Let’s talk about Kei Sugihara for a moment—yeah, that’s right, the main guy from The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting. If you’ve watched the show, you know Kei Sugihara is kind of the heart and soul of the whole thing. He’s not just some background yakuza thug; nope, he’s the main protagonist, and honestly, he’s what makes the series so fun to watch. So here’s the deal: Kei Sugihara is a hardcore yakuza enforcer, tough as nails, serious about his job, and deeply loyal to the boss. But then—plot twist—he gets handed the most unexpected assignment of his life: babysitting the boss’s daughter. Sounds simple, right? Well, not even close. That one task turns his entire world upside down in the most hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt way.
Now, at first glance, Kei Sugihara comes off as all business—cold, disciplined, maybe even a little intimidating. And sure, he is that. But what makes him such a compelling character is the contrast. Underneath that stern yakuza exterior, there’s this soft, almost paternal side that slowly starts to show. Especially when it comes to the little girl he’s supposed to be watching. Kei Sugihara doesn’t just do his duty—he genuinely cares. You can see it in how he reacts to her needs, how he tries (and sometimes fails) to understand kid logic, and how he’ll throw himself into danger without a second thought just to keep her safe.
And honestly, that’s where a lot of the comedy comes from. Picture this: a stone-faced gang enforcer trying to figure out bedtime routines, dealing with tantrums, or explaining why you can’t bring a pet lizard to school. It’s absurd, it’s chaotic, and yet, Kei Sugihara handles it all with this deadpan seriousness that makes every scene gold. But it’s not just laughs—there’s action too. When rival gangs or shady characters come sniffing around, Kei Sugihara is more than ready. He’s a skilled fighter, calm under pressure, and always thinking several steps ahead. Whether it’s a high-stakes confrontation or a diaper emergency, he tackles it with the same level of focus. That’s just who Kei Sugihara is.
Over time, something interesting happens. The line between duty and genuine affection starts to blur. What began as a job slowly becomes something much deeper. Kei Sugihara isn’t just babysitting anymore—he’s becoming a father figure. And that emotional growth? It’s subtle, but powerful. You start rooting for him, not because he’s the strongest guy in the room, but because he’s trying so hard to do right by this child, even when he doesn’t know what he’s doing.
From a personality standpoint, Kei Sugihara fits the ISTJ mold pretty well. He’s methodical, responsible, and sticks to a plan like glue. Rules matter to him. Structure matters. He doesn’t wing it—he prepares, he follows protocol, and he expects others to do the same. Yeah, that can make him seem rigid sometimes, maybe even a bit stubborn. But that’s part of what makes him reliable. When things go sideways, you want someone like Kei Sugihara on your side—someone who won’t crack under pressure.
Then there’s the Enneagram angle. If you’re into that kind of analysis, Kei Sugihara reads strongly as a Type Eight—the Challenger. He’s assertive, protective, and hates feeling powerless. He takes control when needed and isn’t afraid to stand up to threats, whether they’re armed thugs or a five-year-old having a meltdown. But here’s the thing: Eights aren’t just about power. They also have a deep desire to protect their inner circle. And that’s exactly what we see with Kei Sugihara. His strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. He shields the girl not just from outside dangers, but from instability, from fear. That protective instinct? It’s central to who he is.
Of course, we can’t say with 100% certainty what his Enneagram type is—these things are interpretive, after all. But based on his behavior, his values, and the choices he makes throughout the series, Type Eight feels like a solid fit. Combine that with his ISTJ tendencies, and you’ve got a character who’s disciplined, dependable, and driven by a strong moral code.
So, wrapping it all up, Kei Sugihara is more than just the lead in The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting. He’s a perfect blend of action and heart, toughness and tenderness. Whether he’s taking down enemies or learning how to braid hair, Kei Sugihara does it with integrity and quiet dedication. And that’s why, more than anything, viewers end up loving him. He’s not flashy, he doesn’t seek praise, but he shows up—every single time. That’s the kind of character Kei Sugihara is.
I don't care what you do, as long as you don't get in my way.