Ryo Akizuki

Idolm@ster 2: Studio 876

Ritsuko's cousin, though very soft-spoken compared to her. Ryo's actually a boy trying to pass himself as an idol, and keeps that as a secret from the other idols. He wanted to become a male idol, but when he goes to see Ritsuko about it, she takes him to Studio 876 to become one. There, he ends up covering for a female idol. He does so well, the studio hires him as a female idol.

Studio 876

Ryo is the cousin of Ritsuko Akizuki, who has been a recurring character in the series. He is calm, soft, and all-around a cool and collected boy. In many ways, he is the opposite of his sometimes-harsh cousin. He carries an air of femininity, due to which he tends to b e asked out by male classmates.

Deeply worried by his feminine image and hoping to become more popular with the girls, Ryo has been considering becoming an idol for a long time, but when he visits the 765 Production office to discuss this idea with his cousin Ritsuko, she appears skeptical towards his plans. However, she is prepared to introduce him to Manami Okamoto, a manager at 876 Production. Manami, in deep trouble because of an 876 idol having become unable to perform at a live that is about to take place, is glad to accept Ryo as a substitute. Much to his disturbance, he has to go on stage dressed as a girl.

Ritsuko, noticing Ryo's charming on-stage appearance, decides that he should make his debut with 765 Production after all. Ryo immediately refuses because Ritsuko wants him to debut as a girl idol, and he does not like the idea of being toyed with b y his cousin. He chooses to join 876 Production instead so he will be able to debut in his own way.

However, when he is officially being taken in by 876 Production, president Ishikawa decides that Ryo will continue to perform as a female idol for the time being. His fans and his fellow 876 idols Ai Hidaka and Eri Mizutani are not aware that Ryo is actually male. Shortly afterwards, Ryo is asked to join an audition in which he will face Ai and Eri to decide which one of them will be allowed to make a stage appearance in a unique TV show. Ryo feels that he is at a disadvantage as both of his rivals have an experienced mentor by their sides to lend them advice. Ryo's cousin Ritsuko, however, is too busy to help him out. Instead, she introduces him to Makoto Kikuchi, a popular and successful 765 Production idol. Ryo soon develops a strong friendship with Makoto.

Normal Ryo

Ryo in female disguise