SKE48 Ruka Inoue releases 3 cover photos taken in her hometown, Kumamoto Prefecture, from her 1st photobook

■“I can tell you a lot just by looking at the cover, so I want everyone to take a look at each page as soon as possible!” (SKE48 Ruka Inoue)

Ruka Inoue, an 8th generation member of SKE48, will release her 1st photo book (title undecided) on November 13th. This time, the cover cut designs used on the regular cover, Seven Net limited cover, and HMV&BOOKS limited cover have been released.

This work, which will be the fastest photo book release among the 8th generation members who will celebrate their 8th anniversary in 2024, was shot on location in Kumamoto Prefecture, Inoue’s hometown. Inoue is so passionate about his hometown that he includes the name of his birthplace in his catchphrase, “I came from Kumamoto, the land of fire!” In order to capture her natural appearance, we spent two nights and three days filming across Kumamoto Prefecture, visiting places that are connected to her.

The theme of this work is “After growing up in Nagoya, returning home to Kumamoto. Spending a fleeting moment with a childhood friend who has now become an adult.” Filming took place in the mountains and rivers of Aso, where the magnificent nature spreads out, the streets of Sumi, the hometown where she nurtured her dream of becoming an idol, the elementary school she attended, Amakusa with its beautiful emerald sea, and other locations.

In the regular cover version, Inoue wears a “Land of Fire bikini”, which is a nod to Kumamoto, her hometown. A reclining shot on the white sand beach of Amakusa City was chosen.

The HMV&BOOKS limited cover version features a shot taken at Sears Home Yume Hall, the civic center where he said, “I definitely want to go!” during the photo shoot. The hall that Inoue aspired to be a filming location was the venue that was supposed to be the stage for the Kumamoto performance of “47 Prefectures Nationwide Tour ‘Resuming in 2019’ ~The Time Is Too Ripe!?~”. It was supposed to be a triumphant return performance for Inoue, but it coincided with the spread of the new coronavirus, so it had to be canceled. Inoue explains that this is an important piece that conveys a strong message: “I want to take my fans with me to a live show here someday.”

For the Seven Net exclusive cover version, we chose a beautiful cut taken just after dawn at a hotel. It has a startling composition in which the author looks straight at the reader while wrapped in a futon, and white lingerie is hidden under the futon.

■Ruka Inoue comment
The cover has been decided!
The cover of the regular edition is an unexpected shot taken on the sandy beach of Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture at the end of the photo book shoot.
The cover of the HMV version was shot at the Kumamoto Civic Center Sears Home Yume Hall, the concert venue for the Kumamoto national tour that could not be held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Seven Net Limited Edition is the first scene shot on the last day of filming, so I think it’s the closest to my usual self!
The cover of the photobook is packed with everything about me, so I can tell you a lot about it, so I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone page by page as soon as possible!
All of the photos were taken in wonderful places that I have fond memories of, so I hope you’re still looking forward to the release of Ruka Inoue’s 1st photo book!