Japanese Pop Star Shaves Head for Dating Remorse - East Idaho News
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Japanese Pop Star Shaves Head for Dating Remorse

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ht minami  minegishi jef 130201 wblog?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1359733641301AKB48/YouTube(TOKYO) — In a long list of publicity stunts thought up by Japan’s most popular pop group AKB48, this may be the most bizarre.

Minami Minegishi is one of the most popular idols in the 90-plus member super unit.  The 20-year-old singer offered a tearful apology on YouTube Thursday, saying she shaved her head to atone for committing a cardinal sin: violating the group’s no-dating rule.

The video, posted to the band’s YouTube channel, followed a Japanese tabloid report claiming Minegishi spent the night at a 19-year-old boy band member’s apartment.  Published photos showing the star sneaking out of the building with sunglasses and a mask covering her face set fans abuzz.

The nearly four-minute confession that followed began with a deep bow but ended with Minegishi sobbing and pleading to stay in the band.

“I was supposed to set an example for younger members, but my actions were extremely careless and senseless,” she said.  “My mind has gone completely blank.  I don’t know what I can do or what I should do, but I couldn’t bear to do nothing.”

AKB48, made up of girls ranging in age from early teens to mid-20s, has developed a cult following in Japan with its bubblegum pop sound and a projected image of innocence, though their suggestive lyrics and Lolita-like outfits suggest otherwise.  Members cater to a predominantly male fan base, with a heavy emphasis on access and participation.  They regularly hold “handshake” events, and their CDs come with ballots that enable fans to vote in an annual all member election, where top vote-getters are rewarded with more prominent roles in group singles and music videos.

The implied availability means the girls must adhere to strict rules of behavior, which includes no dating.

Minegishi claimed the decision to shave her head was her own, but online skeptics have questioned whether the clip was actually a publicity ploy orchestrated by Yasushi Akimoto, the producer behind AKB48.  The apology amassed more than four million hits in one day.

For now, Minegishi has been relegated to a trainee group, where she has vowed to start from scratch.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me, just because (I shaved my head),” she said in the YouTube clip.  “This is all entirely my fault.  I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

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