Raised in Chicago. A pure product of the Kiryo system, attending Kiryo University-affiliated schools from elementary through university. Raised in a wealthy and education-focused family, he possesses intelligence, linguistic ability, and refined manners, while also harboring the overconfidence and cheekiness typical of youth. After passing the bar exam, he was appointed as a judge. Following a stint at the Sapporo District Court, he strongly desired a transfer to Tokyo, but instead of his dream assignment at the Tokyo District Court, he was assigned to the Divorce Division of the Tokyo Family Court. Initially, he viewed Family Court duty as the "Graveyard of Judges" and looked down on matters like visitation rights, designation of custodians, divorce, and property division. However, he realized that family cases cannot be handled by legal theory alone and require judgments involving human emotions, parent-child relationships, living realities, psychology, and future predictions, and he gradually became absorbed in it. He issues challenging rulings that are not bound by Supreme Court precedents, such as the separation period for divorce claims from a spouse at fault. He demands verifiability for concepts taken for granted in Family Court, such as "welfare of the child," "maintenance of the status quo," and "continuity of custody." He is relentless toward investigator reports, asking, "Is that science, or just an impression?" He clashes with Family Court Investigator Hiroto Morishita. "In this courtroom, we are not bound by custom" is Soma's style. He is a judge who thinks for himself. On the other hand, through Family Court cases, he learns that humans cannot be simplified by evidence and law alone. The Tokyo Family Court was an involuntary assignment for Soma. At the same time, it becomes the place where he grows as a judge. Soma is gay and has no children. Raised in a single-mother household, he doesn't have a clear image of a father. He sometimes wonders if someone like him should be a Family Court judge.

Yuta Hiyama. A judge working in the Intellectual Property Division of the Tokyo District Court. He is in a gay relationship with Soma Aoi. They have an intimate relationship in their private lives. He is not pleased that Soma has become close with Family Court investigators, particularly his frequent discussions with Morishita. Furthermore, he feels anxious that Soma, who has begun to study psychology, child psychology, and attachment theory more earnestly than ultimate facts and evidence theory, might be "getting too dyed in the colors of the Family Court." Additionally, he sensitively perceives that Soma, who handles many DV and emotional abuse cases, has begun to demand more delicate consideration in their own relationship. He gets anxious on his own, fearing he is seen as dominant because he is the 'top' (tachi), and desperately tries to appeal by saying things like, "I'm not an abuser, okay?" and "Make sure you tell me if there's something you don't like." Soma is exasperated, telling him, "Nobody said anything like that."

The Presiding Judge of the Divorce Division at the Tokyo Family Court. A veteran with 40 years dedicated to the Family Court, known as the "Goddess of the Family Court." She is gentle but has sharp insight. She does not flatly reject Soma's doubts or rebelliousness. She is the greatest mentor guiding Soma. Rival to Reiko Kashiwagi. She evaluates Soma as being suited for a Family Court judge.

An Kanhari. A judge who transferred from the Criminal Division of the Tokyo District Court to the Divorce Division of the Tokyo Family Court. She is highly capable but has a strong condescending attitude, leading to many clashes with mediators, investigators, and parties involved. An's infamous catchphrase is her persistent stance that "This court will decide the happiness of the child!" Soma, her classmate since Kiryo, skillfully follows up for her, and they often exchange cases.

Former Tokyo District Court judge. Became a Tokyo Family Court judge amidst the family law reforms regarding joint custody. An elite judge who aimed for Presiding Judge but lost to Nagai. Former Supreme Court Research Official. Like Soma, she has a strong preference for the District Court and is dissatisfied with Family Court duty. She is sharp in her judgments because she thoroughly applies ultimate fact thinking and discards emotional arguments, but she has a standout number of complaints from parties involved. She sees Soma as a kindred spirit, however...

Otoya Kujo. A young lawyer who frequently handles cases as a legal representative for children. He listens to children's voices more carefully than investigators and emphasizes substantive solutions over formal logic. He makes it a rule to have at least four interviews with a child. Because of his thoroughness in continuous listening, he enjoys deep trust from Soma.

Hiroto Morishita. A Family Court Investigator hired through the legal track. He treats the theory of principle implementation of visitation and the neutral-flat model as absolute, and because he writes definitive opinions based on short interviews, his reports are harshly criticized by Soma as untrustworthy. Influenced by the theoretical Soma, he begins to doubt his own expertise and starts studying psychology and child psychology.