Ruriko Kojima Faces Challenges After Husband’s Sudden Death and Raising Child Alone

Talent Ruriko Kojima (31)’s husband, businessman Kouta Kitamura, was rushed to the hospital on February 4 and passed away. Kojima herself was also taken to the hospital but is said to have sustained only minor injuries.

“When the emergency services arrived after receiving a report, Kitamura had already collapsed and had apparently inhaled something resembling gas. His death was confirmed at the hospital. It is also said that a suicide note written by her husband was found, and the police believe the incident to be of low criminal concern,” said a reporter from a national newspaper.

Kojima married Kitamura in March 2023 and announced her pregnancy in August of the same year. She is now a mother of one.

After marriage, she studied abroad in Shanghai for three months

“Ruriko Kojima became independent from her agency, Horipro, in February 2023, one month before her marriage. At the time, she had put her entertainment career on hold to prepare for studying abroad in China. It was a surprise when it was revealed that she had also independently separated from Horipro at the same time as announcing her marriage. Horipro had been supportive of her plans to study abroad and promised to follow her progress. It seems that Kitamura’s advice played a role in her decision to go independent,” said a reporter from a sports newspaper.

Kitamura, who was involved in the sauna business and had experience as a co-founder of a network advertising company aiming to enter China, was well-versed in the Chinese market. Moreover, after their marriage, Kojima spent three months in Shanghai for language study, and her husband’s influence was significant.

“Kitamura’s expertise in China was one of the reasons Kojima was drawn to him. Losing such a partner must have been an enormous loss for her. However, now, the only people she can rely on for support are her parents. If she had still been with Horipro, they would have likely supported her properly in this situation, including her future entertainment career,” said a reporter from a women’s magazine.

Another concern is Kojima’s long-held dream of studying abroad in China. At a movie event in May 2023, she made headlines by conversing fluently in Chinese with a Chinese audience, indicating that preparations for studying abroad were progressing steadily.

 

There were also discussions about the entire family relocating to China

“Having lost Kitamura, who was well-versed in China, she’s likely not focused on that anymore. With a child to care for, her dream of studying abroad in China has become difficult to achieve. There were talks of the whole family moving to China when Kitamura was alive, but that will likely be put on hold now.”

In the past, Kojima, known for her sharp mind and being well-liked by big-name celebrities, was often referred to as “Kojiruri Musou” (unstoppable Kojima) and made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. However, when it comes to her future in entertainment, some say it will be quite tough, according to a source from an entertainment production company.

“Without the backing of Horipro and with her goal of studying abroad in China now off the table, it will be difficult for her to resume her career without a clear selling point. There is also the option of working as a mom talent, but with many rivals and the fact that she has no such image, it’s tough. Moreover, there were reports in August 2020 of her relationship with the 19-years-older ‘Kingdom’ manga creator Yasuhisa Hara, which led to home-wrecking rumors and harsh criticism from women. Even if she were to return to showbiz, it would be hard to see a return to the ‘Kojiruri Musou’ days.”

Fans have expressed concern for Kojima, hoping to see her in good health.