A Japanese tabloid has published a photo of AKB48 idol Yuki Kashiwagi in an embrace in a yukata with Yuya Tegoshi, the 27-year-old member of male idol agency Johnny’s.
According to Shukan Bunshun, it was taken between autumn 2013 and the start of 2014 at an exclusive Japanese inn in Hakone, a venue popular for celebrities to sneak off for some private time away from the prying eyes of the tabloids.
Lying down on the floor together after or before a bath, the couple seem very comfortable with each other’s bodies.
A “friend” of Yuki said that the pair are still very close and frequently contact each other on Line.
The gangly Yuki Kashiwagi is immensely popular. Aged 23, she came second in the recent AKB48 general election with 167,1843 votes. She has even inspired robots made in her likeness.
Her boyfriend (if that is what he is) is not named by the tabloid, though it is like Yuya Tegoshi, who is well known for his exploits with women.
The tabloids have previously published images of him kissing Momona Kito, the former SKE48 idol turned porn star. Perhaps Yuya inspired her career change?
Officially the AKB48 girls are banned from having sex or relationships, though many have broken these rules by sleeping with dancers, fans, or other entertainers. Of course, in reality, the girls are allegedly groomed by management for sex and in the case of Tomomi Kasai, the whole reason for her “graduating” the group was apparently so that she could continue to be the lover of her boss. Only a few of the disgraced idols have made a comeback, notably this year’s election winner Rino Sashihara, who slept with an otaku fan.
For now, Yuki Kashiwagi’s upcoming participation in an event in Miyagi has been cancelled. Will this scandal blow over or will Yuki’s AKB48 career be over?
