"Iwao Nishikawa is a complex and intriguing character in the Japanese manga ""Perfect Gold"". He is a middle-aged man with a calm, serious demeanor and a deep passion for the art of metalsmithing.

Nishikawa is first introduced in the manga as the master metalsmith who takes in the protagonist, Morita Tadashi, as his apprentice. He is portrayed as a strict but fair teacher, who pushes Tadashi to strive for perfection in his craft. Nishikawa's expertise in metalsmithing is evident in the intricate designs and flawless execution of his works of art. He is a true master in his field, and his reputation precedes him in the art world.

Throughout the manga, Nishikawa's backstory is revealed in bits and pieces. We learn that he was once a famous and highly sought-after metalsmith, but his passion for perfection led him to reject many of his clients' requests, which ultimately caused his business to fail. This failure deeply affected Nishikawa, and he became reclusive and isolated from the world. He turned to teaching as a way to pass on his knowledge and skills to future generations, but his reputation as a difficult and uncompromising teacher preceded him, and finding apprentices became increasingly difficult.

Despite his tough exterior, Nishikawa has a soft side, which is revealed in his interactions with Tadashi and other characters in the manga. He genuinely cares for Tadashi and wants him to succeed not only as a metalsmith, but also as a person. Nishikawa also shows a deep understanding and appreciation for the beauty of raw materials, and often spends hours just contemplating the patterns and textures of the metal he works with.

Nishikawa's character is also deeply affected by the death of his wife, who was also a metalsmith. Her passing leaves a void in his life, and he often reflects on her skills and talents. Her death also leads Nishikawa to confront his own mortality and reminds him of the importance of passing on his knowledge and skills to future generations.

Overall, Iwao Nishikawa is a multifaceted character in ""Perfect Gold"". He is a master metalsmith, a strict teacher, a reclusive artist, and a deeply caring individual. His passion for perfection, coupled with his struggles and emotional baggage, make him a fascinating character to follow throughout the manga."