Higeoyaji

Higeoyaji is a recurring character in the Astro Boy series. He appears in every single iteration of Astro Boy. His real name is Shunsaku Ban, he's a bald, portly, middle-aged man with a big moustache. Often comical and grumpy yet good-natured. 42 years old, as mentioned in one of the manga. His facial hair earns him the nickname Higeoyaji ("Mustache old man"). In the 60's TV English translations, his name was private detective Victor Pompous, then Percival Pompous. Perhaps because his character was appearing in another series based on Tezuka's manga, in the 1980s English animated version his name was changed to Albert Duncan, aka Daddy Walrus. His typical role is that of a detective in other Tezuka materials, with sometimes a nephew/assistant named Ken'ichi (Kenor Kennedy in English versions of the Astro Boy TV series). He the 80's color remake (as well as the original manga) had him appear as Astro Boy's teacher, then as a detective. In the 2003 Astro Boy reboot, he is called Wally Kisaragi, and in the English-language manga, his "Higeoyaji" nickname is translated as "Mustachio". He is featured as either a regular character or a guest star in any of a number of Tezuka manga/anime. Shunsaku Ban routinely is cast as some sort of adventurer, for example an amateur or professional private investigator. His usual characteristic is to confront danger with a comical wild-eyed panic, then after a moment recapture his composure and vigorously attack the threat, exhibiting stamina and a surprising battle awareness.

Manga
Higeoyaji is both a detective and Astro Boys teacher. He prefers the old technology-free style of living.

1963
Higeoyaji is very irritable and in-your-face. This doesn't help him in his detective work, but it always somehow works out in the end. He's also clumsy, and in one episode of the 1963 show, it's revealed that he's terrible at drawing. He also prefers the old style of living, calling himself a fuddy-duddy.

1980
Higeoyaji is Astro Boys teacher. He is called Daddy Walrus in this iteration.

2003
Higeoyaji is a Detective that works for no pay. Mainly finding lost animals.

2009
Higeoyaji is shown multiple times as a background character in the movie.

Jetter Mars
Higeoyaji also appears in Jetter Mars as a Teacher and a detective.

Episodes appeared in
2003 Series

Episode 27. Old Dog, New Tricks

Episode 29. The Case of the Phantom Fowl

Episode 34. Shape Shifter

Episode 35. Phoenix (or Firebird)

Trivia

 * In a time-traveling episode of the 1963 series, Higeoyaji reveals that he was never good at drawing, as cavemen make fun of his drawing.