Family#
Water Hose#
Despite the little interaction that is seen between them, it is evident that Kota felt a great affection towards his parents. However, their murders at the hands of Muscular caused Kota a profound shock. Kota believed that his parents chose their work over him, and developed a cynical and jaded view of the world of heroes.[1]
Despite this, when he encounters Muscular, he reproaches their murders, showing that he still continues to love his parents.[2] After Izuku comes to his rescue, he finally understands why his parents sacrificed themselves to protect the lives of others.
As a hero student, Kota has decided to wear a hero costume very similar to his parents except the vest is dark green unlike his parents red vests and his helmet is the same design but dark grey instead of white with no visor. The helmet’s headpiece features two large, spike-shaped horns, similar to those on his cap.
Shino Sosaki#
After the death of his parents, Kota was left in the care of Shino Sosaki, his last known relative, and member of the hero team, the Wild, Wild Pussycats. Despite despising heroes, Kota listens to his aunt and the Pussycats because he has nowhere else to go.
Because of his parents' deaths, Kota dislikes heroes in general. Shino understands his feelings, but tries to comfort Kota and explain that someday he will understand why his parents died.[1]
After Kota was saved by Izuku, the relationship of the two improves. Shino realizes that Kota has started to admire Izuku as his hero.[3]
After the final war, Kota is seen going to school with Eri, with Mandalay giving a thumbs up to the children newfound friendship.
Class 1-A#
Izuku Midoriya#
Despite eventually becoming one of each other most important personal connections, their relationship had a remarkably hostile start. Because of his contempt for heroes, Kota despised Izuku at first, he even went as far as hitting Izuku in the groin for trying to be friendly towards him. Despite this, after he comes to know of Kota's past, Izuku tried to get along with him, due to their similar circumstances of both being "Quirkless" (Izuku not originally being born with a Quirk and Kota refusing to use his Quirk). Izuku tells Kota a story about "a friend of his" who couldn't manifest a Quirk and how much he wanted to be a hero. Despite Izuku’s best efforts, Kota still refuted Izuku's attempts at friendship and tells him to leave once again.
Later, Kota is attacked by Muscular, the villain who murdered his parents, but is saved by Izuku. During the battle, Kota uses his Quirk out of desperation in an attempt to help Izuku. This distracts Muscular long enough for him to be defeated by Izuku with one spectacular attack. Since being rescued by Izuku, Kota finally starts to understand why heroes exist. Kota recognizes that Izuku had risked his life and taken significant injuries in a fight for someone he didn't know at all. Izuku shows him what it's like to be a real hero. From this, it is shown Kota has gained respect for Izuku.[4]
While Izuku is in the hospital recovering from his injuries, Kota writes him a letter. The letter has him apologize for his assault on him and thanks Izuku for saving him and hopes that Izuku gets well soon so that he can thank him in person.[5]
When they meet again a few months later, Shino points out Kota's new shoes to Izuku, which are red high top sneakers that strongly resemble Izuku's own signature shoes, much to Kota's embarrassment. According to Shino, Kota made a big fuss when his new shoes were bought, saying that they had to be red. Although he's too proud to admit it, this shows that Kota now looks up to Izuku. Izuku happily exclaims that they are Osoroi (お揃い). While translated as "matching," the use of Osoroi in Japanese Culture carries a deeper sense of intentional bonding and shared identity. By using this specific term, Izuku isn't just pointing out a similarity; he is validating their connection and welcoming Kota into his world. This recognition causes the usually stoic Kota to break into a genuine smile for the first time[3]. Further demonstrating the strength of their bond and the importance of their friendship, signaling the profound strength of their bond and Kota's newfound respect for the path of a hero.
Just as Izuku has significantly impacted Kota's life, Kota has also left a lasting impression on Izuku. This influence is particularly evident, As Kota's perception of hero society, broadened Izuku's understanding of the world and challengs assumptions about hero society. During the Forest Training Camp Arc, upon finding out about Kota's resentment towards quirks and hero society, Izuku recalled his encounter with Shigaraki, whose hatred towards hero society initially seemed unfathomable to Izuku. This realization led Izuku to acknowledge the flaws and failures of the system that had shaped both Kota's and Shigaraki's perspectives, and to recognize that the hero society he had always idolized was not perfect
During Izuku's second encounter with Muscular, where his futile attempt at empathizing with the villain leads him to recall Kota's transformation from an angry, resentful child to a kind and happy boy. This memory inspires hope within Izuku that perhaps, even villains like Shigaraki could find redemption and a path away from violence and destruction. In this moment of contemplation, Izuku can't help but wonder if, had he understood this possibility sooner, things could have turned out differently. The depth of their relationship demonstrates the profound influence Kota has had on Izuku's growth as a hero and his unwavering belief in the power of empathy and understanding. When Izuku returned to U.A. among the civilians protesting against his entry, Kota was initially too scared to do anything but acted upon hearing Ochaco Uraraka's speech. Inspired by Ochako's speech and Izuku's heroism and wanting to be like him, Kota ran to comfort Izuku along with a civilian he saved, yelling "Midoriya-niichan!" as he apologized for his fear and hugged him while saying, "I am here!", so he didn't need to cry anymore and everything would be fine, smiling at Izuku as tears kept falling from his face. Alongside Minoru, he would run up to hug him again once he reunited with his mom and was allowed to enter U.A.[6]
During the day Class 1-A departs in preparation for the Final War, U.A., Kota, visibly worried, asks Izuku if he is truly leaving U.A. and Izuku confirms his departure. U.A. arranges a gathering for the students to share with their families. Izuku hugs with his mother, he also chooses to share this moment with Kota, indicating the strength and closeness of their brotherly bond[7]. This touching moment serves as a testament to the deep affection Kota and Izuku have for each other, as well as the profound impact their relationship has had on both of their lives.
