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 several Japanese media, Fujisaki, a member of the group’s debut project Kenkyusei heroinesrecently posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing himself holding a tray of popcorn and cola in what appeared to be a movie theater.
The problem arose when a male silhouette was reflected in the mug, leading fans to speculate that he might be dating someone. Critics said the image violated his “pure idol image,” and the photo quickly circulated online.
In response to the backlash, Fujisaki deleted the post and deactivated his account. His agency confirmed the incident as a serious violation of the rules and announced his immediate withdrawal from the group, urging fans to refrain from harassment or unfounded speculation.
Azusa Fujisaki issued an apology through the agency, stating: “I hurt my fans and group members with my careless behavior.”
The incident sparked a 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 need to maintain trust with fans.
In Japan, “no dating” rules are widely enforced in the idol industry to preserve the image of piety and purity. Last year, another idol faced similar restrictions after photos surfaced with her boyfriend.
The case has reignited discussions about the tight 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 girlAND aespa they faced contractual bans on dating, with public relations 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: Nate News
