Newly graduated SKE48 idol Ruka Kitano to release debut photo book

The former SKE48 idol Ruka Kitano has announced her first photo book.

The 25-year-old Gifu native’s debut publication will come out in Japan on September 11.

Known for her girl-next-door looks, Kitano is attempting something of an image change by posing naked, with her modesty protected only by her carefully and alluringly placed arms across her chest.

Kitano was a member of the Nagoya-based group from 2014 until the end of June this year and is clearly hoping to capitalize on her fandom’s demand for pics of her and her body.

The as-yet-untitled book will only be semi-nude but if the previews are any indication of the content, seems to mark something of a departure from her tamer shoots to date. The photo book was shot over four days in Okinawa earlier this summer, shortly after rainy season.

It’s been a while since any current or former AKB48 or sister group idol generated significant lasting buzz (or sales) for a debut photo book, so it will be interesting to see if Ruka can ride the wave of interest and press attention her announcement has sparked to longer-term success.