Ryu is a tall, fit, and good-looking young man with beige skin. He inherited his striking appearance from his father, Genji Sanada, featuring shaved black hair and sharp, slanted brown eyes.

While at school, Ryu typically wears the standard Kitahoro High School uniform, consisting of a white blouse tucked into blue pants, paired with rubber shoes. Occasionally, he dons the blue blazer and red tie. On the days he participates in baseball, he sports his team’s attire, which includes a white shirt with long black sleeves, white pants, baseball cleats, and a blue cap with a “K” on it.

In his casual wear, Ryu prefers black, grey, and white tees, paired with bottoms, jackets, or hoodies. When exercising, he is often seen wearing a black and white cap with an “RHCP” logo on it.

Ryu is a quiet and reserved individual who tends to keep to himself. Though he rarely speaks, he has a strong ability to communicate with others, often conveying his thoughts through actions rather than words. While he may seem clueless at times, Ryu is highly perceptive and attuned to the emotions of those around him, especially Chizuru Yoshida. He is able to pick up on people’s feelings just by observing their behavior, though he keeps his own emotions guarded.

Ryu is often seen dozing off in class and has a reputation for enjoying naps whenever he can. Despite this laid-back attitude, he is actually quite intelligent, passing his exams with ease and surprising Chizuru, who initially didn’t expect him to be such a strong student.

He is deeply empathetic and willing to sacrifice his own comfort to help others, a trait that Chizuru especially notices. While Ryu is capable of giving sound advice to his friends, his direct and blunt manner can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Ryu has a soft spot for animals. When Chizuru pulls him away from Shouta Kazehaya’s adopted puppy, Pedro Martinez, he cries out in disappointment, showing his attachment to the little animal.

Hardworking and determined, Ryu spends a lot of time practicing baseball, working at his family’s ramen shop, and exercising nightly. His ultimate goal is to be accepted into a university and continue his baseball career, showing his ambition and dedication.

Chizuru Yoshida
Ryu and Chizuru have been close childhood friends, growing up as neighbors and supporting each other through difficult times, such as the death of Ryu’s mother. His feelings for Chizuru developed early on, and while his love was initially unrequited, he remained patient, knowing she wouldn’t immediately return his feelings. Ryu often comforts Chizuru when she’s upset, even preferring that she be mad at him so she could vent her emotions more freely.

During a school trip to Okinawa, a girl confesses her feelings to Ryu, and he rejects her, revealing that he “likes someone else.” Chizuru, who overhears the confession, becomes bothered by the fact that she doesn’t know who Ryu likes. Later, Ryu confesses to her that she’s the one he has always liked. This confession leaves Chizuru feeling awkward around him, stuttering and avoiding him, though Ryu remains patient, accepting whatever decision she makes.

When Ryu decides to attend university, Chizuru is initially shocked, believing he would always stay in their hometown. She becomes distant, and on her birthday, Ryu visits her, promising to succeed and achieve his goals for her, as she had always supported him. This gesture makes Chizuru burst into tears, and she begs him not to go. After some hesitation, Chizuru finally admits that she likes him, and Ryu reciprocates with a kiss. Their relationship officially begins, and they later confirm to Sawako that they are dating.

After a loss in the North Hokkaido baseball tournament, Ryu feels defeated but finds solace in Chizuru’s comforting words. When she reassures him that his career isn’t over, he kisses her, promising to return soon and start a family with her, managing his family’s ramen shop together.

Shouta Kazehaya
Ryu and Shouta have been friends since middle school, where they both played baseball. They spend time together at Ryu’s house, attending parties with friends like Chizuru, Sawako, and Ayane. Their friendship includes sharing problems and insecurities, whether related to their relationships with Chizuru and Sawako or their personal struggles. They support each other and cheer each other on.

Toru Sanada
Ryu deeply respects his older brother Toru, often referring to him as “[o]ni-san” or “aniki.” Though not outwardly apparent, Ryu experiences jealousy because he knows of Chizuru’s childhood crush on Toru. Toru, likely aware of Ryu’s feelings for Chizuru, encourages the idea of Ryu and Chizuru becoming a couple, which Ryu agrees with.

The name Ryu (龍) means “dragon” in Japanese, symbolizing strength, power, and resilience.

His surname, Sanada (真田), is composed of two kanji:

• 真 (ma), meaning “true” or “genuine,”
• 田 (ta), meaning “field.”

Together, Sanada can be interpreted as “true field” or “genuine land,” possibly representing a solid foundation or a place of authenticity.