Dr. STONE Voice Actor Ryota Suzuki on Learning from Ryusui’s Natural Leadership
During the 2025 Japan Expo in Paris, the spotlight turned to Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, the latest installment of the popular anime series. Among the featured guests was Ryota Suzuki, the talented voice behind fan-favorite character Nanimai Ryusui. In an exclusive interview with Crunchyroll News, Suzuki discussed his journey voicing Ryusui, his experience in France, and the professional growth he’s achieved through the role.
About the Dr. STONE Anime Series
Dr. STONE is a science-fiction anime based on the manga written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi. The anime adaptation is produced by animation studio TMS Entertainment, renowned for its work on titles such as Detective Conan and Lupin The Third. The series originally premiered in 2019 and has since continued to draw global attention for its unique blend of adventure, science, and survival storytelling.
The voice cast includes Yusuke Kobayashi as protagonist Senku Ishigami, Makoto Furukawa as Taiju Oki, and Manami Numakura as Kohaku, alongside Ryota Suzuki, who joined later in the series as Ryusui Nanami. Direction across the series has been spearheaded by Shinya Iino and Shuuhei Matsushita, with scripts primarily overseen by Yuichiro Kido.
Ryota Suzuki on His Experience in France
While attending Japan Expo Paris, Suzuki shared his impressions of France, describing the environment as “cooler and more sustainable” compared to Japan’s humid summers. “I had boeuf bourguignon, French onion soup au gratin, and even escargot,” he recounted. “The butter was excellent, and I was surprised by how filling just one plate could be. The portions were quite generous.”
Landing the Role of Ryusui
Unlike many of his previous roles, Suzuki revealed that securing the role of Ryusui Nanami was a straightforward process. “Usually, you submit a voice tape and then go to an audition studio to meet the director and staff. But this time, after submitting my voice sample, I was immediately cast as Ryusui,” he explained. The decision highlights how well Suzuki’s voice matched the character’s commanding and confident tone from the very beginning.
Ryusui’s Leadership and Character Arc
When asked about Ryusui’s evolution throughout Dr. STONE, Suzuki noted that the character’s charismatic leadership was evident from the moment of his introduction. “Ryusui was brought back to life because Senku needed to cross the sea—he’s a natural leader,” he said. “His core character doesn’t change much, but as the story progresses, he becomes more collaborative, emphasizing teamwork and mutual success.”
Adopting Ryusui’s Mannerisms
Ryusui is known for his signature finger snap, and Suzuki admitted he occasionally mirrors that in real life. “When making an appearance on stage, I try to snap my fingers just like Ryusui. However, I sweat a lot, so sometimes it doesn’t sound as sharp as I want it to,” he joked.
Professional Growth Through Voice Acting
Taking on the role of Ryusui has significantly impacted Suzuki’s approach to voice acting. “I’ve learned how to better control my voice and how to adapt it for different character types,” he explained. “In recent projects, I’ve been voicing characters older than I am, and portraying Ryusui has taught me how to make those performances more convincing.”
Ryota Suzuki’s Favorite Dr. STONE Song
Among the many iconic openings and endings from the series, Suzuki singled out “Good Morning [New] World!” as his personal favorite. “It’s the theme connected to Ryusui’s special episode, marking his return. That track brings back a lot of memories for me,” he said. A special version of the song was also created specifically for that episode, further highlighting its significance.
Life in a “Stone World” and Takeaways from Ryusui
If he were living in the fictional “Stone World,” Suzuki humorously said he would take on the role of a hunter. When asked what trait he would most like to inherit from Ryusui, he emphasized the character’s leadership abilities. “Leadership is not something you get to exercise in daily life very often, so it would definitely be useful to have Ryusui’s sense of command,” Suzuki added.
Release and Streaming Platform
Dr. STONE is available for streaming globally on Crunchyroll, the platform responsible for bringing the series to international audiences. The anime continues to gain popularity with each new installment, including special episodes like Dr. STONE: Ryusui and the latest Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE.
Fans can expect more engaging character developments and scientific adventures as the anime progresses, supported by a strong production team and talented voice cast.
