The entertainment industry in Japan is known for its extremely strict regulations with its talents, but a recent case has crossed the line into absurdity. The agency behind the musical group Kagayaki Panic announced the immediate expulsion of three of its members, sparking huge controversy not for the firing itself, but for the reasons behind the decision. While singer Momona Kurusu was removed from the project for interacting with fans privately—a common reason in this sector—the reasons for expelling colleagues Hirono Ichinose and Nemu left the entire internet completely disturbed.

A rule that seems straight out of prison

To grasp the severity of the issue, consider Ichinose’s apology message. In her statement, the young singer admitted deep regret for giving in to her desires and maintaining private interactions with her own group members. It turns out the agency has a policy of total isolation, strictly prohibiting members from communicating, interacting, or forming friendships outside rehearsals and official performances. Any contact not directly supervised by management is considered a serious violation warranting automatic contract termination.

Public outrage was immediate

Unsurprisingly, the community reacted with absolute rejection toward the company. On major discussion forums, fans argued these working conditions are inhumane and compared the rules to those of a penitentiary. Many speculated this ban exists to prevent singers from uniting to complain about poor working conditions or share contract details. It’s heartbreaking to think these young women practice choreography and smile together on stage, yet are forbidden from speaking once the lights go out.

This incident again highlights the extreme control tactics some agencies use to dominate every aspect of their talents’ lives. With mental health increasingly discussed in the industry, should Japanese idol companies be penalized for imposing regulations that emotionally isolate their artists, or do singers simply accept these terms if they sign the contract?