ORICON reports AKB48 Hanada Mei to be terminated following multiple incidents over the past year. This marks the first contract termination in AKB48's history, rather than a graduation, resignation, dismissal or other form of departure from the group.
• Since December 2025, Hanada Mei repeatedly arrived late while citing poor health as the reason. Management stated that this was the reason she was later placed on hiatus.
• During that period, management discovered that she had been in contact with a specific fan. While Hanada explained that she had only met the fan twice by chance, interviews conducted by management reportedly indicated that she had met the fan on multiple occasions. Maintaining private relationships with specific fans is prohibited, as it compromises member safety, fairness among members, and fans' trust in the group.
• When Hanada Mei expressed a desire to return to AKB48, management says it respected her wishes and repeatedly sought discussions regarding her reinstatement. However, she allegedly refused to participate in those discussions.
• Hanada Mei claimed that management had forced her to shave her head. AKB48 denied the allegation, stating that after confirming with the staff involved, "We would never give such an instruction."
• Hanada Mei requested disciplinary action against members who she claimed had spoken badly about her, as well as the removal of the ban imposed on the fan she had been in contact with. Management stated that no agreement could be be reached regarding these requests.
• Throughout this process, Hanada Mei reportedly communicated with management through her attorney, rather than engaging in direct discussions with the company.
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