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Rie Kitahara
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Key Information

Rie Kitahara (北原 里英, Kitahara Rie; born June 24, 1991) is a Japanese singer and actress formerly associated with the Japanese idol girl group NGT48 and former member of AKB48 and SKE48. She debuted in 2008 in Team A and was later co-captain of Team K (2014). In March 2015, it was announced Kitahara would be transferred to NGT48 as captain of the group.[1] She has sung on many of the groups' main singles, having been voted number 13, 16, 13, 13, 21, 19, 11 and 12 in AKB48's General Elections. In 2017, for her final participation, she was voted number 10 which is her best rank ever. Since 2011, Kitahara is also a member of the AKB48 subgroup Not Yet.[2][3][4]

She is currently represented by Ohta Production.

Early life and career

[edit]

Kitahara was born in Ichinomiya, Aichi. In 2009, she was placed 13th overall in AKB48's general election to determine the participants in its next single.[5]

On August 13, 2010, Kitahara debuted as a voice actress in the anime series Gakkō no Kowai Uwasa: Shin Hanako-san ga Kita!!.[6][7]

In AKB48's 2012 general election, Kitahara placed 13th with 26,531 votes.[8][9] She made her acting debut in the movie Graffreeter Toki, which was released on July 14, 2012 in Japan. At the end of the year, she was a cast member on the first season of the reality television show Terrace House: Boys × Girls Next Door, where she lived together with five other people.[10]

On August 24, 2012, the first day of AKB48's 3-Tokyo-Dome-concert series, the group announced a reorganization, which placed Kitahara from Team B to Team K, and also made her a concurrent member of AKB48 and SKE48.[11] She debuted with Team S on February 13, 2013. She was transferred from Team S to Team KII, but did not debut with the new team.[citation needed] In April, SKE48 announced it was ending Kitahara's concurrency with the group, which leaves her only with AKB48's Team K.[12][13]

As a member of the sub-group Not Yet, she is credited for the lyrics of "Guilty Love" (part of the Suika Baby single)

Kitahara starred in the Japanese horror movie Joker Game, released on December 22, 2012. She also appeared in the drama remake, Kazoku Game, which aired on Fuji TV starting April 2013, as a girlfriend of a son of a prominent family member.[14]

On August 21, 2017, she announced she will be leaving NGT48. She graduated on April 18, 2018.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

On September 29, 2021, Kitahara announced her marriage to actor Hideyuki Kasahara [ja].[16] On July 11, 2024, Kitahara announced through her official social media account that she is expecting her first child, which is said to be due within this year.[17] On November 29, she announced the birth of her first child, a baby girl.[18]

