Minami Ryuusuke is a charismatic Japanese guitarist with deep roots in American culture. He spent a significant part of his childhood in the United States and is fluent in both English and Japanese, often mixing the two in conversation. He lives alone in a small shack by a fishing pond, leading a somewhat solitary life. Ryuusuke is the founder and lead guitarist of the band BECK, and he drives the band’s creative direction. His exceptional guitar skills and discerning taste in music are what first inspire the protagonist, Yukio Tanaka, to take up the guitar.

Ryuusuke's personality is a blend of a relaxed, slacker-like demeanor and a fierce dedication to his art. He can come across as cold or apathetic at times, but this exterior belies a kind and compassionate nature that becomes evident through his music and his actions. He is driven by a deep passion for rock music and a desire to create the greatest band possible, aiming to bring soul back to modern music. This motivation stems from a rebellious spirit shaped by his youth, which included stealing the iconic guitar named Lucille (also referred to as Prudence) from the trunk of Leon Sykes’s car alongside his close friend Eddie Lee. That act symbolizes his break from convention and his commitment to his own musical vision.

In the story, Ryuusuke serves as the central catalyst for the formation of BECK. After a falling-out with his former bandmate Eiji Kimura, he sets out to build the ultimate band, recruiting Tsunemi Chiba, Yoshiyuki Taira, and eventually Koyuki and the drummer Saku. He is both the band’s musical leader and a mentor to Koyuki, guiding him from a listless teenager into a confident musician. His relationship with Koyuki is the emotional backbone of the series, with their mutual growth reinforcing Ryuusuke’s own rediscovery of his love for music. He also shares a strong bond with Eddie Lee, who later becomes a successful musician in the band Dying Breed, and a protective but distant relationship with his younger sister Maho. His rivalry with Eiji, who forms a competing band, adds tension and drives both groups to push their limits.

Notable abilities include his masterful guitar technique, which encompasses complex riffs and emotive fingerpicking, as well as his skill in composing original songs that resonate with audiences. His stage presence is magnetic, and he is able to convey deep emotion through his playing. Ryuusuke’s character develops from a somewhat aimless but gifted slacker into a focused and committed leader who learns to trust his bandmates and embrace collaboration. He faces personal insecurities and external challenges, such as threats from Leon Sykes over Lucille and the pressures of the music industry, but ultimately grows through his partnership with BECK, reaffirming that music is about passion and genuine expression.