Character Profile: Shotaro Kaneda

Following the death of his mother and the disappearance of his father, Shotaro Kaneda lived under the care of Chief Otsuka and Dr. Shikishima. For ten years he was raised as a brilliant young detective, until a rocket landed on Tokyo Tower. The rocket contained Tetsujin 28, labelled "Shotaro", whom was built late into World War II by Shotaro's father, who had thought the real Shotaro was dead and built a robotic replacement. Shotaro abruptly becomes Tetsujin's controller (considering the robot his brother at times), using him to stop crime throughout Japan.

Shotaro is very smart and stays calm in most situations, but can become very aggressive when frustrated. He nearly has an emotional breakdown near the end of the series, a result from his conflicting thoughts on how to treat Tetsujin. But Shotaro does love his surrogate family, and his trust isn't easily won.