Taro’s grandfather, Hideaki Olafsen was a loyal samurai of the Draconis Combine, native to the Rassalhague District. When Rassalhague gained its independence, he felt it his duty to stand against those who betrayed the Combine. He died as a ronin in the fighting on Memmingen. Taro’s father, Saburo Olafsen, was banished from the Draconis Combine and came to Solaris VII to represent the “true heart of the dragon” as an independent gladiator.

Although he continued the traditions of Hideaki, Saburo was less of a hard-liner than his own father. When Taharqa came to the game world, the retired Saburo was the first to notice his abilities and helped him get his big break. In return, Taharqa helped mentor Saburo’s son, Taro. Before Saburo died fighting Blakists on Solaris VII in 3068, he told Jacob Hawker that his last wish was for his son to join the Monkeys and continue his training. Hawker was able to bring Taro with him when he fled Solaris VII for the safety of Galatea, and when Taharqa expanded the Flaming Devil Monkeys with a new lance in early 3069, Taro earned a spot on the roster.

Taro is more like his grandfather than his father. Hot-blooded and proud, he rages at the injustice and dishonor that his family has suffered. He sees himself as a true samurai and is an accomplished student of kendo. He has been practicing meditation with Mbeki, which the Monkeys hope will tame his fierce passion. However, lately, tension between himself and Tomokazu Miura has boiled over into several wooden sword duels that left bruises on both participants.

During one of the battles with the WoB over the International Zone on Solaris City in May of 3071, Taro was knocked unconscious in his mech while an inferno raged around him. He survived, but the right side of his face is heavily scarred and disfigured as a result of his ordeal.