Rio Futaba
Tomoe Koga |
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| Kana: | 双葉 理央 |
| Rōmaji: | Futaba Rio |
| Characteristics | |
| Age: | 16-17 |
| Gender: | Female |
| Height: | 5’1″ (155 cm) |
| Personal Status | |
| Status: | Alive |
| Birthdate: | October 23, 1997 (Scorpio) |
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| Debut | |
| Anime: | Episode 01 |
| Light Novel: | Volume 01 |
| Manga: | Chapter 05 |
| Portrayal | |
| Japanese: | Atsumi Tanezaki |
| English: | Jenny Yokobori |
| “ | ” | |
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— Rio Futaba
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Appearance
Rio’s full apperance.
Rio Futaba is an alluring girl of average height, characterized by her striking hazel eyes and long, ash-blonde hair that cascades down to her waist. Often seen in her crisp school uniform and the white lab coat that symbolizes her role as the lone member of the Science Club, she exudes an air of intellect and charm.
Rio’s figure is both slender and voluptuous, having developed her feminine curves earlier than her classmates, a fact that makes her uncomfortable despite her undeniable beauty.
In a unique twist during her experience with Adolescence Syndrome, Rio’s alternate persona opts for a more playful look, sporting a ponytail and stylish contacts in place of her signature glasses. After the two versions of herself reunite, she embraces her glasses once more but chooses to alternate between wearing her hair up and letting it flow freely, reflecting her evolving sense of self.
Personality
As the president of her school’s Science Club, which meets in one of the laboratories, Rio Futaba presents herself as an articulate and intelligent young woman, boasting an impressive command of chemistry and quantum physics. However, her dedication to academia has come at the expense of her social life, with only one other student ever attending her club. Rio is often seen using various lab apparatus to brew coffee, merging her scientific skills with her everyday life.
Known for her bluntness, Rio is refreshingly straightforward, possessing a sharp wit that can rival even Sakuta’s sarcasm. Initially skeptical about the existence of Adolescence Syndrome, she eventually recognizes the peculiar phenomena it brings, drawing connections to her scientific knowledge and theories.
Beneath her cool exterior lies a compassionate and supportive individual. Rio consistently assists Sakuta in navigating the challenges posed by Puberty Syndrome, showcasing her kind-hearted nature. Despite her confidence, she grapples with insecurities about her early physical development, a struggle that becomes particularly prominent during her character arc.
Her commitment to the Science Club is unwavering, to the point that she willingly attends school during summer break to ensure its survival. It is during this time that Rio experiences her own case of Adolescence Syndrome. Interestingly, both versions of Rio display similar traits, but one seeks validation for her body, frequently posting pictures online, highlighting her internal conflict between confidence and self-doubt.
Background
The second Rio takes a playful selfie.
Rio Futaba hails from a well-to-do family, with parents frequently traveling abroad for business. This often leaves her to manage the Futaba household on her own, fostering a sense of independence that defines her character. However, her early physical development set her apart from her peers, leading to a tumultuous relationship with her own body. When she began to notice the way some boys eyed her, she was overwhelmed with shame, perceiving herself as “a truly filthy being.”
During her first term as a freshman, Rio encountered a memorable moment that would change her life. While trying to buy a snack from a bustling food truck, she found herself lost in a crowd of students. Just as she was about to give up, a kind-hearted classmate named Yuuma Kunimi stepped in, offering her a chocolate cornet. This simple act of kindness sparked feelings for him, marking the beginning of a complicated emotional journey.
Yuuma offers bread to Rio.
During her first term as a freshman, Rio encountered a memorable moment that would change her life. While trying to buy a snack from a bustling food truck, she found herself lost in a crowd of students. Just as she was about to give up, a kind-hearted classmate named Yuuma Kunimi stepped in, offering her a chocolate cornet. This simple act of kindness sparked feelings for him, marking the beginning of a complicated emotional journey.
Relationships
Sakuta Azusagawa
Sakuta Azusagawa shares a close friendship with Rio, being the only regular visitor to her Science Club. He holds a deep respect for her, especially for her refusal to believe that he was responsible for the hospitalizations of three other students. As Rio’s understanding of Adolescence Syndrome evolves, she becomes a vital source of insight for Sakuta, even though she initially dismissed the phenomenon’s existence. Their dynamic is characterized by her trademark bluntness and sharp sarcasm, which she often directs toward him; she famously dubbed him a “rascal,” a title that has stuck.
When Rio’s own case of Adolescence Syndrome emerges, Sakuta takes it upon himself to support both versions of her that exist simultaneously, showcasing his unwavering loyalty and commitment to his friends.
Rio admits her feelings to Yuuma.
Yuuma Kunimi
Rio develops a crush on Yuuma Kunimi during their first year at Minegahara High, after he kindly offers her a chocolate cornet when she is unable to buy her favorite bread from a crowded food truck. By their second year, however, Yuuma is in a relationship with Saki Kamisato. Despite this, he continues to run past the Science Club window during basketball practice, drawing Rio’s admiring gaze.
During summer break, Sakuta calls Yuuma over one night, hoping to reunite him with Rio, which brings her to tears. Their spirits lift as they join together to set off fireworks on the beach that evening. A week later, after Rio’s two selves merge, they return to the same beach for a fireworks festival, where she finds the courage to confess her feelings to Yuuma, only to stop him before he can respond, not wanting to break down again.
Mai Sakurajima
While Rio plays a crucial role in helping Sakuta resolve Mai’s Adolescence Syndrome case, she does not meet Mai until she experiences her own. With Mai’s consent, Sakuta takes in the alternate Rio, who finds herself homeless due to the existence of the other. The other Rio maintains a connection to Mai, keeping her contact number even after merging with the original. This connection proves helpful when Sakuta seeks Mai’s assistance regarding Shoko Makinohara.
Kaede Azusagawa
Rio is aware of the trauma surrounding Sakuta’s sister, Kaede, and the regret he harbors over their past. During her own case of Adolescence Syndrome, the alternate Rio, who had been invited to stay at Sakuta’s place, takes the opportunity to tutor Kaede in math. This gesture creates a bond between them, allowing Kaede to feel comfortable enough to address Rio by her first name.