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| Former SKE48 Star Kitano Ruka Confirms Marriage as She Steps Into New Chapter. (Credits: ORICON) |
Former SKE48 member Kitano Ruka has confirmed her marriage while simultaneously announcing her departure from her long-time agency, marking a decisive shift in both her personal and professional life.
The 26-year-old actress and talent shared the update on 31 March through her official social media accounts, just under a year after graduating from SKE48’s Team KII.
In a statement, Kitano Ruka informed fans that she had entered marriage and, on the same day, formally left Zest, the agency that supported her throughout her idol and early acting career.
The announcement lands as a notable development for fans who have followed her journey since her early days as part of SKE48’s sixth generation..
She wrote that the decision comes with gratitude, emphasising that her current position is the result of sustained support from fans and industry figures.
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While stepping away from her agency, she made it clear there is no intention of slowing down, stating she will continue working in entertainment while adapting to a new environment.
Kitano Ruka’s trajectory has been closely tied to SKE48 for over a decade. She joined the group in 2013 as a trainee before being promoted to Team KII in 2014 during the AKB48 Group reshuffle.
Her graduation in June 2024 closed a significant chapter, with her final theatre performance marking the end of her idol activities.
Since then, she has pivoted steadily into acting and variety appearances, including multiple drama roles and a film release that expanded her profile beyond the idol scene.
The dual announcement has sparked mixed reactions online. While many fans have expressed warm congratulations and support for her new chapter, others were caught off guard by the timing, particularly the lack of details surrounding her partner.
Speculation quickly surfaced, with some netizens questioning whether the news had been intentionally kept private to maintain her public image transition post-idol career.
Still, a large portion of her fanbase has rallied behind her, praising her transparency and wishing her stability in both marriage and career.
Her decision to leave Zest at the same time further signals a desire to redefine her direction on her own terms.
Attention will likely turn to her next career moves and whether she will align with a new agency or operate independently. For now, her message remains consistent: gratitude, continuity, and a quiet confidence in navigating change.
Her story is far from over, and with fans already debating what this shift means for her future projects, the conversation is only just beginning.
What do you make of Kitano Ruka’s sudden announcement and her next move in the industry?