Was Okada Nana outed by Bunshun for breaking the AKB48 No-Dating rule?

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In the latest Bunshun article, the publication is reporting that AKB48 veteran Okada Nana (25) visited the apartment of a friend. But came out with actor Ino Hiroki and the two went to Okada’s apartment together.

Photos of the two walking together were posted on the website.

Both Okada and Ino starred in the state performance adaptation of the popular manga series “Magi”.

An acquaintance told the tabloid, “The two of them developed a relationship after co-starring on stage. By the time the performance began in June, they were already in a close relationship. It is said that they frequently visit each other’s houses”.

This has led to many asking current AKB48 General Manager Mukaichi Mion about it on Twitter, writing, “I didn’t want to see you sad, or the way you saddened your fans. I am truly sorry that my love and trust have been betrayed”.

Mukaichi continued, “I think the time has come to reconsider the vague rule of ‘prohibition of dating’. I consulted with the management and will definitely report the conclusion in any form”.

In Japan, idol groups (male and female) tend to have no dating rules. For the men, it is known that popular Johnny’s talents have had girlfriends and even have gotten married. For example, SMAP’s Kimura Takuya and former idol, singer Kudo Shizuka were married in December 2000, while Kimura was still a SMAP member. But by that time he was 28-years-old.

With female idols, it is pretty strict with one of the harshest punishments given by AKB48, in which members were forced to leave from the group or the most popular members having to suffer some sort of embarrassment (ie. Minegishi Minami shaved her head as a form of punishment for betraying the rule, Sashihara Rino’s punishment was carried out on live television, both were given second chances with Minegishi demoted to AKB48 Team 4, while Sashihara Rino was demoted to HKT48, which proved to be a blessing for Sashihara who became even more popular afterward.

Because Okada is one of the primary faces of AKB48 and a team veteran, it will be interesting to see what will come out of this.