Discography

[edit]
See also: Not Yet discography

Singles with AKB48

[edit]
Year No. Title Role Notes
2008 10 "Ōgoe Diamond" A-side Debut with Team A.
2009 11 "10nen Sakura" A-side
12 "Namida Surprise!" A-side
13 "Iiwake Maybe" A-side Ranked 13th in 2009 General Election.
14 "River" A-side
2010 15 "Sakura no Shiori" A-side, Team Young Jump Debut with Team B. Also sang on "Choose Me!" as Team Young Jump (center).
16 "Ponytail to Shushu" A-side Also sang on "Majijo Teppen Blues".
17 "Heavy Rotation" A-side Ranked 16th in 2010 General Election. Also sang on "Yasai Sisters" and "Lucky Seven".
18 "Beginner" A-side
19 "Chance no Junban" B-side Did not sing on title track; lineup was determined by rock-paper-scissors tournament.[19] Sang on "Yoyakushita Christmas"; and "Love Jump" with Team B.
2011 20 "Sakura no Ki ni Narō" A-side
-- "Dareka no Tame ni - What can I do for someone?" -- charity single
21 "Everyday, Katyusha" A-side Also sang on "Korekara Wonderland" and "Yankee Soul".
22 "Flying Get" A-side, Yasai Sisters 2011 Ranked 13th in 2011 General Election. Also sang on "Seishun to Kizukanai Mama"; and on "Yasai Uranai" as Yasai Sisters 2011
23 "Kaze wa Fuiteiru" A-side
24 "Ue kara Mariko" A-side Lineup was determined by rock-paper-scissors tournament;[20][21] She sang on "Noël no Yoru"; and on "Yobisute Fantasy" as Team B.[citation needed]
2012 25 "Give Me Five!" A-side (Baby Blossom), Special Girls B Sang in chorus with Baby Blossom;[22] She also sang on "Hitsujikai no Tabi" as Special Girls B.
26 "Manatsu no Sounds Good!" A-side Also sang on "Gugutasu no Sora" and "Kimi no Tame ni Boku wa..."
27 "Gingham Check" A-side Ranked 13th in 2012 General Election.[23][24]
28 "Uza" New Team K Did not sing on title track. Sang on "Scrap & Build" as New Team K.
29 "Eien Pressure" B-side, OKL48 Debut as concurrent member of AKB48 Team K and SKE48. Did not sing on title track; lineup was determined by rock-paper-scissors tournament. Sang on "Totteoki Christmas"; on "Tsuyogari Tokei" as SKE48; and on "Eien Yori Tsuzuku Yo Ni" as OKL48.
2013 30 "So Long!" A-side Concurrent member of AKB48 Team K and SKE48 team S. Also sang on "Yuuhi Marie" as Team K.
31 "Sayonara Crawl" A-side First single as AKB48 Team K (dropped SKE48 concurrency). Also sang on "How Come?" as Team K.
32 "Koi Suru Fortune Cookie" Under Girls Did not sing on title track. Ranked 21st in 2013 General Election.[25] Sang on "Ai no Imi wo Kanagete Mita" as Under Girls.
33 "Heart Electric" Under Girls, Team K Did not sing on title track. Sang on 'Kaisoku to Doutai Shiryoku' as Under Girls and 'Sasameyuki Regret' as Team K.
34 "Suzukake Nanchara" A-side Placed 10th in rock-paper-scissors tournament.
2014 35 "Mae Shika Mukanee" Beauty Giraffes Did not sing on title track. Sang on 'Kimi no Uso wo Shitteita' as 'Beauty Giraffes'.
36 "Labrador Retriever" A-side Also sang "Kyou made no Melody" and "Itoshiki Rival" as part of Team K.
37 "Kokoro no Placard" B-side Sang "Dareka ga Nageta Ball" as part of Undergirls. Ranked #19 in general elections.
38 "Kibōteki Refrain" B-side Sang "Hajimete no Drive" as part of Team K and "Utaitai".
2015 39 "Green Flash" B-side Sang "Haru no Hikari Chikadzuita Natsu"
41 "Halloween Night" A-side Ranked 11th in 2015 General Election.
42 "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" A-side Also sang "365 Nichi no Kamihikōki" and "Senaka Kotoba".
2016 43 "Kimi wa Melody" A-side Marked as the 10th Anniversary Single. Also sang "Max Toki 315 Gou" as part of NGT48.
44 "Tsubasa wa Iranai" A-side Also sang "Kimi wa Doko ni Iru?" as NGT48.
45 "LOVE TRIP / Shiawase wo Wakenasai" A-side Ranked 12th in 2016 General Election. Also sang "Hikari to Kage no Hibi".
2017 47 "Shoot Sign" A-side Also sang "Midori to Mori no Undokouen " as part of NGT48.
48 "Negaigoto no Mochigusare" A-side Also sang "Ima Para".
49 "#SukiNanda" A-side Ranked 10th in 2017 General Election.
50 "11gatsu no Anklet" A-side
2018 51 "Jabaja" B-side Last Single with AKB48. Sang "Tomodachi de imashō" as NGT48.

Singles with SKE48

[edit]
Year No. Title Role Notes
2013 11 "Choco no Dorei" A-side Debut with Team S.
12 "Utsukushii Inazuma" Magical Band Did not participate in title track. She sang on "Band wo Yarou yo" as Magical Band and was associated with AKB48 Team K.

Singles with NGT48

[edit]
Year No. Title Role Notes
2017 1 "Seishun Dokei" A-side Debut with NGT48. Also sang "Akigan Punk" (Wcenter with Kashiwagi Yuki) and "Kurayami Motomu".
2 "Sekai wa Doko Made Aozora na no ka?" A-side Also sang "Nani ka ga Iru" and "Gikochinai Tsuugaku Densha".
2018 3 "Haru wa Dokokara Kurunoka?" A-side Kitahara's Last Single with NGT48. Also sang "Watashi no Tame ni", which is her graduation song.

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
  • Documentary of AKB48: To Be Continued (2011) - herself
  • Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On (2012) - herself
  • Graffreeter Toki (2012)
  • The Joker Game (2012) - Chinatsu Akasawa
  • Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain (2013) - herself
  • Documentary of AKB48: The Time Has Come (2014) - herself
  • 9tsu no Mado (2016) - segment "Odenwa Arigatou Gozaimasu"
  • Ninkyo Yaro (2016)
  • Sunny/32 (2018)
  • Toshimaen: Haunted Park (2019)
  • Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger The Movie: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!! (2019)
  • Rise of the Machine Girls (2019)
  • Hero 2020 (2020)
  • Trap Girl (2021)[26]
  • Detective of Joshidaikoji (2023)[27]
  • Love is Outdated (2024)[28]

