Asato Ichijo

Asato Ichijo (一条麻遠, Ichijō Asatō) is Takuma's grandfather and head of the Vampire Council and known as Ichio.

Name

 * Ichijo can mean a "ray" or "streak". Asa means "hemp" or "flax" and tou means "far off"
 * His nickname Ichiou is a combination of ichi or "one" and ou which can be used as an honorific when referring to an older man.

Personality
Though appearing to be a cold and cruel man, he showed some concern for his grandson Takuma, and said that he had wanted Takuma to be his successor in the Council. He also expressed intense dislike for the purebloods, due to fear of their power over other vampires. His age and demeanor brings fear to many vampires.

His taste in women is classy yet mischievious.

Appearance
Asato is said to be very old, but has the appearance of a man in his 40s.

Background
He's the head of the most distinguished clan of aristocrats and one of the oldest vampires on the council. Asato made the Ichijo Group so large that today all human business transactions involve his company.

He wanted to become Kaname's guardian after the death of Kaname's parents, but Kaname did not accept. He has allowed Takuma to attend Cross Academy for the purpose of spying on Kaname.

Plot Summary
Ichio visits the school to warn Takuma about his involvement with Kaname, warning him that Kaname threatens the regime of the council. Kaname and the other vampires pay their respects to Ichio.

Ichio is later revealed to be involved with the president of the hunter association. He invited Takuma to meet with the Shiki who has been taken control by Rido Kuran refering to him as the real ruler of the vampires.

After Kaname's destruction, he faces Kaname and reveals he knows that Kaname is one of the ancestors. Ichio declares that he believed everything he did was right and claims that Kaname is the one at fault, before he can elaborate, Takuma interrupts them and says that he does not believe the ends justify the means and decides to end it for both of them and kills his grandfather.

Powers
Like all aristocratic vampires, Asato has healing powers and ages slowly.