Her agency offered refunds to fans that bought tickets to the group’s upcoming tour.
A popular idol will be entering a hiatus following a previous scandal.
Last year, Suganami Mirei, a founding member of ≠ME, a Japanese girl group, had several photos of her spending time with an unidentified man published. Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun published the photos.
At the time, her agency told fans not to believe “baseless” rumors, stating the photos were taken before she debuted with a friend.
Tabloid’s Leaked Photos Of A Female Idol’s Private Life Go Viral
The agency also claimed that legal action would be taken.
On March 28, the X account for the group shared that Mirei would be taking a leave of absence ahead of the group’s tour which begins on May 5.
【お知らせ】
メンバーの菅波美玲が、本日より、しばらくの間休養させていただくこととなりました。
また5月4日(月・祝)より開催される≠ME アリーナツアー2026につきましては、後日ご希望のお客様を対象にチケット払い戻し対応を行います。
4月12日(日)に開催される『2025年12月10日（水）発売…
— ≠ME_official (@Notequal_ME) March 28, 2026
Member Mirei Suganami will be taking a break from activities starting today for an indefinite period of time.
Regarding the ≠ME Arena Tour 2026, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4 (holiday), ticket refunds will be offered at a later date for customers who wish to request them.
As for the event scheduled for Sunday, April 12 — “≠ME 11th Single ‘Haitateki Fighter’ (Noimi Edition) Release Commemoration Event,” as well as the events scheduled for Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, June 14 — “≠ME 6th Anniversary Premium Concert” video release commemorative “Special Two-Shot Photo Session” and “≠ME Original Postcard Signing Event” — further details will be announced at a later time once they are finalized.
We sincerely ask for your understanding.
— Notice
The hiatus does not have a definitive end date, so only time will tell when she will make her return.