Nagata Ruriko (永田ルリ子) is a former Japanese idol and a former member of Onyanko Club.
Profile[]
- Member Number: 18
History[]
Nagata joined Onyanko Club on May 17, 1985. Initially, she had limited exposure in songs and media, but she became friends with popular member Nitta Eri, who recommended her for more prominent roles. Her first front-facing appearance was as a backup singer for Yoshizawa Akie's debut single, "Naze? no Arashi," and her first lead vocal credit was on the Onyanko Club single Otto CHIKAN! She eventually became the member with the most singing appearances in the group's records and soloist works.
Nagata announced Onyanko Club's disbandment in June 1987 and gave the final speech on their last television appearance. She officially graduated on September 20, 1987, when the group dissolved and retired from entertainment simultaneously.
In June 1988, it was reported that she had gotten married to the president of a television production company, and she has since remained out of the media completely, leaving her current status unknown.
Post Disbandment Controversy[]
Nagata is notably absent from most post-disbandment Onyanko Club media, with varying degrees of exclusion. In officially published video releases like the Onyanko PANIC Sotsugyou Kinen Concert DVD, she appears only in background shots, with close-ups omitted or obscured, and her name, likeness, and Onyanko Club member number is usually entirely omitted from these publications. Onyanko Club Mikoukai Eizou THE BACK STAGE recieved a similar treatment, as she is never the focus in any of the footage (although she can still be seen in group shots and from behind, and is heard talking to other members off camera) and her solo parts in the concert are removed or obscured. Most televised appearances blur or censor her face, but some written publications mention her, others omit her entirely. The official reason behind the censorship remains unclear. Many fan rumors and speculations have circulated over the years, but most agree it is likely a result of ongoing legal issues over image rights between the family she married into and Fuji Television, Onyanko Club's copyright holder.
She is usually credited and uncensored in photographed media and music re-releases. Former members will occasionally mention her in interviews or during unofficial reunions, but it is very rare and always retrospective, hinting at limited contact or restrictions on discussing her.
This controversy, along with other legal issues, has contributed to the scarcity of official Onyanko Club re-releases since 2002.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Nagata was close to many members, but considered Nitta Eri and Nakajima Miharu her best friends.
- She was the oldest and only fully legal adult (20-year-old) member active at Onyanko Club's disbandment.
- There was a fan rumor that she wanted to remain in the entertainment industry after Onyanko Club disbanded, but producer Kasai Kazuji deemed her "too ordinary" and refused to support her. Her friend and former member Nitta Eri confirmed this rumor in 2016, regretting her inability to help Nagata secure a talent contract before she retired. [1]
- She was the second Onyanko Club member to get married (out of those announced to the public.)
- Known for her strong memory, Nagata excelled at choreography and lyric retention. She helped coach other members who needed assistance. She also was rumored to help staff choreographers come up with ideas by ad-libbing during routines and presenting to them.
- Her signature wavy hairstyle half-tied up with a ribbon shifted to a high ponytail in 1987. She stated that she owned a large hair ribbon collection in a magazine interview.
- Her unique handwriting, popularized on Yuyake Nyan Nyan, inspired the Ruriiru typeface, which is still used on JA Zennoh Fukushima rice packaging.
- She shares a birthdate with fellow idol Minamino Yoko.
- Many fans view her as a prototype "Center" for her stage presence, leadership skills, and dedication to Onyanko Club while an active member.
Reference List[]
- ↑ "おニャン子クラブ解散30周年カウントダウン －元おニャン子たちの現在－④ 新田恵利" (in Japanese). HUSTLE PRESS. 2016-12-01.