Ryo Watanabe is a Japanese American street racer featured in Need for Speed: ProStreet. Watanabe is associated with Super Promotion and is the Showdown King of ProStreet. He is the last main rival in the game to be challenged by Ryan Cooper.
It is said that he has a registered legal license in the U.S. and possibly a suspended license in Japan, likely due to illegal street racing. He seemingly has an arrogant personality despises Ryan Cooper. At some points in the game, Watanabe is heard badmouthing Cooper on his driving.
Cooper must defeat Watanabe in the Showdown King Challenge Nevada and Tokyo to become the next Street King.