Ryuchell, born Ryūji Higa, was a Japanese model, influencer, singer, and activist known for their role in the country’s genderless fashion movement. They gained attention for their bold, colorful style and unique approach to self-expression.
Ryuchell used their platform to promote individuality and LGBTQ+ visibility, becoming a strong voice in Japanese pop culture during the 2010s. They passed away in 2023 at the age of 27, leaving a lasting impact through their advocacy and creativity.
Profile
- Full Name: Ryūji Higa
- Stage Name: Ryuchell
- Other Name: Ryucheru
- Born: September 29, 1995
- Died: 12 June 2023 (Age: 27 years old)
- Birthplace: Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Ethnicity: Japanese
- Occupation: Model, Influencer, Singer, And Activist
- Height: Unknown
- Religion: Unknown
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Higa
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Peco (m 2016-2022)
- Children: One son
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $1 million USD

Early Life and Education
Ryuchell was born on September 29, 1995, in Ginowan, located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. They were raised in Okinawa by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Higa, where they spent most of their early years. For their education, Ryuchell attended Okinawa Prefectural Ginowan Junior High School before moving on to Kitanakagusuku High School.
In their late teens, they relocated to Tokyo to pursue opportunities in modeling and the entertainment industry, a move that would eventually shape their public career and lead to their rise to fame. Ryuchell was of Japanese ethnicity, while details about their religious beliefs were not publicly known.
Career
Ryuchell first rose to prominence in the mid-2010s as a Harajuku model, quickly becoming a central figure in Japan’s genderless fashion scene. They appeared regularly on television variety shows and gained attention for their androgynous look, vibrant hair colors, and outspoken views on beauty and identity.
They released music singles and collaborated on projects while actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and self-acceptance. Their visibility helped bring genderless fashion into mainstream Japanese conversations. In 2022, they publicly announced that they no longer identified as male and preferred to be seen as a life partner and parent. They continued working in media and content creation until their passing on July 12, 2023, in Tokyo.
Social Media
Ryuchell does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
Ryuchell, who was 27 at the time of their passing, was a well-known Japanese model, influencer, singer, and outspoken activist. They gained attention not just for their creative work but also for their bold approach to self-expression. In 2016, they married fellow model and influencer Tetsuko Okuhira, popularly known as Peco, and together they welcomed a son. However, their marriage came to an end in 2022 after Ryuchell publicly shared that they no longer identified with traditional male gender roles.
Despite the separation, both remained dedicated to raising their child together and maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship. In the final year of their life, Ryuchell became even more vocal about their personal journey, speaking openly about identity, mental health, and the challenges of dealing with online criticism. They left a lasting impression on many people, remembered for their honesty, creativity, and strong advocacy for individuality, acceptance, and living authentically.
Net Worth
Ryuchell’s net worth was estimated at $1 million USD. Their income primarily came from modeling work, television appearances, social media partnerships, music releases, and related entertainment activities.
