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| New TV Tokyo Drama “Ryosangata Ruka” to Star Nogizaka46’s Kaki Haruka and Tsutsui Ayame |
Get ready for some midnight magic this summer, because Nogizaka46’s Kaki Haruka and Tsutsui Ayame are stepping into the spotlight together – as dual leads – in TV Tokyo’s new late-night dorama “Ryosangata Ruka – The Blue Rebellion of the Plastic Model Club”, kicking off on Thursday 3 July 2025 at 12:30am (yes, that’s technically Friday morning, night owls rejoice).
If you're already a fan of the Ryosangata universe (hello, Riko gang), this is the next chapter you've been waiting for – same quirky heart, new setting, and a fresh pair of heroines.
The baton’s officially been passed from Yoda Yuki to her younger Nogi mates, and we’re already emotional about it.
Meet “RukaRuka” – Your New Favourite Duo
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The story centres on two girls, Takamine Ruka (played by Kaki Haruka) and Seto Ruka (played by Tsutsui Ayame), childhood besties who are so inseparable that everyone just calls them “RukaRuka.”
They’ve cruised through high school as low-key “go-home club” queens – no clubs, no fuss, just vibes. But in their final year, a random comment from a friend and a curious encounter with a sweet-decorated classroom change everything.
Turns out, the classroom is the dying remains of the school’s Plastic Model Club, and before they know it, the two Rukas are getting roped in.
With some encouragement from the club’s eccentric teacher “Yomo-san”, the girls start building their first model kits – and with it, a new version of themselves.
This isn’t just about glue and tiny Gundam arms – it’s a story about reigniting youth, finding something worth caring about, and embracing change, all while covered in plastic parts and a bit of chaos.
Double the Ruka, Double the Fun
Kaki Haruka takes on the role of Takamine Ruka, a laidback, slightly lazy but surprisingly clever girl who’s great at talking herself out of doing anything.
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She’s messy, impulsive, and deeply into sweets – the kind of mate who’s always fun to be around, even if she forgets half her homework.
Kaki says she’s been into plastic models since she was a kid, so this role hits close to home. She’s buzzing to co-lead with her fellow 4th gen member.
Tsutsui Ayame plays Seto Ruka, her calm and thoughtful counterpart. She’s polite, imaginative, easily obsessed with new hobbies, and has a bit of a habit of shifting interests when something shiny comes along.
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Raised as an only child, she still loves daydreaming and gets deeply attached to things she finds cool or beautiful. For both Kaki and Tsutsui, this marks their first-ever lead roles in a primetime drama. Proud senpai moment incoming.
A New Era of the "Ryosangata" World Begins
This series is a spiritual successor to Ryosangata Riko, the three-part late-night drama that ran from 2022 and starred former Nogi girl Yoda Yuki in ever-shifting versions of her character Riko.
It became a cult hit for its quiet humour and warm vibes, with real-life plastic models playing key roles in each episode (Bandai Spirits are back on board for this one too, by the way).
In this new version, the setting switches to a school, and the focus is on the bittersweet charm of final-year students stumbling into a forgotten clubroom and accidentally making it their own.
Episode one will feature the iconic Zaku II as a nod to where it all started – and new models will pop up each week. Nostalgia and surprise? Count us in.
Also, five different film directors will be rotating across the series – each bringing their own flair to the RukaRuka world. Expect fresh visuals and wildly different tones from week to week.
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Yoda Yuki Passes the Torch – and Her Blessing
Former lead Yoda Yuki, who played Riko for three years, sent her love and support to the new duo, saying she’s thrilled to see her beloved project carried on by “cute and trusted juniors.” We can already hear the fans tearing up.
Expect Late-Night Laughs, Feels & Lots of Glue
According to producer comments, the dream is to turn Ryosangata into something like the Kamen Rider or Precure of hobby dramas – a yearly summer staple that quietly reminds you how nice it is to care about something small. And honestly? We’re here for it.
Whether you're a plastic model geek, a Nogizaka stan, or just in the mood for something chill, funny and a little heart-tugging at 12:30am – “Ryosangata Ruka” might just be the summer drama for you.
Starts: Thursday, 3 July 2025 – 12:30am on TV Tokyo.