō with simple flattery or the promise of money. He is a troublemaker who often causes serious problems, having released several sealed yōkai out of his interest in the occult, cut off Kitarō's arm and shoved him into a hole, conspired with Shinigami to poison Kitarō, among other nasty deeds. Even when he is punished by Kitarō or Neko-Musume or even if he has a genuine change of heart, he won't be discouraged and is back to his scoundrel ways before too long. Even though he can be quick-witted, he never really learns his lesson and in fact repeats the same or similar crimes over and over. But, Kitarō almost always lets him off the hook with just some minor scolding. Also, whenever Kitarō gains an advantage over a foe, Nezumi-Otoko always instantly runs back to his side.

In the AU he is he is considerably less evil, where he constantly cooperates with Kitarō in order to win favor in the eyes of Yumeko. Early on in the first series he is depicted as truly being Kitarō's friend.

His constant need to annoy and trouble people seems to stem from the years of ill-treatment he received from humans and yōkai alike for being a half-breed before he ever met Kitarō and Medama Oyaji. He does not appear to have any family, but when he meets his son, Nezumi jr he is willing to pay Kitarō the money he stole and even takes up an honest job to support the two of them.

Naturally, he is not well trusted by his fellow yōkai, and yet festivals never seem to get too lively unless Nezumi-Otoko is there. He is a moodmaker and likes to help arrange the festivals. At games and tournaments such as the **Yōkai Rally** and the **Jigoku Marathon** he often volunteers to be commentator or concession salesman.

He is easily and repeatedly smitten by women, first falling in love with Gama-Reijō in the rental manga story "***In the Face of the Enemy***." Also, other than Gama-Reijō and Hone-Onna he is usually only attracted to beautiful women, calling himself an "ally to all beautiful women". However, because he is so filthy and weathered women usually dislike him and run to Kitarō's side at the sight of him. Occasionally woman will appear to be interested in Nezumi-Otoko, but this is usually a trick by the villain of the week to get Nezumi-Otoko to betray Kitarō. Only rarely has there been situations where it is a mutual love, but these stories usually only last a single episode and with both of them sad.

He is a strong ally to Kitaro and his allies such as Naruto Uzumaki and is always watches out for them.

## Gallery

Vampire NezumiWith Nezumi JrNezumi changes Nezumi Jr's diaper