Ryuchell, born Ryuji Higa, was a vibrant Japanese social media personality, model, singer, and LGBTQ+ advocate whose public life was often intertwined with their unique and evolving romantic journey. Known for their distinctive "genderless kei" fashion and effervescent personality, Ryuchell captured the hearts of many, but it was their profound and unconventional relationship with fellow model Peco (Tetsuko Okuhira) that truly defined their romantic narrative and challenged societal norms.
The story of Ryuchell and Peco began in the bustling fashion hub of Harajuku, Tokyo. Both working in clothing stores and pursuing modeling careers, they met and quickly formed a deep connection. Their vibrant, colorful, and gender-fluid styles made them an instantly recognizable and beloved couple in the Japanese entertainment scene. They gained significant public attention around 2015, often appearing together on television shows, where their playful banter and affectionate dynamic charmed audiences across the nation.
Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 2016, a union that was celebrated by their fans. Ryuchell and Peco quickly became one of Japan's most prominent celebrity couples, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media and in various media appearances. Their wedding was a highly anticipated event, reflecting their unique aesthetic and deep bond. They were seen as a modern, fashionable, and openly affectionate pair, embodying a new kind of celebrity romance in Japan.
In February 2018, the couple announced the joyous news of Peco's pregnancy, further solidifying their family unit. Their son, Link, was born in July 2018, bringing another dimension to their public and private lives. Ryuchell often spoke of their love for their son and their commitment to parenthood. For years, they presented a picture of domestic bliss, balancing their successful careers with their roles as husband and wife, and later, as parents.
A pivotal moment in Ryuchell's personal and romantic history came in August 2022. Ryuchell made a courageous and very public announcement on Instagram, revealing that they no longer identified as a "husband" in the traditional sense, feeling that the masculine gender role had become a burden. This deeply personal revelation led to their amicable divorce from Peco. However, crucially, they stated their intention to continue living together as "life partners" and co-parents for their son. Ryuchell expressed a desire to embrace their true self and redefine their family structure based on love and mutual support, rather than conventional marital roles.
This decision, while deeply personal, sparked a significant public reaction. While many fans offered support and praised Ryuchell's bravery in exploring their gender identity in a relatively conservative society, there was also a wave of intense online criticism and backlash. Ryuchell was unfairly accused by some of being an "absent father" or abandoning their family. Throughout this challenging period, Peco remained a steadfast source of support, publicly defending Ryuchell and emphasizing their continued commitment to co-parenting and their family's well-being. She appeared in a YouTube video with Ryuchell in February 2023, reiterating her support and explaining their unique family dynamic to the public.
Following their divorce and public declaration, Ryuchell continued to evolve personally and professionally. They became an even more vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, using their platform to raise awareness and promote understanding. In later statements, Ryuchell also shared that their sexual orientation was towards men, further clarifying their identity journey. This openness, while brave, unfortunately also contributed to the ongoing online harassment they faced, highlighting the immense pressure and scrutiny public figures, especially those challenging norms, endure in Japan.
Ryuchell's romantic history, primarily defined by their profound and evolving relationship with Peco, stands as a testament to love's capacity for redefinition and resilience. Their journey together, from meeting in Harajuku to marriage, parenthood, an amicable divorce, and a continued partnership as life partners and co-parents, was a public exploration of identity, love, and family that transcended traditional boundaries. Ryuchell's commitment to living authentically, even amidst intense public scrutiny, left an indelible mark on Japanese society, advocating for self-acceptance and diverse forms of love and family. Their life, though tragically cut short in July 2023, continues to inspire discussions around gender, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships.