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Japanese TV Personality Found Dead in Agent’s Office

Ryuchell, 27, gained popularity online for donning “genderless kei,” a form of fashion characterized by its androgyny.

Ryuchell, a 27-year-old Japanese TV personality and LGBTQ+ advocate, was found dead by their manager at the agency’s office in Tokyo, according to BBC. While a cause of death has not been confirmed, BBC reported that police are investigating if Ryuchell died by suicide. The social media influencer gained popularity for donning “genderless kei,” a form of fashion characterized by androgyny and mixing of masculine and feminine clothing. In 2016, Ryuchell married model Tetsuko Okuhira, known as Peco, and later had a son. The pair got divorced in 2022 but continued to raise their child together. Peco has yet to comment on Ryuchell's death and most recently posted a photo on Instagram of her celebrating their son’s fifth birthday.

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. You can also text or dial 988.