Dramas

[edit]
  • Majisuka Gakuen (2010) - Unagi
  • Majisuka Gakuen 2 (2011) - Unagi
  • Rokudenashi Blues (2011) - Kazumi Mai
  • Shiritsu Bakaleya Koko (2012) - Momoko
  • Majisuka Gakuen 3 (2012, ep1,12) - prisoner
  • Kazoku Game (2013) - Asuka Mogami
  • AKB Horror Night: Adrenaline's Night Ep.29 - Prenatal care (2016) - Mizuki
  • AKB Love Night: Love Factory Ep.5 - Grilled Meat Date (2016) - Moeno
  • Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni (2016) - Takano Miyo
  • Sherlock: Untold Stories (2019, ep. 11) - Hitomi Kasuga

TV movies

[edit]
  • Minna! Esupa Dayo! Bangaihen - Esupa, Miyako e Iku (2015) - Shizuka Tachibana

Anime

[edit]
  • Gakkō no Kowai Uwasa: Shin Hanako-san ga Kita!!.[6][7] (2010)

Variety shows

[edit]
  • AKBingo!
  • Naruhodo High School
  • AKB 600sec.
  • AKB-Kyuu Gourmet Stadium
  • AKB48+10
  • AKB 1/48
  • AKB to XX!
  • Bimyo-na Tobira AKB48 no GachiChallenge
  • AKB48 Nemōsu TV (AKB48ネ申テレビ?)
  • Terrace House: Boys × Girls Next Door
  • AKB Kousagi Dojo
  • AKB48 no Anta, Dare?
  • HKT48 vs. NGT48 Sashikita Gassen
  • NGT48 no Niigata Furendo!

Radio shows

[edit]
  • AKB48 no All Night Nippon
  • PORT DE NGT
  • NGT48 no Minna Kamitaiou!! Radio Akushukai!!

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rie Kitahara

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Rie Kitahara (born June 24, 1991) is a Japanese singer, actress, author, and entrepreneur best known for her decade-long career as an idol in the , including stints with , , and as captain of , followed by pursuits in , writing, and a spice curry business. Kitahara joined as a (Kenkyuusei) in October 2007 as part of the group's fifth generation and was promoted to full member status with Team A in July 2008, debuting on the single Ōgoe Diamond. She held a concurrent position with 's Team S from 2012 to 2013 while in 's , where she served as co-captain from 2014, and participated in the subunit Not Yet from 2011 onward. In 2015, she transferred to the newly formed in Niigata, becoming its inaugural captain and leading the group until announcing her graduation in August 2017, with her final performance occurring in April 2018. Following her idol graduation, Kitahara focused on acting, debuting in the 2010 comedy film Graffreeter Toki and earning acclaim for roles such as Akari Fujii in the 2018 Netflix series Sunny and Scarlet Peony Ikyo Tachibana in the 2019 action film Rise of the Machine Girls. She also ventured into voice acting with her debut in the 2010 anime Gakkō no Kowai Uwasa: Shin Hanako-san ga Kita!!. In 2021, she married talent agency executive Hideyuki Kasahara; the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November 2024. More recently, Kitahara debuted as an author with the 2023 novel Okaeri, Medakaso, a story about four young women sharing a boarding house, and launched her spice curry brand "Kitarie Curry," producing and selling retort versions of her recipes.

Early life and career beginnings

Early life

Rie Kitahara was born on June 24, 1991, in , . She spent her early years growing up in the local area, where details about her family background remain limited in public records, with little information disclosed regarding her parents' professions. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, she participated in typical school activities in Aichi, maintaining an active and energetic lifestyle reflective of her upbringing in the prefecture.

Entry into entertainment and AKB48 debut

Rie Kitahara, born and raised in , demonstrated early determination influenced by her provincial upbringing, which motivated her to pursue opportunities in Tokyo's competitive scene. In 2007, at the age of 16, she successfully passed the Second Kenkyuusei Audition for the group's fifth generation, with the final selection held on , officially joining as a (kenkyūsei) on that date. As a kenkyūsei, Kitahara underwent rigorous , including and vocal lessons, while participating in backing roles during AKB48 theater performances at the Akihabara theater. She joined as a high school freshman and faced challenges balancing school with her demanding schedule. On July 30, 2008, she was promoted to full member status and assigned to Team A, marking a significant step in her career. Her major debut followed shortly after with the release of AKB48's tenth single, "Ōgoe Diamond," on October 22, 2008, where she earned her first A-side selection position among the 16 featured members.

