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Renji Ruhara to graduate from FUDANJUKU with new single “Dansou Revolution”
Cross-dressing idol group performed themes for Yatterman and Ginga e Kickoff!

September 19, 2013 – Tall, striking, orange-clad manga and game otaku Renji Ruhara will graduate with FUDANJUKU’s latest single, “Dansou Revolution” (released on Sept. 18).

A member of the popular cross-dressing Japanese idol group since 2008, Ruhara left this summer’s national tour “FUDANJUKU Ranbu TOUR 2013 -12 locations nation-wide Ichi Dozen Time-” due to physical illness and was hospitalized for some time.

Ruhara announced his feelings on FUDANJUKU’s official blog.


(excerpt)
Hello. This is Renji Ruhara.

I have decided to graduate from FUDANJUKU.
Everyone, thank you so much for supporting me for a long time.

I am so much better now. I am well enough to have no problem in daily life.
However, the doctor has stopped me from strenuous physical activity for my current condition, and the situation makes it very difficult for me to perform at live shows.
I can still have a normal life, but this situation of “not being able to participate in live shows” equals to losing the core essence of my participation in FUDANJUKU. I’ve made this decision after much thought, and this is my true feeling.

Complete entry (in Japanese):
http://ameblo.jp/fudan-jyuku/entry-11609648554.html

Ruhara was absent from the filming of FUDANJUKU’s music video for “Dansou Revolution,” but participated in the recording and is present on the single’s jacket art.

Ruhara was popular with FUDANJUKU fans from the start after surviving a televised, multi-stage audition. All members of FUDANJUKU are otaku of various kinds, and Ruhara’s revealed himself to own over 13000 volumes of manga, over 7000 games, and over 1000 limited edition anime DVDs. Often playing the part of the group’s brooding bad-boy, his comedy contributions and strong stage energy will be missed.

Fans can leave message of support on FUDANJUKU’s Official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/fudanjukujapan

VIDEO
“Dansou Revolution”

FUDANJUKU PROFILE
Anime credits include: “Katsunda!”(Yatterman), “Ame Tokidoki Hare Nochi Niji” and “Jinsei Wahaha!” (Ginga e Kickoff!)

All-female Japanese idol group FUDANJUKU performs as young males who each have their own “otaku” obsession. With their high-energy live performances and engaging personalities, the group has won fans all over the world.

FUDANJUKU has performed multiple times as part of the Tokyo Idol Festival and at Hong Kong’s Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACGHK) event. The group has also released anime cover songs, including “Arara no Jumon” (from Chibi Maruko-chan), Geki! Teikoku Kageki Dan (from Sakura Taisen), and recorded the song “Rusty Sword” for Ragnarok Online Japan Championship (RJC) 2011.

Manga creator Arina Tanemura (Full Moon O Sagashite, The Gentlemen’s Alliance Cross, Sakura Hime, Kamikaze Kaitō Jeanne, I.O.N, Time Stranger Kyoko) launched her new series, “Fudanjuku Monogatari,” about FUDANJUKU in Shueisha’s Margaret magazine in 2011.

In 2012, FUDANJUKU toured Japan and released the album OTOKO. In 2013, The group released a new theme song “Jinsei Wahaha!” for the anime Ginga e Kickoff!, which entered the Oricon singles chart at #9.

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