Yofu Runo, an 18-year-old [1] member of the idol group Tsubaki Factory, launched her first photobook titled “RUNO” [4] during a Tokyo event on June 12, 2026 [3].
The project represents a rare collaboration between a high-profile actress and a rising idol, blending professional production with a fan's perspective. The book was produced by 31-year-old [2] actress Matsuoka Mayu, who is a known fan of Tsubaki Factory.
Matsuoka sought to capture the specific charm of the young performer. According to the dossier, Matsuoka said to Runo, "You have the charm to create the world-view of Yofu Runo, and I want to capture that in a photobook" [6].
Runo said she did not expect to release a photobook in her lifetime, but decided to proceed despite some anxiety after receiving the offer from Matsuoka [5]. The publication was handled by Odyssey Publishing [5].
During the promotional activities, Runo gave herself a self-score of 4,200 points [7]. The event in Tokyo served as the primary introduction of the work to the public, highlighting the creative direction established by Matsuoka to showcase Runo's individual personality, and aesthetic.
“"You have the charm to create the world-view of Yofu Runo, and I want to capture that in a photobook."”
The collaboration leverages the established celebrity status of Matsuoka Mayu to elevate the profile of Yofu Runo. By positioning the photobook as a curated 'world-view' rather than a standard idol promotional tool, the release attempts to establish Runo as a distinct brand within the competitive J-pop idol landscape.
