The H!P Musings/Rants Thread

[Zunu]

"after wishing Ikuta to hurry up and graduate it seems to me like Rio might end up beating her out the door."

In Rio's defense haven't we all been saying this exact thing for years? Fukuchan left in 2023, it's 2025 now. She should have been gone in 2021 - 2022.

*I* haven't been saying the same exact thing for years! (Look at my avatar )

Seriously though it's not like I want Rio to be forced out, but she's in a really awkward situation is all I'm saying. We all make boneheaded mistakes at that age (and even later ) but if her coworkers can't find it in their hearts to forgive and forget it's going to be hard to stay in the team. Not to mention how the fans are reacting.

[boinsie]

Also, are these posts really from 2 years ago? She's complaining about 26 year old Ikuta (I think), which wasn't that long ago.

Yeah, the "Ughhhh tomorrow I'm being forced to go to Disney at 7am" post seems to be in reference to a visit in May 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/rio_kitagawa. ... 8rWcNJ6Ep/
Either the translation of her apology is inaccurate (very possible), or she's just trying to make it out that these posts are older than they are to distance herself.

[Zunu]

Since she plainly writes "約２年前," my money is on the latter.

[Spaghetti-Western]

You guys want no linksies?

So here's a news site with the Rio posts and some translations.
https://www.tonboriday.com/2025/04/kita ... andal.html
A hit from Maria's mic caused injury to her arm drawing blood
It turns out working in Japan is tough even if you're an idol spreading excitement and joy

It's kind of humorous how Odango gets hit with this potential dating scandal, which would pull her even with Kitario after she had been the one tasked with dishing out scolding last time. But then Kitario regains the lead with her female propensity for emo blogging - a stunning comeback!

No but it's too bad if she has to call it quits after all the work. There's always someone young and hungry nipping at your heels (especially in Nippon? ) . I guess M-line awaits (and then she can keep the obvious boyfriend).

[Solarblade]

https://www.helloproject.com/news/18743/

Welp, she's been put on hiatus

[Shoujo Q]

The fact it was one single person just turns this into such a betrayal of trust. Now these young girls cant even have friends because they'll wonder if anything they say or do will come back and bite them in the end. That creates a very small bubble where you cant even vent about your work. It's unhealthy.

I hope for all the best with Rio, I wasn't on her side because she should have known better than to say such things about fellow idols but at the same time, we're all stupid and naïve when we're young. I hope she can come back from this stronger with time to reflect. I'm upset it all happen only months before Ikuta's graduation. I'm sure UF was planning on promoting a single for her and if Rio was involved they may need to delay such things. Or just go with what they have. Sort of like the Suzuki Kanon/ Sato Masaki situation where they were there but not there?

[Zunu]

https://www.helloproject.com/news/18743/

Welp, she's been put on hiatus

I guess it had to be done. This whole thing is giving Harriet the Spy.

[Loverindesu]

Rio's situation is so unfortunate. She has so much talent and potential, and she was supposed to be the new Mizuki. Despite being my favorite of the current line up, she had to be punished for her negative comments about other members. I don't expect her to return to the group, but if she does, I hope she comes back stronger and ready to take the lead.

[Shoujo Q]

Ikuta Erina, as leader of Morning Musume. made a statement on her blog.

昨日、北川莉央の活動休止を発表しました。
北川自身からメンバー全員に謝罪があり、私自身も
北川に対して謝罪しました。
このような形になってしまって、応援して下さっている皆様や、関係者各位にご迷惑やご心配をおかけして
申し訳ございません。　
北川莉央はしばらくの間お休みしますが、メンバー
11人でしっかり前を向いて北川の分まで精一杯頑張ります。

私は、北川に同じステージに立って私の卒業を笑顔で
見送ってほしいと思っています。

ここでしっかり区切りをつけて、明るく前を見て進んでいきますので、応援して下さっているファンの皆様もモーニング娘。’25と共に歩んでほしいです。


モーニング娘。’25リーダー
生田衣梨奈

_____ (Excuse me Google Translate version, some wording may be off.

Yesterday, we announced that Kitagawa Rio will be taking a break from activities.
Kitagawa herself apologized to all the members, and I also apologized to Kitagawa.

I apologize for the inconvenience and concern that this has caused to all of our supporters and all those involved.
Kitagawa Rio will be taking a break for a while, but all 11 members will look forward and do their best for Kitagawa.
I hope that Kitagawa will stand on the same stage as me and see me off with a smile as I graduate.

We will now put an end to this and move forward with a bright attitude, so I hope that all of our fans who support us will walk this path with us as Morning Musume '25.
Morning Musume '25 Leader
Ikuta Erina