AKB48's Mei Hanada Explains Hiatus and Decision to Shave Her Head

Good evening, everyone. I'm Aoi Hanada. First of all, I am truly sorry for causing so much worry regarding my hiatus. Today, I would like to speak in my own words about what happened to me and the circumstances leading to my hiatus.

As management announced earlier, despite being active as a member of AKB48, when I met with a specific fan privately, we held hands on the street.

I believe it was a thoughtless act that showed a lack of awareness as an idol.

I am truly sorry. One of the reasons this happened is that I had posted hints about my location on Weverse several times, and I got carried away by the situation, which felt like a game of hide- and- seek with many fans looking for me.

I deeply regret that as well. Later, management told me that— whether by chance or because it was set up, I do not know— we were photographed walking while holding hands, and those photos had been brought to management.

I was told they wanted to discuss what to do about it, so I had a discussion with management. During that discussion, I was asked things like," You're actually dating a fan, aren't you?" and was asked sexual questions, and even when I denied them,

they wouldn't believe me. Then, they brought up the story of Minami Minegishi shaving her head in the past, and told me that if I wanted to stay in AKB, I should show my sincerity by shaving my head. Unable to make an immediate decision, I requested a three- week hiatus without giving an answer about shaving my head.

While I was resting, as I was also in poor health, I was suddenly informed that my hiatus had been changed to indefinite.

There were other incidents that made me feel that I couldn't continue my activities with AKB like this, and that I would be forced to leave if I didn't shave my head. My hair, which I had cherished for so long— although it was incredibly painful…

Desperately wanting to continue my activities in AKB, I decided to shave my head.

As you can see, my head is shaved.

First of all, I deeply regret my thoughtless behavior this time.

I am truly sorry. But as I calmed down and thought about it, I began to think it's wrong to present shaving one's head as an option when a scandal occurs in AKB. To the management, whose attitude toward me was becoming increasingly cold, I contacted them through a lawyer,

solely wishing to convey my feelings and hopes after shaving my head.

I will read the response from management when I told them I had shaved my head as instructed. " There is no fact that Mr. XX demanded Ms. Hanada to shave her head. Mr. XX mentioned that there were senior members in the past who showed remorse,

and suggested that if there is something she needs to apologize for now, she should do so, There is no fact that Mr. XX demanded Ms. Hanada to shave her head. Mr. XX mentioned that there were members in the past who showed remorse,

and suggested that if there is something she needs to apologize for now, she should do so, so that she can gain as many supporters as possible for when she returns, suggesting that it would be best to show her sincerity.

We made absolutely no specific demand for her to shave her hair or head."

In reality, I was interrogated for hours in a much harsher tone, and the word' shaved head' was brought up many times. Furthermore, regarding the fact that I shaved my head, I have never once received any official words of concern or apology from the management. In addition, secrets they promised not to tell anyone were spread,

and having lost trust in the management, I tried to communicate in writing many times after that, putting what I wanted to say into words and contacting the management through my lawyer.

However, almost all the replies I got back were just," Let's meet up and talk for now." And," We didn't tell you to shave your head.

We put you on hiatus because we were worried about your health." That was all.

Every day, looking at my shaved head in the mirror made me feel truly miserable, and the anxiety of not getting a reply from management made me unable to even go outside, and days of wanting to die continued. Then one day, I realized that my feelings had reached their limit,

and if the next reply from management wasn't what I hoped for, I decided to explain what happened to me to all the fans and apologize in my own words.

The result was just another message with similar content, saying we should meet up and talk first. That was on the day I tweeted last week on June 23rd that I would be doing a livestream. After making that tweet, I received messages from various people, and they told me many scary things,

such as that my contract might be terminated or that I could be sued for damages if I went public about shaving my head.

Many people around me also tried to stop me. I spoke with Mion Mukaichi, whom I respect, and she repeatedly expressed her concern, saying, " Management is terrible, but there's no need for you to sacrifice yourself, Meimei."

Of course, I myself was the one who was most terrified of appearing in public with this shaved head.

But I didn't want anyone else in AKB to ever be cornered like me, thinking they have no choice but to shave their head, and I wanted to convey my honest feelings to everyone, so I decided to stream what happened exactly as it was, no matter what might happen to me.

For about two years, being able to continue my activities with the members I love and my precious fans, every day was truly exciting, and becoming the idol I dreamed of being made every day so fun and truly happy. I also had my precious friends and family who were happy for me, and I was truly happy.

Before joining, I used to say that I just wanted to become an idol, but To the point where I now feel I don't want to be active anywhere but AKB48, I love AKB48 so much, and my honest feeling right now is that I wanted to keep doing my best here.

I really wanted to perform in the promotion concerts on July 11 and 12 as well. I wanted to stand on stage with the five of us from the 19th generation. I also loved the theater performances and handshake events, and I wanted to perform in the autumn concert too.

That's why I shaved my head as I was told, but I was treated coldly and told," We didn't tell you to shave your head," which made me truly sad.

To all the fans who have been waiting for my return until today, I am truly sorry.

I may never be able to meet you all again, but I would be happy if you could remember your memories with me and not forget them.

Thank you so much for watching and listening to me until the very end.