Japanese Actor Ryohei Suzuki Reflects on 20-Year Career Struggles

Japanese actor Ryohei Suzuki said he once felt his life had ended due to the intense pressure of his acting career.

Suzuki's reflections provide a rare glimpse into the mental health challenges faced by high-profile entertainers in Japan's demanding entertainment industry. His account highlights the physical and emotional toll of professional instability.

In an interview released Saturday, Suzuki discussed the anxieties he experienced over his 20-year career ^[1]. He described a period of such deep distress that it manifested physically, noting that he suffered from hair loss and an inability to eat. "I've had times where I thought, 'It's no use! I'm too anxious, my life is over!'" Suzuki said ^[1].

Despite the severity of these episodes, Suzuki said he did not focus on the longevity of his career at the time. He noted that he was not concerned about whether he had reached a 20-year milestone ^[1], but was instead consumed by the immediate demands of his work. He said he was simply desperate to handle the tasks directly in front of him ^[1].

Suzuki, who debuted in 2006 ^[1], has since shifted his perspective to accept anxiety as part of his process. He recently applied this understanding to a role involving a character changing careers. Suzuki said he hoped his performance would encourage others, noting that while changing jobs brings anxiety, it also presents a chance to challenge oneself. He said he hoped his work would lead to a step filled with hope for others ^[1].

Throughout his two decades in the industry, the actor has transitioned from a state of desperation to one of resilience. He now views the challenges that once felt catastrophic as experiences that allow him to connect more deeply with the characters he portrays on screen ^[1].