Idol career progression

AKB48 activities (2008–2015)

Kitahara debuted with as part of the fifth generation, promoted to Team A on July 30, 2008, and quickly established herself through consistent participation in the group's annual Senbatsu Elections. In the inaugural 2009 election, she ranked 13th with 1,578 votes as a Team A member, earning selection for the single "Iiwake Maybe." Her rankings demonstrated steady growth: 16th in 2010 (8,836 votes), 13th in 2011 (27,957 votes), 13th in 2012 (26,531 votes as ), 21st in 2013 (33,121 votes after transferring to ), 19th in 2014 (34,666 votes), and a personal best of 11th in 2015 (61,566 votes). These positions secured her spots on numerous main singles, underscoring her reliability as a mid-tier senbatsu member during 's rising popularity phase. In January 2011, during the Request Hour Set List Best 100 concert, Kitahara joined the subunit Not yet with , , and . The group first performed on January 21, 2011, at AX, debuting their song "Shūmatsu Not Yet." Not yet released singles such as "Shūmatsu Not Yet" (March 2011) and "Osaka Sunshiny Rain" (February 2012), along with the album Already (April 2014), allowing Kitahara to explore lead vocals and choreography in a quartet format that highlighted her versatility beyond 's larger ensemble. The subunit's activities, including reunion events post-graduations of other members, emphasized Kitahara's enduring connections within the group. Following her transfer to in August 2012, Kitahara assumed greater responsibilities, including a concurrent role in SKE48's Team S from August 2012 to April 2013, where she appeared on select singles. On February 24, 2014, during the Daisokaku Matsuri at DiverCity, she was appointed co-captain of alongside captain , a new position introduced to bolster team leadership. Kitahara committed to relaying Yokoyama's directives clearly and supporting the team's dynamics, marking her transition from performer to mentor amid AKB48's expansion. This role involved overseeing theater rehearsals and concert preparations, fostering her development as a senior figure. Kitahara's theater work spanned AKB48's Akihabara venue across teams, starting with supporting parts in Team A's Ren'ai Kinshi Jōrei and evolving to featured roles in Team K's Majisuka Gakuen revivals and Kageana by 2014, reflecting her increasing prominence through seniority and election success. In concerts, she contributed to landmark events like the 2011 Japan-Korea Festival joint performance and AKB48's 2014 national tour, often in senbatsu formations that showcased her stage presence and adaptability from ensemble dances to vocal highlights. Her progression from kenkyūsei to co-captain exemplified AKB48's merit-based system, culminating in preparations for her 2015 transfer.

Concurrent SKE48 involvement (2012–2013)

In early 2013, Rie Kitahara's concurrent position with , initially announced the previous year, became active as she officially joined Team S following a team shuffle. This allowed her to contribute to 's activities while maintaining her role in , including participation in the group's 11th single "Choco no Dorei," released on January 30, 2013, where she was selected for the senbatsu lineup for the first time. Her involvement marked a significant cross-group collaboration, highlighting her versatility amid the expanding sister group network. Kitahara balanced her duties by regularly performing in SKE48's theater productions at the AKB48 Group Theater in , including her debut full-member stage in the Team S "Seifuku no Me" performance on April 19, 2013. These appearances required frequent travel between and , complementing her ongoing AKB48 commitments such as team leadership responsibilities. She also joined promotional events and concerts, such as the SKE48 Request Hour setlist performances, fostering stronger ties with local fans in . This period of concurrency notably boosted Kitahara's visibility across the 48 Group ecosystem, expanding her fanbase through joint promotions that bridged and audiences. By introducing her to 's regional style and dedicated supporter base, it enhanced her profile as a multi-group figurehead, paving the way for future leadership roles. The concurrent arrangement concluded on April 28, 2013, during the Rinji Soukai concert, with Kitahara's final theater performance held on May 8, 2013. This shift allowed her to focus solely on until March 26, 2015, when she was announced as transferring fully to the newly formed as its inaugural captain.

NGT48 leadership and tenure (2015–2018)

