Susumu Yamazaki, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture, holds the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (Second-grade Space Lieutenant) aboard the Space Battleship Yamato, serving as an assistant engineer and damage control officer. His primary duty involves leading damage control efforts during combat, coordinating urgent repairs and system management under intense pressure to prevent onboard crises from escalating.

Yamazaki operates as a key support officer to Chief Engineer Hikozaemon Tokugawa, with whom he shares a sincere and professionally trusting relationship. This bond underpins their collaboration in maintaining the Yamato's critical systems, especially the Wave-Motion Engine. Yamazaki assumes the role of acting Chief Engineer, overseeing the entire engineering department, when Tokugawa is unavailable.

During the pivotal 2205 confrontation, Yamazaki provided crucial technical expertise. He advised Captain Susumu Kodai on a high-risk tactical maneuver, proposing the use of reserve engine energy—normally reserved for post-firing reactor restarts—to activate the Wave-Motion Shields during the Wave-Motion Gun's charging sequence. This strategy left the Yamato immobilized and powerless after firing, demonstrating Yamazaki's role in balancing critical operational risks with tactical necessities.