BEIJING: A 17-year-old Japanese idol was dismissed for a “serious violation of rules” after observant online viewers spotted a man’s reflection on a plastic cap in a photo she posted.
Azu Fujisaki was a member of the Japanese idol group Heroines Research Students, formed in 2023 and consisting of 11 teenage members.
On Nov 1, Fujisaki shared a seemingly ordinary photo of herself holding a tray with popcorn and a cup of Coke at a cinema on her social media account.
That post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and shares.
Eagle-eyed observers noticed a man’s reflection on the plastic cap of the Coke drink and shared close-up shots of the reflection, speculating about her cinema companion.
On Nov 4, her agency announced via the group’s official account that Fujisaki had been removed from the group due to a “serious violation of rules.”
Her social media account was also deleted. Before its removal, she reportedly apologised for “hurting fans, group members, and related personnel.”
Though the announcement did not specify which rule had been broken, social media commentary indicated that she had contravened the unwritten rule prohibiting idols from dating.
While this rule may not be explicitly stated in every idol’s contract, dating is widely regarded as taboo among idols.
Many believe this stems from the perception that idols are innocent figures, cultivated as fantasies for their fans.
Engaging in a romantic relationship poses a risk of alienating fans and diminishing their commercial value.
Opinions on social media were split regarding Fujisaki’s situation.
“Isn’t the dating ban for idols outdated? Since fans cannot date the idols anyway, why should it matter if they have romantic relationships?” questioned one commenter.
“The girl was quite honest; she could have easily claimed the reflection was her brother,” remarked another.
A third commenter supported the agency’s decision: “If she signed a contract that prohibits dating, then she violated the agreement and deserves to be fired. If idols are products of a flawed industry, they must adhere to its rules even if they are flawed.”
Another user explained the swift action taken against Fujisaki: “She belonged to an underground idol group that relies heavily on its loyal male fans. The agency cannot afford to alienate them.”
An “underground idol” refers to a Japanese idol who typically performs in small, intimate venues. They differ from mainstream idols, who are usually managed by large entertainment agencies and enjoy a more prominent public presence. - South China Morning Post