In March 2015, during the Spring Team concert at , Rie Kitahara was announced as a full transfer to the newly formed , serving as its inaugural captain and leader of Team NIII, the group's first performing team. This move positioned her to guide the Niigata-based sister group from its inception, leveraging her seven years of experience in to mentor the 1st generation draft candidates and kenkyūsei (trainees). Kitahara expressed firm resolve in a post-announcement statement, declaring her determination to build into a successful entity despite the challenges of relocating and starting anew. Under Kitahara's leadership, established its dedicated theater in Niigata's Toki Messe convention center, which opened on January 10, 2016, marking the group's first official performances. Team NIII, captained by Kitahara, debuted its stage production on opening night, performing original setlists that emphasized local pride and youthful energy. By the theater's first anniversary in January 2017, Kitahara highlighted the group's progress, noting full houses at every show and committing to becoming a beloved fixture in Niigata through consistent fan engagement and regional activities. Her oversight ensured the theater served as a cultural hub, hosting regular performances that fostered community ties and trained members in idol fundamentals. NGT48 achieved a major milestone in April 2017 with the release of its debut single, "Seishun Dokei," where Kitahara participated as a key Team NIII member in the senbatsu lineup. The track, centered on themes of youth and time, debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, selling over 162,000 copies in its first week and signaling the group's national breakthrough. Kitahara, reflecting on the success, described it as a pivotal moment that validated the team's efforts and boosted morale for future endeavors. Kitahara's contributions extended to elevating NGT48's profile within the broader AKB48 ecosystem through her consistent senbatsu selections in the annual Senbatsu Election. In 2015, shortly after her transfer, she ranked 11th with 61,566 votes, her highest placement at the time and a testament to fan support for NGT48's new captain. She followed with 12th place in 2016 (51,907 votes) and an improved 10th in 2017 (45,684 votes), each time drawing attention to her junior members and promoting cross-group collaborations. These achievements helped NGT48 gain visibility, encouraging member development and expanding the group's fanbase beyond Niigata. As NGT48 matured, Kitahara navigated the pressures of leadership amid emerging internal group dynamics in early 2018, prioritizing unity and member growth during her final months. In an August 2017 , she revealed having contemplated for five years, deciding it was time to step aside to allow younger members to lead and for her to pursue acting opportunities. Her tenure concluded with a on April 14, 2018, at Niigata's Toki Messe, followed by a theater farewell on , where she appointed Minami Kato as her Team NIII successor and emphasized the group's self-sufficiency. Kitahara's exit marked the end of an era, leaving with a solid foundation after three years of rapid establishment and acclaim.

Graduation from NGT48

On August 21, 2017, during NGT48's second anniversary live performance at the Niigata City History Museum, Kitahara Rie announced her intention to graduate from the group in the spring of 2018, stating that after a decade as an idol, she sought to pursue new challenges as an individual. As the inaugural captain of NGT48, she expressed gratitude for the support received while emphasizing her desire to support the group externally after leaving. In the lead-up to her departure, Kitahara continued participating in key activities, including her final appearance on AKB48's 51st single "Jabaja," released on March 14, 2018, where she performed on the B-side track "Tomodachi de Imashou" as part of . She also took part in various theater performances and events, such as a solo handshake event on March 24, 2018, at Bandai City Park in Niigata, marking some of her last interactions with fans. Kitahara's graduation concert, titled Kitahara Rie Graduation Concert Yume no 1115-nichi Niigata no Onna ni Narimashita! ("Dream of 1,115 Days: I Became a Niigata Woman!"), was held on April 14, 2018, at Toki Messe in Niigata, drawing a large crowd to celebrate her tenure. The event featured performances with members and special guests from the broader , serving as her farewell stage after over 1,115 days with the Niigata-based group. During the concert and in subsequent reflections, Kitahara looked back on her 10-year idol journey, noting that while it included challenges, her time in the 48 Group—spanning , , and —had profoundly shaped her and contributed to the system's growth through leadership roles like establishing NGT48's foundation. She credited the experience with personal growth and expressed hope that her path would inspire future members in the idol framework.

Post-idol career

Acting pursuits

Following her graduation from NGT48 in April 2018, Kitahara Rie transitioned to a full-time career, signing with Ohta Production to prioritize scripted roles in film and television. This move allowed her to build on limited idol-era appearances, including a brief debut in 2010 as Howahowa in the supernatural series Gakkō no Kowai Uwasa: Shin Hanako-san ga Kita!!. Under Ohta's management, she pursued more substantial opportunities, marking a deliberate shift from group performances to individual character-driven work. One of her earliest post-graduation highlights was the lead role of Akari Fujii, a teacher kidnapped by obsessive fans, in the 2018 thriller Sunny/32, directed by Kazuya Shiraishi. The film showcased Kitahara's ability to portray vulnerability and intensity, with production involving physically demanding scenes in extreme cold weather that tested her endurance during outdoor shoots. Over the subsequent years, she expanded into diverse genres, appearing in dramas such as episode 7 of Tokusō 9 (2023) as Nao Ogawa and supporting roles in films that emphasized emotional depth, gradually establishing herself as a versatile solo performer beyond her idol background. In 2023, Kitahara took on a key role in the romantic drama Love is Outdated, which explores modern marriage dynamics including non-traditional partnerships, further demonstrating her growth in handling nuanced interpersonal narratives. Her career trajectory faced adjustments in when she announced her first pregnancy on via , leading to a temporary pause in activities; she gave birth to a daughter in late November and has since resumed acting endeavors, reflecting on the challenges of balancing professional demands with life changes.

