A major adult entertainment expo billed as Hong Kong’s first was abruptly cancelled on Tuesday after a few of the nearly 30 scheduled Japanese adult-video (AV) performers said they were denied entry at the airport, a claim immigration authorities rejected.
Organisers of the Mega Fans Expo 2026 (MFE) released a statement on Wednesday announcing with regret the immediate cancellation of the three-day show, scheduled for Friday to Sunday at the Regal Airport Hotel, as well as a preview event on Thursday.
The statement did not give a reason for the abrupt cancellation, saying only that refund arrangements would be disclosed later through official channels.
The disruption came less than 48 hours before the expo was due to open, after high-profile AV performers scheduled to appear revealed they had been denied clearance at border control and were allegedly being deported back to Japan.
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department said on Thursday that people involved in the activities had not been denied entry to the city.
“Those people chose to leave Hong Kong after learning the event was cancelled. They were not rejected entry,” the department said.
Among nearly 30 guest performers – including Hibiki Otsuki, Rena Miyashita and Hikari Aozora – several took to social media to express their shock.
Otsuki said that despite obtaining the relevant visas in advance, immigration officers turned away her manager, crew and accompanying performers upon arrival.
“This is the first time something like this has happened; I was shocked,” she wrote, describing the situation as puzzling as no clear reason was provided.
Miyashita also told followers online that the entire contingent appeared to face compulsory repatriation.
Industry legend Yui Hatano, who was scheduled to serve as master of ceremonies, confirmed her sudden return on social media, expressing deep regret to fans waiting at the airport and across Hong Kong.
“To everyone who was looking forward to this, I am truly sorry that things ended up turning out this way,” she said.
Legendary Japanese adult film actor Taka Kato was also scheduled to co-host the event as a special guest alongside Hatano.
The abrupt mass turnaround has left thousands of MFE ticket holders in limbo, particularly those who had paid for premium add-on experiences, including official handprint sessions priced at HK$2,380 (US$300) or HK$2,580 and meet-and-greet sessions priced at HK$1,280 or HK$1,580.
Under Hong Kong immigration rules, overseas visitors cannot ordinarily take up employment – paid or unpaid – while admitted as visitors.
A commercial performance, paid appearance or paid fan meeting may therefore require the performer to hold an appropriate employment visa or entry permit before travelling to Hong Kong, unless the activity falls within an applicable immigration facilitation arrangement.
Holding a visa or enjoying visa-free access does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers assess each arrival independently and may refuse permission to land if the person’s stated purpose, supporting documents or actual intentions do not match the conditions of their entry. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
