Ruriko Kojima’s Loss: Hidden Financial Struggles

Her lips had turned completely white.

Talent Ruriko Kojima (31) was rushed to the hospital.

The incident occurred around 3:00 PM on February 4. Kojima and her husband, entrepreneur Kota Kitamura, were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Tokyo. Kitamura was later pronounced dead. A source close to the investigation revealed:

“When the emergency responders arrived after a 110 call was made, Kitamura had already turned completely white around his lips, as if he had inhaled some kind of gas. He was later confirmed dead at the hospital. Meanwhile, Kojima sustained minor injuries.

The exact details remain unclear, but police currently believe there is little evidence of foul play. The couple welcomed their first child last year, and while it was initially considered that mental strain from parenting might have played a role, the situation at the scene suggests otherwise.”

In 2022, Kojima stepped down from all her television programs to study in China. She also retired from gravure modeling, disappearing from the public eye. However, her long-held dream of advancing her career in China was ultimately abandoned due to geopolitical issues such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was during this period of disappointment that she met Kitamura.

“Kitamura was the CEO of Habitat, a company specializing in sauna businesses, and was regarded as a rising star in the sauna industry. The two reportedly met through mutual acquaintances in the business world. Kojima had long expressed a strong desire to get married, and after meeting Kitamura, that desire only grew. Though their courtship was brief, they registered their marriage around March 2023, shortly after Kojima left her former agency.”

Although Kojima had been devastated by the failure of her study-abroad plans, with Kitamura’s support, she resumed her entertainment career in May 2023. At the same time, the couple moved into a luxury apartment in Tokyo, reportedly costing around 400,000 yen per month. To those around them, their marriage seemed to be going smoothly.

“In August 2023, she announced her first pregnancy, giving the impression that she was building a happy family. She often spoke enthusiastically about her unchanging passion for studying in China, saying things like, ‘My husband is supporting me, and I’m thinking of pursuing a marriage where I can also focus entirely on my career.’ Kitamura seemed to understand and support her ambitions, and outwardly, their life appeared happy.

However, I’ve heard rumors that Kitamura’s company had been struggling financially since last year. There may have been issues beneath the surface that never became public,” said an acquaintance of Kojima.

What exactly happened between this happy family? The truth remains to be uncovered.