Other professional endeavors

Following her graduation from NGT48 in 2018, Kitahara Rie has been represented by Ohta Production, an agency that has supported her diversification into media and creative projects while building on her idol background. Kitahara has maintained visibility through guest appearances on variety shows, including a video segment on the quiz program THE Iwakan in 2020, where participants identified subtle inconsistencies in scenarios, and a feature on Chidori no Nippon Happy Channel in 2024, discussing lifestyle topics. These roles have allowed her to engage audiences with her charismatic presence honed during her idol years, though no major radio commitments have been documented post-graduation. Leveraging her established fame, Kitahara has pursued modeling opportunities, notably appearing on stage at the BISHU COLLECTION produced by in Ichinomiya on November 11, 2023, an event blending fashion, music, and that highlighted regional talents. While specific commercial endorsements remain limited in , her personal branding efforts include promoting spice through and pop-up events, capitalizing on her well-known affinity for the dish. In 2020, Kitahara launched her YouTube channel "Kitarie Channel," which has amassed content on daily life, cooking, and behind-the-scenes professional insights, serving as a platform for direct fan engagement and occasional event previews. She has hosted informal curry-making and tasting events tied to her "Kitarie Curry" initiative, including a sold-out pop-up at the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival in October 2025, where she prepared and served dishes alongside collaborators. No solo music releases have occurred post-graduation. Her career strategy emphasizes balanced growth across entertainment sectors, including a 2023 novel debut with Okaeri, Medaka-sō published by KADOKAWA, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward creative authorship.

Personal life

Marriage

On September 29, 2021, Rie Kitahara announced her marriage to actor Hideyuki Kasahara, with the couple having filed their marriage registration the previous day. The pair first met through a mutual friend within the entertainment industry and began dating approximately three years prior to their marriage, around 2018, shortly after Kitahara's graduation from NGT48. Their relationship developed gradually, leading to a commitment to build a family together. The wedding itself was kept private, with no public ceremony or detailed revelations shared. In a joint statement faxed to media outlets, Kitahara and Kasahara expressed their joy, stating, "We are pleased to report that we, Kasahara Hideyuki and Kitahara Rie, have been married. We support each other and will continue to work hard in our respective fields as a family." This emphasis on mutual support aligned with Kitahara's ongoing transition from idol activities to a professional acting career, providing personal stability during her post-graduation endeavors in television dramas and stage productions.

Family

Following her marriage to actor Hideyuki Kasahara, Rie Kitahara announced her first pregnancy on July 11, 2024, via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the birth was expected by the end of the year and expressing apologies for any resulting inconveniences in her schedule. On November 29, 2024, Kitahara shared on Instagram that she had given birth to a daughter earlier that day, describing the event as a "miracle that's not taken for granted" and reflecting on the baby's size compared to during pregnancy. Her husband also commented publicly, praising her efforts during the delivery. In the lead-up to the birth, Kitahara took maternity leave, reducing her professional commitments to focus on her health and preparations, as indicated in her initial announcement. Postpartum, she began sharing glimpses of her motherhood journey in 2025, including participation in a June television segment hosted by fellow former member , where she joined other new mothers to discuss balancing family life with ongoing career pursuits. Kitahara has emphasized the joys and challenges of early parenthood, such as adjusting daily routines around her daughter's needs while maintaining select acting and media engagements.

Discography

Singles with AKB48

Rie Kitahara contributed to numerous singles from her debut in 2008 through 2018, including 30 senbatsu appearances on title tracks and occasionally in coupling songs. Her initial participation came with the group's sixth single, "Ōgoe Diamond," released on October 22, 2008, where she performed on the main track as a fifth-generation kenkyuusei shortly after joining the group. Throughout her tenure, Kitahara appeared on numerous high-profile releases, including "Heavy Rotation" (2010), where she was part of the senbatsu lineup for the title track; "Flying Get" (2011), another A-side feature that highlighted her growing prominence. These selections were frequently determined by her performance in the Senbatsu Election, where she achieved rankings such as 16th in 2010 and 11th in 2015. Even after transferring to in 2013 and in 2015, Kitahara continued to join select singles, reflecting the interconnected structure of the . Her last participation was on the 51st single, "Jabaja," released on March 14, 2018, contributing to the B-side track "Tomodachi de Imashō" as an member just before her . As a founding member of the AKB48 subunit Not Yet—alongside , , and —Kitahara helped produce the unit's independent singles starting with "Shūmatsu Not Yet" in 2011, which integrated into broader performances and promotions without direct inclusion in core AKB48 single tracklists.

