Who is Kinshi/Yoshida Kinshi from The Master Puppeteer and what is their importance?

Kinshi is Yoshida's son and Jiro's best friend at the theater. He is the first person that Jiro meets and immediately, he offers Jiro his help. Kinshi tells Jiro that he is a soft-hearted person who cannot stand to see others suffer. This is certainly proved to be true, as Kinshi tries to help absolutely everyone that he can. He takes Jiro under his wing and helps him to fit in at the theater. He explains the way of the Hanaza, and that no-one else will be inclined to give him help. If it were not for Kinshi, Jiro would have had a much harder time at the theater. Kinshi also helps the other apprentice boys, regularly stealing scripts and puppets for them to practice with. It is clear that the other boys love Kinshi dearly, and that he is the glue that holds the group together. He has a very easy manner and is naturally friendly and charming.