1. Overview
鈴木 省吾Suzuki ShōgoJapanese is a prominent Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator. Born in Tokyo on April 12, 1963, he has established a diverse career spanning stage performances, television dramas, and extensive narration work. He is widely recognized for his significant role as the voice of Vincent Valentine in the popular Square Enix Compilation of Final Fantasy VII video game series and animated films. Suzuki began his professional journey primarily as a narrator for television commercials and corporate instructional videos before venturing into acting and voice acting. His career is characterized by his versatility across various media, including his notable contributions to theatrical productions and his work in numerous television programs beyond dramas.
2. Life and Career
Shōgo Suzuki's professional life has evolved from his early beginnings in narration to becoming a versatile performer across various entertainment platforms.
2.1. Early Life and Background
Shōgo Suzuki was born on April 12, 1963, in Tokyo, Japan. He stands at 70 in (178 cm) tall. Details of his early childhood and family background beyond his birthplace are not widely publicized.
2.2. Career Beginnings
Suzuki commenced his career primarily as a narrator, lending his voice to numerous television commercials and instructional videos for various corporations. He initially focused on stage acting, becoming affiliated with Ishii Mitsuzo Office for his acting endeavors. His debut as a voice actor came with his portrayal of Vincent Valentine in the animated film Final Fantasy VII Advent Children. Since 2004, he has also been affiliated with AXTO Production as a narrator. Suzuki was also a member of the theater group "Gekidan Early Timely's," which was presided over by actor Masato Hagiwara.
2.3. Personal Life
Shōgo Suzuki is married to actress ひろせまいHirose MaiJapanese. The couple tied the knot in 2009.
3. Major Works
Shōgo Suzuki has built an extensive portfolio across voice acting, television, narration, and stage performances, demonstrating his adaptability and range as a performer.
3.1. Voice Acting
Suzuki is most notably recognized for his voice work as Vincent Valentine in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII franchise, a role he has reprised across various media.
His major voice acting roles include:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Final Fantasy VII Advent Children | Vincent Valentine | Animated film (OVA) |
| 2006 | Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII | Vincent Valentine | Video game |
| Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode: Final Fantasy VII | Vincent Valentine | Mobile game | |
| 2017 | Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia | Vincent Valentine | Video game / Mobile application |
| 2024 | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Vincent Valentine | Video game |
| Robots | Version 3D | Animated film (OVA) |
3.2. Television
Suzuki has a substantial presence in television, both as an actor in dramas and as a narrator for various programs.
3.2.1. Television Dramas
He has appeared in numerous television dramas, taking on diverse roles:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Kanta Desu! | Taro Date |
| 2003 | Nishimura Kyotaro Suspense: Totsukawa Keibu Series 29 Matsuyama-Dogo Juni-shichi Moji no Satsujin | Hiroshi Shoji (Secretary to Fumihiko Kasahara, played by Ryūkō Hagiwara) |
| 2008 | Abnormal Investigator Yumi Katayama Kyoto Aino Umewaka Emaki Satsujin Jiken | Tatsuma Ichikawa |
| 2009 | Arashi ga Kureta Mono | Sugawara |
| 2011 | Beat | Miura |
| 2012 | Tama Minami Police Detective Chikamatsu Heikichi 9 | Yukihiko Takami |
| 2012 | Inspector Midorikawa VS 33 Minutes of Courage | |
| 2012 | Aibou Season 10 (Episode 11 "Meitantei Saitanjo") | Koichi Himoto (Representative of Metropolitan Research) |
| 2013 | Taxi Driver's Deduction Diary 33 | Tatsunori Hatanaka |
| 2017 | Daytime Devil | Makoto Yoshida |
| 2018 | Genkai Danji | Zenjiro Tamaru |
3.2.2. Other Television Appearances
Suzuki has also contributed to various other television programs, primarily through his narration work:
- Sports Tairiku (NHK) - Narration
- Heroes' Masterpiece Matches (NHK) - Narration
- Sono Kao ga Mite Mitai (Fuji Television) - Narration
- NNN Document 3・11 Great Earthquake Series 27 (Nippon Television) - Narration
- Judo Grand Slam (TV Tokyo) - Narration
- My GOAL: Shinji Okazaki's Way of Life (TV Shizuoka) - Narration
- Sanma no Owarai Kojo Iinkai (Fuji Television) - Narration
- NHK Special: Stolen Top Secret - The Truth of the Atomic Bomb Spy War (NHK) - Portraying Moe Berg
- Shippu Doto no "KABUKI"mono Ichikawa Ebizo ni Gozarimasuru. (Nippon Television) - Narration
- 2015 New Year Special: Shippu Doto no "KABUKI"mono Ichikawa Ebizo ni Gozarimasuru. (Nippon Television) - Narration
- "Shosetsu Ari!" (BS-TBS)
- Telementary 2018: Jomon Prayer Wooden Pillar Rows - Tracing the Mystery of the Japan Sea Giant Tree Culture (TV Asahi) - Narration
- Zekkei! Europe no Yamagoya Meguri (NHK) - Narration
- Kaji Yarou!!! (TV Asahi) - Narration
3.3. Narration
Beyond television programs, Shōgo Suzuki's narration work extends to various commercials. He has provided narration for notable companies and products, including JACCS, Sanyo Shokai, and Kōchahaden.
3.4. Stage Performances
Suzuki has a significant background in stage plays, participating in numerous theatrical productions throughout his career.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog-Eat-Dog | Detective Suzuki | ||
| Tatsuya: Saiai Naru Mono no Soba e | Koji / Shinichi / Security Guard | Performed three roles | |
| 2007 | ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH The Dark of The Bleeding Moon | Kenpachi Zaraki | |
| ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH the LIVE "卍解SHOW code：001" | Kenpachi Zaraki | Guest appearance on January 11 only | |
| 2007 | ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH No Clouds in the Blue Heavens | Kenpachi Zaraki | March performance |
| STONES | Muraki | Lead role | |
| ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH THE ALL | Kenpachi Zaraki | ||
| ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH the LIVE "卍解SHOW code：002" | Kenpachi Zaraki | ||
| ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH the LIVE "卍解SHOW code：003" | Kenpachi Zaraki | ||
| Shinrei Tantei Yakumo: Tamashii wo Tsunagumono | Kazutoshi Goto | ||
| ACCA13-ku Kansatsu-ka | Groshular |
4. Public Image and Assessment
Shōgo Suzuki's career is marked by his consistent contributions to the Japanese entertainment industry across multiple facets.
4.1. Reception and Impact
Shōgo Suzuki is recognized for his versatility as an actor, voice actor, and narrator. His enduring role as Vincent Valentine has solidified his place among fans of the Final Fantasy series. His extensive work in narration, particularly for television commercials and various programs, highlights his distinctive vocal presence and ability to convey information effectively. His dedication to stage acting also showcases his commitment to diverse performing arts.
4.2. Critical Perspectives and Controversies
There are no widely publicized critical viewpoints or controversies specifically associated with Shōgo Suzuki's professional activities or public image. His career appears to have been largely consistent and well-received within the entertainment industry.