Not Yet Singles

TitleRelease DateNotes
Shūmatsu Not Yet (週末Not yet)December 7, 2011Digital single
/ Hasatte Item (ハサッテ☆アイテム)2012Included in album Tsukitty
Dōri wa Mabuta no Aji (道理は瞼の味)Included in singlesCoupling song

Singles with SKE48

Rie Kitahara's involvement with SKE48 was limited due to her concurrent membership with , spanning from August 2012 to May 2013, during which she contributed to two singles as part of the group's Nagoya-based promotions aimed at strengthening local fan engagement in the region. Her first and only A-side appearance came on SKE48's 11th single, "Choco no Dorei," released on January 30, 2013. As a senbatsu member, Kitahara helped promote the Valentine's Day-themed track, which debuted at number one on the weekly singles chart with 539,000 copies sold in its first week and ultimately achieved total sales of 671,623 copies. Kitahara's second contribution was to the 12th single, "Utsukushii Inazuma," released on July 17, 2013, where she served as for the coupling track "Band wo Yarou yo" performed by the Magical Band unit. This participation underscored her role in diverse subunit performances, even as her tenure had recently concluded; the single topped the weekly chart with 510,673 first-week sales and totaled 661,557 copies.
Single TitleRelease DateRoleOricon Peak & First-Week Sales
Choco no DoreiJanuary 30, 2013Senbatsu (A-side)#1 (539,000)
Utsukushii InazumaJuly 17, 2013Center, "Band wo Yarou yo" (coupling)#1 (510,673)

Singles with NGT48

As the inaugural captain of , Rie Kitahara played a pivotal role in the group's early discography, appearing as an A-side member on all three singles released during her tenure, which helped establish the group's identity tied to . Her prominent positioning underscored her leadership in the all-Team NIII senbatsu formations for these debuts, emphasizing local pride and youthful themes reflective of the group's regional roots.
#TitleRelease DateRole
1Seishun Dokei (青春時計)April 12, 2017A-side (senbatsu member)
2Sekai wa Doko Made Aozora na no ka? (世界はどこまで青空なのか？)December 6, 2017A-side (senbatsu member)
3Haru wa Doko kara Kuru no ka? (春はどこから来るのか？)April 11, 2018A-side (senbatsu member; final single before graduation)
Kitahara's graduation from on April 14, 2018, was marked by the release of her personal graduation track "Watashi no Tame ni" (私のために), a reflective song performed with select members that highlighted her contributions to the group. This track served as a farewell, encapsulating her journey as captain without a dedicated center role, but with emotional prominence in the performance.

Filmography

Films

Kitahara's film career began with her debut in Graffreeter Toki (2012), where she appeared in a supporting role. She followed this with a lead role as Chinatsu Akasawa in (2012). In 2016, she starred in Ninkyô Yarô in a supporting capacity. That same year, Kitahara took on the main role in Les Neuf Fenêtres. In 2019, she led as Saki Tsujimoto in the Toshimaen: Haunted Park. Also in 2019, Kitahara portrayed Scarlet Peony Ikyo Tachibana in a supporting role in Rise of the Machine Girls. She appeared as Yuno in the 2019 feature The Movie: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!. Kitahara played the lead role of Asami in Hero 2020 (2020). In Trap Girl (2021), she starred as Satsuki Manase. She had a supporting role in (2022). Kitahara appeared in a supporting capacity in Love End Marriage (2022). In 2023, she led as Kimi in Coin Laundry Catharsis. She played Akiho Kano in a supporting role in Detective of Joshidaikoji (2023). Finally, in Love is Outdated (2024), known in Japanese as Ren'ai Owacon, Kitahara had a supporting role. In 2024, she appeared as Kazumi Wakisaka in God Wait! Because Flowers Will Bloom. Also in 2024, she played Nanao Yuko in a supporting role in Gekijo Ban: Murder Mystery - Tantei Madarame Mizuo no Jikenbo - Hozuki Mura Densetsu: Noroi no Chi.

Dramas

Kitahara made her television drama debut in the AKB48-themed series Majisuka Gakuen in 2010, playing the role of Unagi, a member of the Rappappa gang, across 12 episodes. She reprised the character in the sequel Majisuka Gakuen Season 2 in 2011, appearing in all 12 episodes as a key support role. In the same year, she took on the lead role of Imai Kazumi in the 12-episode adaptation Rokudenashi Blues, portraying a tough high school student in this tie-in drama. Kitahara appeared as in a guest capacity across the 12 episodes of Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou in 2012, another series featuring members. Her role in Season 3 (2012) was limited to a cameo in episodes 1 and 12 of the 12-episode season. In 2013, she played Mogami Asuka, the girlfriend of the protagonist, in all 10 episodes of the suspense drama Kazoku Game. Kitahara guest-starred as Usami Aya in episode 7 of the 10-episode horror anthology Gekijorei kara no Shotaijo in 2015. Later appearances include her role as Harada Ayako in episode 7 of the 10-episode culinary Chef: Three Star School Lunch in 2016. In 2019, she portrayed Mitsushima Hana in episode 4 of the 10-episode Ie Uru Onna no Gyakushu. That year, Kitahara also played the recurring support role of Lemon in all 12 episodes of the mystery series Fruits Takuhaibin. In 2018, she starred as Akari Fujii in the series Sunny (5 episodes).

