Danica Davidson
August 9, 2024 
Oshi no Ko is highlighting issues in the entertainment industry, particularly the idol world. It might take some inspiration from what just happened to 20-year-old idol Momoka Tojo, who is part of the idol group KATACOTO*BANK. Tojo shared a photo online of herself observing her birthday with a young man, and then all hell broke loose.
Following this, the group’s social media put up this statement:
Before going to bed last night, Momoka Tojo mistakenly posted photos of herself and man who could be seen as her boyfriend. Through a through fact-finding investigation conducted by management, it was been determined that she is currently dating him, and that her boyfriend is a person from outside the entertainment industry.
We have cautioned her that this is “unthinkable conduct showing a lack of mindfulness as an idol,” and after discussing the matter together, the following course of action has been decided on.
1. “Moving forward, Momoka Tojo will maintain a measure of distance from her boyfriend.”
2. As punishment, “For a period of one year, every night when going to bed, Momoka Tojo will, without fail, post a ‘saying good night alone’ photo” duty will be placed upon her.
Through this, we will have Momoka Tojo comply with the concept that “the most important thing for an idol to do is to be (sleep) by the side of each individual fan.” Should it appear that her boyfriend is present in her photos, please inform us.
Momoka Tojo has only recently become an idol, and it is our sincere hope that through this incident she will take the job of being an idol seriously. To all of you, her fans, we hope that you will continue to encourage, scold, cheer for, and promote her.
Tojo didn’t protest being an adult who’s not allowed to date. Instead, she wrote online:
I sincerely apologize for my recent careless actions, which caused a great deal of trouble and stress to our fans and other related parties.
I was lacking in proper awareness of the role of an idol, and what I did was inconsiderate to the fans, other members of the group, and other parties who support me each and every day. I deeply regret and am reflecting upon my actions.
I will make every effort to prevent such a thing from happening again, develop a thorough understanding of what it means to be an idol, regain the trust of those who support me, and contribute as a member of KATACOTO*BANK.
A Contract Forbidding Relationships?
It’s not clear if it’s the case here, but sometimes idols literally sign contracts forbidding them from being in relationships. Other times they’re told not to date, but it’s not in the contract. The theory is people won’t spend as much on the idol because there’s no chance of the fan and idol dating. These contract clauses have even been upheld in court. One judge involved in such a case said, “In order to secure the financial support of male fans, a clause prohibiting relationships was necessary.”
Source: SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
