Faking excuses like homework or exams to miss work has always been a risky move, but taking it to the extreme in Japan’s music industry usually ends in disaster. That was the lesson Tachibana Koko learned the hard way, who was immediately expelled from the idol group Cheriecla after being caught lying to go see other artists.

The issue blew up when the group’s management informed fans that Koko would not attend a live performance scheduled for that afternoon. The official excuse she gave to her superiors was that her school commitments prevented her from reaching the stage on time, so the group had to perform as a quartet. The story seemed believable, but the deception didn’t last long.

Unfortunately for the young idol, several people identified her that same day enjoying a musical event focused on male idols. Upon investigating, the group’s handlers confirmed she had blatantly lied about her studies to go out, and discovered something worse: while under an exclusive contract with the agency, Koko had been participating in secret auditions with other companies and lying about her professional status. Given the clear breach of trust and dishonesty toward her colleagues and fans, the management unilaterally terminated her contract on September 20.

Cheriecla is a Japanese idol group presenting a princess-inspired concept where each member represents a different jewel, forming what they define as a collective of light. Tachibana Koko joined the project in mid-July 2026, becoming one of the unit’s latest additions, which will now continue its official activities with its remaining four members.

What do you think of the agency’s reaction to its member’s lies?