TV movies

Kitahara's television movie appearances are limited to a single special production during her early career transition. In 2015, she starred in the TV special Minna! Esupa Dayo! Bangaihen - Esupa, Miyako e Iku (also known as All Esper Dayo! SP), a one-hour comedy-drama aired on on April 3, which served as a sequel to the 2013 series based on the by Iou Kuroda. In the special, Kitahara portrayed Shizuka Tachibana, a key character who develops feelings for the protagonist, Yoshio Kamogawa—a high school student who gains telepathic abilities and travels to Tokyo to protect his love interest amid supernatural conflicts involving rival esper groups. This role highlighted her acting range beyond idol performances, coinciding with her move to NGT48 as captain later that year. The production featured a mix of established actors and idols, emphasizing lighthearted supernatural themes in an urban setting.

Anime

Rie Kitahara made her debut during her time with in the 2010 Gakkō no Kowai Uwasa: Shin Hanako-san ga Kita!!, a short horror-themed series based on the popular by . In the series, which aired as a single 24-minute episode on August 13, 2010, Kitahara provided the voice for the character Howahowa, a ghostly figure central to the story's supernatural school rumors. This early foray into voice work marked Kitahara's initial exploration of performance while she was actively promoting with , highlighting her versatility beyond music and live-action roles.

Variety shows

Kitahara Rie frequently appeared on variety shows during her time as an idol with , , and , often as a regular cast member in group-specific programs that highlighted member interactions, challenges, and performances. These appearances helped build her public image beyond music and theater. She participated in over a dozen such programs from 2008 to 2018, transitioning to guest roles on general variety shows after her graduation from in 2019. One of her notable reality TV stints was as a regular resident on Terrace House: Boys × Girls Next Door in 2012, where she featured in the first 12 episodes, contributing to early memorable moments of the series. The following table summarizes 14 key variety show appearances, focusing on her regular and guest roles with years of involvement:
Show NameYearsRoleNetwork
2008Regular Member (26 eps)
AKBINGO!2008–2015Regular Member (selected eps during / tenure)Nippon TV
2009Regular Member (11 eps)
2009Regular Member (11 eps)
Dasshutsu Game DERO!2009Guest (Ep. 30)
Ariyoshi AKB Kyowakoku2010–2015Regular Member (selected eps)Nippon TV
AKB And ××!2010Regular Member (70 eps)
2010Regular Member (11 eps)
Terrace House: Boys × Girls Next Door2012Regular Member (Eps. 1–12)
Gachi Gase!2012Regular Member (25 eps)
2013–2018Regular Member (selected eps)AKB48 TV
HaKaTa Hyakkaten2013GuestFukuoka Broadcasting
2016Main Host (12 eps)
2018Regular Member (12 eps)
All appearances listed are verified through entertainment databases. Post-idol, she has made guest spots on shows like Quiz! Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (2019) and Geinoujin ga Honki de Kangaeta Dokkiri GP (2018), often discussing her career experiences.

Radio shows

Kitahara Rie has participated in various radio programs, primarily during her idol career with , , and , where she served as a guest on group shows and later hosted her own programs. Her radio involvement reflects her passion for the medium, which she has cited as a favorite aspect of her entertainment activities since joining . Post-graduation from in 2018, she made occasional guest appearances while focusing on acting and writing.

Hosting

  • NGT48 北原里英 いまきたラジオやってまーす! (MBS Radio, February 6, 2015 – September 26, 2016): This 10-minute segment within the broader Aappare Yattemaーsu! program featured Kitahara discussing daily topics, activities, and listener interactions; it began as AKB48 北原里英 いまきたラジオやってまーす! before her official transfer to in 2015.
  • 北原里英のMOONLIGHTING (BSN Radio, October 2, 2017 – March 25, 2019): Kitahara's solo talk show, initially titled NGT48 北原里英のMOONLIGHTING until April 2018 following her continued role, aired Mondays at 8:30 p.m. and included relaxed conversations on lifestyle, music, and guest interviews, emphasizing a mature tone suited to her Niigata base.

Guest Appearances (Idol Era)

  • AKB48 今夜は帰らない… (CBC Radio, October 2009 – irregular through 2010s): Kitahara made several guest spots on this weekly program, including episodes with Sashihara Rino in 2009 and Yokoyama Yui in 2011, sharing group updates and personal anecdotes.
  • AKB48のオールナイトニッポン (Nippon Broadcasting System, 2010s): She appeared on multiple late-night episodes, such as June 22, 2016 (with Iriyama Anna and Takahashi Jurina), June 17, 2015 (election recap with Mutou Tomu), and her final pre-graduation outing on April 11, 2018 (with Nakai Rika and others), often discussing dynamics and future aspirations.

Post-Graduation Guests

Kitahara has made sporadic guest appearances after leaving , including on CURIOUS HAMAJI (bayfm78, October 21, 2023), where she discussed her transition to writing and debut.

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