Series & First Appearance
Ruka Urushibara is a character from the sci-fi visual novel and anime series Steins;Gate, created by 5bp and Nitrop+chiral. Ruka first appears in the visual novel’s fifth chapter, released in 2009, and subsequently in the anime adaptation, which debuted in Spring 2011. The character’s design is notably attributed to Huke, featuring an androgynous aesthetic that embodies both femininity and masculinity.
Profile at a Glance
Ruka Urushibara is 16 years old and is a second-year student at Kasensou Private Preparatory Academy, where he is a classmate of Mayuri Shiina and Rintarou Okabe. Initially born biologically male, Ruka wishes to be reborn as a female, showcasing both his gentle spirit and a longing for gender identity. He is known for his polite demeanor and uses honorifics, especially when addressing Rintarou.
Personality & Motivations
Ruka is characterized by his polite, bashful, and shy personality, displaying the demeanor of a well-mannered and beautiful girl. His greatest desire is to be reborn as a female, and he is serious by nature, often taking the words of others at face value. This quality leads him to engage with Rintarou’s eccentric theories. He tends to blush easily when expressing his opinions or when approached with recommendations, such as Mayuri’s cosplaying suggestions, which he consistently declines.
Abilities / Powers
While Ruka doesn’t possess combat abilities or supernatural powers in the traditional sense, his primary "skill" revolves around the unique aspect of altering his gender through time travel and scientific manipulation. His transformation into a female is facilitated by a change in the world line, driven by Rintarou’s actions. In the series, there’s an undercurrent of a deeper meaning to his desires, emphasizing themes of identity and personal choice. However, once his gender is altered, the narrative unfolds in a way that underscores the fragility of these changes.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Ruka’s story arc is pivotal to the overarching narrative of Steins;Gate, primarily revolving around his interactions with the protagonists and the consequences of time travel. A significant event occurs when Rintarou sends a text to Ruka’s mother via a pager, requesting that she eat more vegetables—an act thought to increase the chances of giving birth to a female child. This humorous yet poignant moment leads to Ruka’s transformation into a female during a world line shift. However, this change is ultimately reversed later in the series when Rintarou opts to restore the original timeline to save Mayuri Shiina, showcasing the sacrifices that characters must make.
Notable Relationships
Ruka has meaningful connections with several characters throughout the series, significantly impacting his development:
- Rintarou Okabe: A close friend, Ruka is both charmed and shy around Rintarou, often using honorifics when speaking directly to him. Rintarou’s eccentric ideas and scientific pursuits deeply influence Ruka’s life and desires.
- Mayuri Shiina: Another classmate, Mayuri serves as a friendly, supportive figure to Ruka, pushing him (albeit gently) out of his comfort zone to engage with his surroundings differently.
- His Mother: Ruka’s desire to improve his mother’s diet signifies his deep familial bonds and aspirations regarding gender.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Ruka’s most impactful moments occurs in Episode 17 of the anime, when the consequences of Rintarou’s time travel lead to the revealing of Ruka’s female identity. The emotional weight of this transformation resonates with themes of identity and acceptance, making it a significant turning point in the narrative.
A notable quote that encapsulates Ruka’s feelings on his gender identity is: "If I could be reborn as a girl… I would be so happy," reflecting his inner struggles and aspirations.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Ruka Urushibara is a popular character within the Steins;Gate community, ranking favorably in character popularity polls, with over 1,730 member favorites on platforms like MyAnimeList. In the Japanese version, Ruka is voiced by Asami Imai, known for her soft and delicate vocal range, which further enhances Ruka’s gentle persona. In English, Ruka is voiced by Caitlin Glass, who captures the essence of Ruka’s character in both the visual novel and anime adaptations, contributing to the character’s appeal in different language versions.
The character serves as a representation of gender fluidity, initiating discussions about identity and representation in anime, making Ruka an essential figure in the landscape of contemporary character design and storytelling.
