The main cast of the anime "Genso Suikoden," based on "Genso Suikoden II" from the popular RPG "Genso Suikoden" series (Konami Digital Entertainment), has been announced, with Kumagai Toshiki playing the protagonist, Riryu. As the protagonist is a player character in the game, he does not have a proper name, but after careful consideration, the production team decided on "Riryu" as an original name for the anime. Also appearing in the film are Tsuchiya Shinba as the protagonist's childhood friend, Jowie; Katsuyuki Konishi as the protagonist's step-sister, Nanami; Konishi Katsuyuki as Victor; and Yuichi Nakamura as Flick.
Kumagai commented, "I am very honored to be involved in a work with such a long history that has been loved by so many people for so many years. Riryu is a very charming character who has a straightforward and kind heart, but also has a strong core inside him. I will approach the work sincerely and do my best to act in a way that lives up to Riryu! I am also very much looking forward to seeing how the fascinating world of 'Suikoden II' will be portrayed in the anime!!"
Tsuchiya said, "I will never forget the joy I felt when I passed the audition. I am still very happy! At the same time, I feel humbled to be taking part in an animated series that has been loved by so many people for so many years. I will do my best to portray the charm of the honest and compassionate character Jowie in a vivid and careful manner!"
Hihara said, "I am truly happy to be able to be involved in the world of 'Suikoden,' which has been loved for so long. This work cannot help but leave deep emotions in your heart, as you feel the warmth of the people even in the midst of constant conflict and think about what each of them wants to protect. I fell in love with Nanami the tomboyish, family-loving character the moment she appeared in the game. I will cherish each day with her so that everyone will love her too. I hope this story reaches as many people as possible."
Konishi said, "When I was little, I loved the game Suikoden and used to play it a lot, and I wondered why it hadn't been made into an anime if it was so fun. Then, as time passed, it was made into an anime, and I'm so grateful that I was able to be involved in the anime as well because I had recorded the audio drama for Suikoden! I'm already looking forward to the anime! If there are any of you who haven't played it yet, I highly recommend you give Suikoden a try! You'll be amazed at the existence of a game like this!"
Nakamura said, "I played Flick in a drama CD a long time ago, and I'll be playing him again for the first time in 17 years (?!)! However, the last time was a drama CD. This time it's animation, so it will be the first time, both as an actor and as a game user, that I'll meet Flick, Victor and the others in action...! What kind of expressions will they show, and what kind of story awaits us? Are there really 108 more characters...?? Like everyone else, I have many questions, but for now, let's celebrate this opportunity and look forward to the broadcast!"
An image visual depicting Riryu and Jouy has also been released. In the pouring moonlight, the images show their determined expressions and a mark carved into a rock vowing to meet again.
The "Suikoden" series is a fantasy RPG based on "Water Margin," one of the four great Chinese classics, with the first game released in 1995. Each game features a different setting and characters, and a profound story with a war theme unfolds with intricately crafted settings and over 108 characters. "Suikoden II" is the second game in the series, released in 1998.
The anime will be directed by Yuzo Sato, known for "Exception," and produced by KONAMI animation, which also worked on "Genso Suikoden II Animation Music Video." It will air in 2026.
*Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Sato Yuzo ▽ Series Composition: Tsuchiya Masataka ▽ Game Character Design: Ishikawa Fumi (Konami Digital Entertainment) ▽ Animation Character Original: Suzuki Arata (Konami Digital Entertainment) ▽ Animation Character Design: Yamauchi Ryo ▽ Sound Director: Iwanami Miwa ▽ Music: Nakamura Koji ▽ Planning: NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan ▽ Production and Produce: KONAMI animation
*Cast (titles omitted)
Riryu: Toshiki Kumagai ▽ Jowie: Shinba Tsuchiya ▽ Nanami: Ayumi Hihara ▽ Victor: Katsuyuki Konishi ▽ Flick: Yuichi Nakamura