During the Final War, Kota's concern for Izuku is on full display as he comforts Eri, who's distraught over Izuku's intense battle with Tomura Shigaraki. Grabbing Eri's hand, Acknowledging his own emotional vulnerability, Kota refers to himself and Izuku as 'crybabies.' Despite this self-awareness, he asserts that seeing Izuku fighting so hard compels him to take action as well. Then Kota recalls the moments when Izuku's courage and determination moved him to act, from the time he overcame his hatred for quirks to help Izuku during his battle with Muscular to the moment he ran to comfort Izuku, demonstrating their growing bond and the positive influence Izuku has had on him, reflecting their shared determination and the deep emotional connection between them.
Kota continues to demonstrate his emotional growth and deep connection with Izuku. As the Final War rages on, Kota, is rooting for Izuku as he faces off against All For One in a climactic battle. Kota's support for Izuku is evident as he calls out to him using the affectionate nickname "Midoriya-niichan" (Big brother-Midoriya), emphasizing their brotherly bond. As Izuku prepares to engage in battle, Kota can be seen shouting 'Do your best!' offering a heartfelt encouragement to Izuku during this crucial moment.
In the years since their first meeting, Kota has grown into a young hero in his own right, following in Izuku's footsteps by enrolling in the hero course at UA. While Kota has matured and progressed in his own hero journey, his relationship with Izuku remains deeply personal. During their interactions in UA, Kota sometimes accidentally calls out 'Midoriya-niichan' instead of 'Deku-sensei, before catching himself, slapping his cheek and correcting to "Deku-sensei",' a slip-up that illustrates how deeply ingrained the affectionate address is, even after years of addressing him as 'big brother Midoriya.' This demonstrates the enduring nature of their close brotherly bond, persisting despite the changing circumstances of their lives.
Kota’s hero costume serves as a visual testament to his legacy and his deepest bonds. While the design is an identical tribute to his parents' costumes, Kota made the deliberate choice to change the signature vest color from red to green. This change acts as a permanent evolution of the Osoroi (お揃い) connection he shares with Izuku; just as they once bonded over matching red shoes, Kota now intentionally coordinates his hero identity with Izuku’s green aesthetic. By blending his parents' silhouette with Izuku’s color palette, the costume honors both his biological family and his "chosen" brother, signifying that Kota carries the spirit of all his heroes into battle.
Kota and Izuku's relationship has undergone a remarkable transformation over the course of their interactions, reflecting the growth of their relationship. A key aspect of this evolution can be observed in the way Kota addresses Izuku. During the training camp arc, Kota initially referred to Izuku as 'temee,' a derogatory term. However, after Izuku saved him from Muscular, Kota's attitude began to shift, and in his thank-you letter to Izuku, he addressed him as 'Midoriya-san,' a more respectful term. Most recently, Kota has shifted to calling Izuku 'Midoriya-niichan,' meaning 'big brother Midoriya,' which shows his deep affection and admiration for Izuku as a hero, mentor, and big brother, and shows the closeness of their bond. Years later, this affectionate address has solidified into a habit, with Kota now a UA hero student, still calling Izuku 'Midoriya-niichan,' even in formal settings where he is expected to address him as 'Deku-sensei.' This demonstrates the enduring nature of their brotherly bond, persisting even as Kota matures and their relationship takes on different dimensions, such as student and teacher.
Other Class 1-A students#
Kota initially despised Izuku's peers for working to become Pro Heroes, having looked down on them with his cynical opinion about heroes, much to the chagrin of Katsuki Bakugo. Tenya Ida reprimanded Kota for punching Izuku in the crotch, demanding an explanation why he did so. Like most others, Kota is left unsettled and disgusted by Minoru Mineta's perverse behavior, having knocked him off the wall for attempting to peep on the girls bathing. Mina Ashido thanked him on behalf of the other girls for punishing Minoru. Despite his young age, Kota himself got flustered when he looked down at Mina and the other girls bathing.
Villains#
Muscular#
Kota saw Muscular in the report that detailed his parents' deaths.
Kota came upon the villain while he was in his secret place, as the latter attacked him for his hat.[8] Kota was saved by Izuku and watches him fight the villain. When Muscular unmasked himself, Kota realized he was the villain who killed his parents. Kota confronted him on this and was horrified after Muscular admitted with no remorse that he killed his parents. When he intended to do the same to Kota, Izuku once again intervenes.[9] Kota watched as Izuku continued to fight Muscular and soon saved Izuku from a fatal blow, distracting the villain long enough for Izuku to regain strength and defeat the villain.[4]