A 17-year-old Japanese idol trainee, Azusa Fujisaki, has been removed from her group following a social media post that caused a major controversy.
According to multiple Japanese media outlets, Fujisaki, a member of the debut project group Heroines Kenkyusei, recently posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing herself holding a tray with popcorn and cola at what appeared to be a movie theater.
The issue arose when a male silhouette was reflected in the cup, leading fans to speculate that she might be dating. Critics claimed the image violated her “pure idol image,” and the photo quickly circulated online.
In response to the backlash, Fujisaki deleted the post and deactivated her account. Her agency confirmed the incident as a serious rule violation and announced her immediate withdrawal from the group, urging fans to refrain from harassment or baseless speculation.
Azusa Fujisaki issued an apology through the agency, stating, “I hurt my fans and group members with my careless behavior.”
The incident has sparked heated debate on social media. Some criticized the decision as excessive, arguing that minors deserve privacy and protection. Others supported the agency’s enforcement, saying idols must maintain trust with fans.
In Japan, “no-dating” rules are widely enforced in the idol industry to preserve the image of devotion and purity. Last year, another idol faced similar restrictions after photos with her boyfriend surfaced.
The case has reignited discussions about the strict control of idols’ personal lives and the transparency of such disciplinary decisions. The issue also resonates in South Korea, where idols from god to BLACKPINK, Oh My Girl, and aespa have faced contractual dating bans, with public relationships often leading to criticism and quick breakups.
This latest event highlights the pressures young idols face in maintaining a controlled public image, often at the expense of personal privacy.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스