Summer 2026 Anime ‘Thunder 3’ Voice Actor Suzushiro Sayumi Reveals She Researched Middle School Boys Online for Role – Talk Event Report

The upcoming TV anime Thunder 3 (サンダー３) is set to premiere on July 8, 2026, on Fuji TV’s “+Ultra” block and other channels, with a worldwide exclusive streaming release on Netflix. On June 28, a special talk event was held at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, featuring voice actor Suzushiro Sayumi, who plays the protagonist Pyontarou. Dressed in a soft yellow outfit matching the series’ theme color, Suzushiro took the stage to enthusiastic applause.

First Impressions and Role Preparation

When asked about her initial reaction to seeing the completed anime, Suzushiro said, “I’m so happy you all got to watch it, but weren’t you surprised? The visuals and music were incredibly powerful.” She also shared her thoughts on playing a male lead: “It had always been a big dream of mine to voice a boy protagonist, so I was truly thrilled when I got the part. For my role preparation, since I didn’t have any middle school boys close to me, I researched them online and asked my male co-stars about their own middle school days. At first, I thought of a protagonist as naturally ‘hot-blooded,’ but as I performed and received direction from the sound director, I learned to bring out Pyontarou’s awkwardness and sensitivity typical of adolescence.”

About the Original Manga

Thunder 3 is based on the manga by Ikeda Yuuki, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine in 2022. The story follows a close trio of middle school friends—the unremarkable Pyontarou, his classmates Tsubame and Hiroshi—who are known as the “Small 3.” Pyontarou is constantly doted on and dragged around by his energetic, mischievous little sister Futaba. One day, Futaba gets lost, and the Small 3 must work together to find her. The manga quickly gained attention on social media for its storytelling and artwork, earning an unusually fast nomination for the “Next Manga Award 2022.”

Suzushiro commented on reading the original manga: “When I first saw it, the cute cover art made me think it would be a warm, heartwarming daily-life story. But as I read on, I was surprised by the twists. I wondered how they would adapt that into anime. The finished animation is so impressive—I really felt the brilliance of the animation.”

Event Highlights and Future Story Hints

During the event, a quiz corner was held with three-choice questions tied to the series’ “3” theme. When asked what kind of young man Pyontarou might become, Suzushiro imagined and answered, “A gym-obsessed training guy!” The audience responded with applause and surprise. She added, “I don’t know if he’ll become popular, but given his current self, maybe a ‘training guy’? I hope we see his growth after the anime’s story.”

Regarding the highlights of episodes 1 and 2 and beyond, Suzushiro teased, “There are definitely surprising developments and powerful scenes, so please look forward to them. Also, the opening and ending visuals are incredible! Most of all, I hope you enjoy watching how Pyontarou and the other two will act and whether they can find Futaba safely!”

Closing the event, Suzushiro delivered a heartfelt message: “It’s been over two years since the audition, which amazes me, but the staff have been involved even longer, and they’ve created a truly amazing film. I’m so happy to have voiced Pyontarou alongside such passionate people, and I hope we can have another event like this. I’d love to appear on stage with the other cast members next time! This anime is really interesting, so please spread the word! Thank you!”

Broadcast Information

※ Broadcast dates and times are subject to change. Netflix worldwide exclusive streaming begins July 8.

Staff and Cast

Thunder 3 (1) (Monthly Shonen Magazine Comics) ￥792
Thunder 3 (8) (Monthly Shonen Magazine Comics) ￥792
(Price and availability as of article publication.)

(C) Ikeda Yuuki, Kodansha / “Thunder 3” Production Committee