The Japanese national girl group 'AKB48', in its 21-year history, is facing its first controversy over a member's contract termination. On the 23rd, management company 'DH Co., Ltd.' accused 21-year-old member Aoi Hanada of maintaining long-term private contact with specific fans, violating group rules and undermining fairness within the group. Furthermore, since the end of 2025, she frequently called in sick to miss work, yet continued to stay in touch with fans during her supposed sick leave. The company stated that it had attempted to discuss her return, but Aoi Hanada refused to meet and instead, through her lawyer, terminated negotiations. The company therefore determined the situation to be serious and officially terminated her contract.
However, Aoi Hanada fought back in a video, appearing with a shaved head. She admitted to holding hands with a fan in public and keeping in private contact, but clarified that this mainly occurred because she had revealed her location on social media, and stressed that there was no romantic relationship. She further accused company executives of implying, during extended discussions, that if she wished to remain with the group, she should follow Minami Minegishi, who in 2013 shaved her head as an act of contrition after violating the dating ban. Hanada revealed that, in order to remain an idol, she was pressured into shaving her head, causing extreme mental distress and leaving her on the verge of breaking down.
In response to the accusation of 'shaving her head as an apology', 'DH Co., Ltd.' released a statement firmly denying the claim, emphasizing that there was absolutely no coercion or request for her to shave her head. The company countered that Aoi Hanada had put forward two conditions: 'to discipline members discussing her behind her back' and 'to lift the ban on activities for the involved fan'. The two sides failed to reach an agreement, ultimately resulting in the breakdown of their collaboration. Both parties are sticking to their own versions, plunging the group's first contract termination controversy in 21 years into a deadlock.
Source: CTWANT