Hisoka is a Shinigami in a 16 year old's body. He possesses strong empathy, which allows him to feel the emotions of others, read thoughts, see memories, and pick up imprints of clairvoyance off of inanimate objects. He came from a traditional family, and was trained in traditional Japanese martial arts. His parents were afraid of his spiritual powers, which they considered freakish and unfit for their heir as well as something that could unfurl the familiar secret; so as a child, whenever he was caught using his abilities and during special days, he was locked in a cellar.
Also, he is not very strong, as he doesn't build muscle well. However, he is a capable detective, and clever in subterfuge. Although extremely reserved to the point of coldness, Hisoka deeply cares about other people. When Tsuzuki regains his suicidal tendencies, Hisoka comforts him and ends up saving him from himself. Hisoka also has a strong urge to take care of Tsuzuki, even though Tsuzuki drives him crazy sometimes. He maintains comfortable relationships with the rest of his coworkers, with the noticeable exception of Saya and Yuma, who constantly try to play with him like a doll. Besides his empathy, Hisoka has also been trained in basic ofuda and defensive magic by Chief Konoe. Later in the series, he goes to seek out a Shikigami for himself to increase his power. Hisoka's first Shikigami is a Spanish-speaking potted cactus named Riko, a defensive and water-type Shiki. Hisoka is also adept in traditional martial arts, particularly archery, and kendo.
