James Kyson Lee :: Character Guides

Ando, Hiro's English speaking best friend, is reluctant at first to believe Hiro's claim that he has superpowers---he tends to see Hiro as a bit of a dreamer. After seeing proof of Hiro's abilities, Ando agrees (albeit reluctantly) to join Hiro on his trip to New York City.

Once on the "quest," Ando proves to be both a help and a hindrance as he can make some pretty bad choices (helping Hope and trying to cheat at cards, among others) but give some good advice. Ando is also more fluent in English than Hiro, which means that for the first part of their adventure Ando does more of the talking to the people they meet. It is Ando who teaches Hiro about bravery as well as what it takes to become a "hero." Though Hiro teleports him back to their office building in Japan to escape being murdered by Sylar, he gives Ando his Kensei katana as proof that he will return.