Ryota is the former ultimate animator, and Junko Enoshima used his techniques to start the apocalypse. Ryota had made a video that brainwashed the viewer into hope but never had the strength to use it. And so, a man named Tengan set up a killing game, which Ryota was forced into, to pressure him to broadcast the video globally. Although Tengan died, Ryota almost did it. Ryota learnt that he nearly played into Tengan's hands and that he was the reason for the game. He's shy and stutters.