Rica Leyona Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, JKT48, Height, Net Worth, Age, Songs

Rica Leyona, also known as Rica or Riyo, is an Indonesian singer, model, and former idol best known as a first-generation member of the popular girl group JKT48.

She gained recognition for her participation in the group’s early activities, including music releases, theater performances, and ranking in the top seven during JKT48’s first Senbatsu Election.

After graduating from the group in 2014 due to health reasons, she transitioned into modeling and music, releasing solo tracks and duets while maintaining a connection with fans through occasional meet-and-greets and live streams.

Profile

• Full Name: Rica Leyona
• Stage Name: Rica or Riyo
• Born: 19 August 1991
• Age: 34 years old
• Birthplace: Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
• Nationality: Indonesian
• Occupation: Singer, Model, Former Idol
• Height: 1.52m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Leyona
• Siblings: 2
• Spouse: Kunihiko Tsuji (married 2016)
• Children: Tsuji Ayuka, Tsuji Ryouma
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Rica Leyona was born on August 19, 1991, in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Leyona.

She grew up as the eldest of three sisters, with her younger siblings differing in age by five and nine years. She worked at a café in Bandung before pursuing her entertainment career.

She completed a Diploma I in Hospitality from a university in Bogor and trained as a barista for a year after graduation. Her ethnicity aligns with Sundanese features, as noted by peers for her stereotypical “gadis Sunda” appearance. She is of Indonesian ethnicity, though her religion is unknown.

Career

Rica Leyona began her career in 2011 when she auditioned for JKT48 without fully knowing the group, initially thinking it was a dance troupe.

She joined as a trainee on November 2, 2011, and quickly advanced, promoting to Team J on December 23, 2012.

As the oldest member of the first generation and the group overall during her time, she contributed to early milestones, including appearances in music videos for singles like Heavy Rotation (2012) and RIVER (2013), as well as theater units such as Pajama Drive and Renai Kinshi Jourei.

Her breakthrough moment came with a top-seven ranking in the first Senbatsu Election, leading to her inclusion in the single Gingham Check.

She achieved further recognition through consistent performances in JKT48’s concerts, TV appearances on shows like Inbox SCTV and Dahsyat RCTI, and collaborations with AKB48 members.

However, health issues prompted her graduation announcement on December 4, 2014, with her final theater show on December 5 and handshake event on December 7.

After leaving JKT48, she shifted focus to modeling and joined the J-Pop group Popstripe, where she released duets like Hadirmu and Chill&Out with Ega MH. She also put out solo singles such as Terima Kasih Hanya Untukmu (2016) and Close to You (2017), while staying engaged with fans through live streams and meet-and-greets.

Rica Leyona stepped away from active entertainment after her marriage and relocation to Japan.

Her legacy endures through her pioneering role in JKT48’s early years, contributions to Indonesian idol culture, and the lasting popularity of tracks like Terima Kasih Hanya Untukmu among fans.

She remains remembered as a dedicated performer who balanced group activities with personal warmth and creativity.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rica_tsuji
• Facebook Handle: Rica Leyona Official
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Rica Leyona married Japanese businessman and former fan Kunihiko Tsuji on August 20, 2016, shortly after hinting at the upcoming wedding on social media. The couple relocated to Japan, where she prioritizes family life over her entertainment career.

They have two children: a daughter, Tsuji Ayuka, born on May 19, 2018, and a son, Tsuji Ryouma, born on March 21, 2023.

She keeps her private life low-key, occasionally sharing glimpses of her family while focusing on motherhood and a quieter lifestyle away from the public eye.

Discography

• Heavy Rotation (2012)
• RIVER (2013)
• Gingham Check (2014)
• Terima Kasih Hanya Untukmu (2016)
• Close to You (2017)
• Hadirmu (duet with Ega MH)
• Chill&Out (duet with Ega MH)

Net Worth

Rica Leyona has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her primary sources of income stem from her time as a JKT48 member, including music releases, performances, and fan events, along with post-graduation work in modeling, solo music projects, and group collaborations.