Friend "Tomodachi"

About

Friend is the main antagonist of the series, and his true identity is the main mystery of the story. Friend is an mysterious and charismatic cult leader who seems to possess otherworldly powers such as flight. His followers and Friend himself use an unique symbol that Kenji and his group of friends created as a symbol of a 'true friend,' implying that Friend is someone within their friend group. He has enough followers to fill large venues like the Budokan, yet Friend's goals are not clear. In 2000, the cult goes another step by establishing the Friendship Democratic Party (FDP), which gains serious traction and political standing.


During Kenji's confrontation at Friend's concert, it's revealed that Friend is the father of Kanna, Kenji's sister's child.


Friend's identity is revealed to be Fukubei Hattori shortly after his death.


After Fukubei's death, his carefully concealed accomplice, Katsumata, takes his place. He stages a resurrection when the Pope delivers a speech in front of the supposedly dead body of Fukubei.


Katsumata is revealed to have precognitive abilities.