Popular Girl Group Idol Gets Caught In Secret Relationship With Fan, Company Instantly Terminates Contract

AKB48 has terminated its exclusive contract with member Hanaida Mei, marking a historic first for the iconic Japanese girl group.

The announcement, made on June 23, came after a series of escalating issues that ultimately led management to conclude that parting ways was “unavoidable.”

According to the official statement, trouble began around December 2025, when Mei — known by her nickname “Meimei” — repeatedly arrived late to activities, citing health concerns.

Management suspended her schedule to allow her to focus on treatment, which was the basis of the previously announced activity hiatus. However, things took a turn when investigations revealed that she had been in contact with a specific fan, which is strictly prohibited within AKB48.

While Mei claimed she had only met the individual twice by chance, interviews with relevant parties told a different story, revealing multiple meetings had taken place.

“During that process, it came to light that she had connections with a specific fan. While she explained that she had only met the individual twice by chance, interviews with relevant parties revealed that she had met this particular fan on multiple occasions.

Maintaining connections with specific fans is prohibited within AKB48, as it compromises member safety, fairness among members, and the trust of fans.”

— AKB48

From there, the situation reportedly deteriorated further. Management says Mei refused to participate in discussions about her return and declined to communicate directly with the company.

Through her attorney, Takahiro Karasawa, she also requested disciplinary action against members she believed spoke negatively about her, as well as the lifting of a ban placed on the fan in question.

She also requested disciplinary action against members whom she claims spoke negatively about her, as well as the lifting of the ban imposed on the specific fan in question. However, these matters fall within management’s discretion and could not be immediately accommodated, preventing us from reaching an agreement. Furthermore, she refused direct communication with us. Her attorney, Takahiro Karasawa, ultimately informed us, ‘She has asked that discussions be declined.

After comprehensively considering all of these circumstances, we reached the conclusion that terminating the contract was unavoidable. This marks the first contract termination in AKB48’s history.

— AKB48

The 19-year-old Kanagawa native joined AKB48 as a 19th-generation member and had been an active part of the group prior to her suspension.