Once hailed as the perfect idol, Watanabe Mayu former top member of the legendary group AKB48 vanished from the public eye for nearly 2000 days. What drove this national sweetheart to retreat so completely from fame, and what does her life look like today?
The Rise of Japan’s Ideal Idol
Born in 1994, Watanabe Mayu debuted at just 12 years old and quickly rose to become one of AKB48’s most recognizable faces. As part of the elite Kami 7, Mayu dominated not only music charts but also television, commercials, magazines, and public events cementing her image as Japan’s No.1 idol.
Her appeal lay in her balance: adorable yet composed, charming yet mature. Fans admired her professionalism and her spotless image. Throughout her career, she steered clear of any scandal, earning her the nickname “The Royal Idol” a symbol of grace, dedication, and integrity.
At AKB48’s annual general elections, a fan-driven popularity vote, Mayu consistently placed in the top 5, clinching the No.1 spot in 2014. At that moment, she wasn’t just an idol she was a national icon, embodying the very ideal of a Japanese pop star.
Her contributions included iconic hits like Heavy Rotation, Koisuru Fortune Cookie, and Sayonara Crawl. Outside of music, Mayu starred in dramas like Crow’s Blood and Cabasuka Gakuen, proving her range and further deepening her connection with fans.
Yasushi Akimoto, AKB48’s creator, once said, “Mayu was born to be an idol.” With her robotic perfection, fans dubbed her “CG” or “cyborg” a nod to how flawlessly she fit the traditional idol mold.
A Shocking Exit from the Spotlight
In June 2017, Watanabe Mayu announced her graduation from AKB48, surprising fans by stepping down just after ranking No.2 in the general election. Her farewell concert filled the 37,000-seat Saitama Super Arena.
But it was in 2020 that she truly stunned fans declaring that she was no longer a public figure. Citing health reasons, she voluntarily left her agency and officially stepped away from the entertainment industry.
Her agency stated: “Mayu’s health is the top priority. She will step away from all entertainment activities and focus on physical and mental recovery. Please refrain from speculation or media inquiries.”
She became the first and only member of Kami 7 to completely leave showbiz behind.
Since then, Mayu disappeared. For over 5 years (nearly 2000 days), there wasn’t a single update no sightings, no social media activity, not even a rumor. It was as if she had vanished from Earth.
A Recent Glimpse and a Rumored Romance
Recently, however, paparazzi claimed to have spotted a woman resembling Mayu exiting an apartment complex. Dressed in all black and with bleached blonde hair something she never tried as an idol the woman’s features were unmistakable.
Journalists had reportedly been stationed near the apartment of Ota Motohiro, a popular anime musical actor. Speculation quickly spread: Is Watanabe Mayu quietly living with him?
Though no photos of them together surfaced, Ota’s rumored girlfriend identified only as “A,” a woman in her 30s with large, expressive eyes and a once-sterling idol career matched Mayu’s profile. “A” reportedly avoids social media and lives a very private life.
Even reporters agreed: “A was once a beloved idol known for her work ethic and pristine image. Her dedication to staying out of the spotlight even now speaks volumes.”
And yet, AKB48 fans immediately recognized “A” from just her silhouette and distinctive ears. While media outlets blurred her face, there was no doubt Mayu had resurfaced.
The Idol Who Chose Peace Over Fame
Watanabe Mayu’s story is not one of downfall, but one of deliberate departure. After 14 years of representing an unattainable ideal, she chose a life away from flashing cameras, pressure, and perfection.
Now, fans who once mourned her disappearance can finally breathe a little easier. Mayu seems to have found what she always deserved: a peaceful, private life, far from the pressures of celebrity.
She may no longer be Japan’s No.1 idol but in the hearts of fans, Watanabe Mayu remains irreplaceable.
Sources: K14