World

Ryuchell: Japanese TV personality and LGBT influencer found dead at agent’s office aged 27

Ryuchell: Japanese TV personality and LGBT influencer found dead at agent's office aged 27

Japanese TV personality, model and LGBT influencer Ryuchell has been found dead by their manager at their agency’s offices. 

Ryuchell was found unconscious at the office in Tokyo on Wednesday evening, according to the Japan Times.

Police are investigating whether the 27-year-old took their own life.

Ryuchell played an important role in popularising “genderless kei” fashion, an androgynous style of dressing.

They married fellow model Peco in 2016 and the couple had a son in 2018.

In 2022, Ryuchell announced they no longer identified as a man or husband, and the couple divorced.

Read more from Sky News:
Man’s headless body found in Japanese hotel room
Teen carves name into pillar at ancient temple

Peco shared a photo of their son’s fifth birthday cake on Instagram shortly before Ryuchell was found dead.

Ryuchell was a vocal LGBT advocate in Japan, but as their popularity grew they were targeted on social media for their gender non-conformity.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK