Expelled Over a Single Photo: Japanese Idol Trainee Removed After Man's Silhouette Reflected in Drink Cup

Male Silhouette Reflected in Beverage Cup in Photo
Dating Ban an Unwritten Rule in Japanese Idol Industry

A 17-year-old Japanese idol trainee was expelled from her group because of a single photo she posted on social media. In the photo, the silhouette of a man was reflected on a beverage cup, prompting fans to raise suspicions of dating. On November 4, Asian entertainment outlet Tonbori Day reported that a Japanese idol trainee was expelled after posting a photo taken at what appeared to be a movie theater, holding popcorn and cola.

Photo posted by idol and enlarged photo. X

Previously, on November 1, idol trainee Az Fujisaki posted a photo on social media in which she was holding popcorn and cola at what seemed to be a movie theater. Some online users noticed the faint reflection of a man holding a cell phone on the surface of the cola cup, and the photo quickly spread online. Speculation arose that the reflected man was the one taking her photo, leading to criticism that her pure idol image had been damaged. The post was subsequently deleted, and her social media account disappeared as well.

As the controversy grew, Fujisaki’s agency announced through its official account, "A serious violation of the rules has been confirmed, and Az Fujisaki will immediately leave the group." The agency also asked fans to "refrain from speculation, direct contact, or harassment." Fujisaki later reposted the agency’s statement, apologizing by saying, "My careless actions have hurt fans and group members." Although the group’s official account had fewer than 10,000 followers, the announcement surpassed 30 million views in just two days, becoming a major topic in Japan. Some have criticized the situation, saying, "There is excessive control over the private lives of young idols."

Meanwhile, in the Japanese idol industry, dating bans are an unspoken rule to maintain a pure image, and it is considered important to appear devoted to fans. In fact, last year, there was a case where an idol was forced by her agency to post a photo of herself alone every night before bed for a year after a picture with her boyfriend was leaked. In 2013, Minami Minegishi of ABK48 shaved her head in apology after it was revealed she spent a night at a male singer’s apartment.