Kyoryuger's Cast Reflects on the Show in Pamphlet Interviews

A pamphlet released around Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger’s launch, containing character bios, also carried short interviews in which the five lead actors gave their impressions of the show.

Ryo Ryusei, who plays Daigo Kiryu/Kyoryu Red, said his first time in the role came via ADR work for a VS movie, and that even a short scene captured the team’s dynamic, a group he called “terrible at gathering” in an endearing way. He praised writer Riku Sanjo’s scripts for giving every character a distinctive personality so that Red doesn’t feel like the singular leader. Ryusei recalled the early days of filming as lonely before the full cast gathered, after which he knew the production was “in for a hell of a ride,” and credited director Koichi Sakamoto with building a strong, cool team of heroes.

Syuusuke Saito, cast as Ian Yorkland/Kyoryu Black, said he was curious during auditions about which colors he might be offered and was surprised to land Black, the team’s second-in-command. He noted that while Black carries a cool, “sexy guy” image, the scripts revealed more depth to the character than a simple playboy. Saito described Kyoryuger as fundamentally a team effort, with Black supporting Red just as Red would support him.

Yamato Kinjo, who plays Nobuharu Udo/Kyoryu Blue, said he was surprised to be cast as a bearded 32-year-old hero at 29, and found the action rehearsals and fast-paced filming physically demanding despite Sakamoto’s constant, cheerful encouragement. He said the age gap with castmates didn’t feel large and described his character as a kind, calm older man who nonetheless fits the team.

Akihisa Shiono, playing Soji Rippukan/Kyoryu Green, said he had dreamed of becoming a Super Sentai hero growing up and wanted his performance to inspire a new generation. He described the cast as “lively” as a group, though his character Soji reads differently on camera, and said sword rehearsals for the swordsman role left him with real injuries, including torn skin on his thumb, despite having no formal kendo background. He noted suit actor Kosuke Asai takes over the physical performance after Soji transforms.

Ayuri Konno, cast as Ami Yuzuki/Kyoryu Pink at age 15, said she grew up watching Super Sentai with her older brother and found it surreal to join the franchise as its youngest cast member. She said she drew on her own part-time restaurant work to play Ami, a wealthy character who works a part-time job, and described practicing fighting poses at home with her father after early attempts were criticized on set.