Ruby Kurosawa

Lore & Background

Ruby Kurosawa is a member of Aqours, a school idol group formed to save Uranohoshi Girls' Academy from shutting down. As the younger of two daughters in her family, she lives with her older sister Dia, who serves as the student council president. Ruby's personality is described as bubbly, sweet, and kindhearted, making her one of the most childlike members of Aqours in both appearance and demeanor. Her journey begins with a deep-seated desire to become an idol, which she pursues alongside friends at Uranohoshi Girls' Academy. Her backstory includes significant social anxiety regarding physical contact and male interaction. The source notes that because she has never talked to any man other than her father, she exhibits androphobia. This shyness manifests acutely in the anime; when touched by someone she is not used to, she panics immediately. Her comfort zone is strictly limited to Dia and Hanamaru at the start of the series. Additionally, her inability to swim stands out as a notable trait for someone living in a seaside town like Uchiura, Numazu, Shizuoka.

In Their Own Story

Ruby's narrative arc within the anime television series focuses on overcoming her social barriers while supporting Aqours' mission. She joins the group alongside Chika Takami and other friends to enter the Love Live school idol contest. Her relationship with her sister Dia is central; while Dia initially hid her enthusiasm for school idols after a previous failed attempt with Kanan and Mari, Ruby openly dreamed of being an idol. This dynamic shifts as Dia eventually convinces Ruby to join Aqours. While she is shy and easily panicked by unfamiliar touches, the assurance from her peers helps her integrate into the group. Her catchphrase "Ganbaruby!" reflects her internal drive to persevere despite these challenges. The story highlights her role as a supportive member who, despite being the most childlike in looks and personality, contributes to the group's efforts to prevent their school from merging with another campus.

Reader's Guide

For fans exploring Ruby Kurosawa's character, note that she is voiced by Ai Furihata in Japanese and Sarah Wiedenheft in English. She is officially a first-year student at Uranohoshi Girls' Academy. Her defining traits include reddish-pink hair, an inability to swim, and androphobia. Her catchphrase "Ganbaruby!" (がんばルビィ) is unique to her character. Key plot points involve her initial panic when touched by unfamiliar people and her reliance on Dia and Hanamaru for comfort. She was friends with Yoshiko Tsushima during kindergarten, where Yoshiko called her "Zuramaru." Ruby's family background includes a well-known and respected lineage, shared with her sister Dia. As part of Aqours, she contributes to the group's goal of saving their school from closure. Fans should note that while other franchise media like manga may vary, the anime depicts her shyness as particularly intense regarding physical contact.

Did You Know?

• Ruby cannot swim despite living in a seaside town.
• She suffers from androphobia, having never spoken to any male other than her father.
• Her catchphrase 'Ganbaruby!' translates to 'Do my Rubesty!' in the English dub.
• Yoshiko Tsushima calls Hanamaru 'Zuramaru', not Ruby.
• She is the younger of two daughters and the most childlike member of Aqours in terms of looks and personality.