On December 8, 2018, Japanese idol Yamaguchi Maho, a member of the Niigata-based girl group NGT48, endured a terrifying assault by two male “fans” who ambushed her at the entrance of her apartment. The two men, both 25-year-old college students, grabbed her face and attempted to pin her down.
This shocking incident set off a chain of controversies surrounding NGT48 and its management company, AKS. The attack, initially kept under wraps for a month, came to light in January 2019 when Yamaguchi courageously spoke out on Twitter, revealing the details and accusing the group’s management of a cover-up.
Forced Apologies and Internal Turmoil
The day after her revelation, Yamaguchi, then 23, appeared at an NGT48 performance to apologize to fans for “causing a commotion.” However, she later tweeted that this apology was coerced by the group’s management. Yamaguchi claimed she was threatened with having another member deliver a written apology in her name if she refused to apologize publicly.
The scandal resulted in a major shake-up at AKS, leading to multiple resignations and firings. In an effort to rebrand, NGT48 announced it would dissolve its intra-group team structure, previously divided into Team N3 and Team G. Yamaguchi, who served as Team G’s sub-captain, had already distanced herself from the group, removing all mentions of NGT48 from her social media. Three other members of Team G followed suit.
Allegations Against Fellow Members
Yamaguchi accused other NGT48 members of leaking personal details, including her address and schedule, to her attackers. She also revealed during a livestream that one of her attackers emerged from a neighboring apartment, which was linked to a group member. The livestream was cut short, but Yamaguchi continued to share her story on Twitter, amplifying the public outcry against the management’s negligence.
Following the incident, Yamaguchi ceased all performances with NGT48 and ultimately left the group. In April 2019, AKS filed a civil lawsuit against the two assailants, which concluded with an out-of-court settlement in April 2020. The attackers agreed to pay ¥2.4 million (approximately $15,624 USD) over five years.
Rebuilding Her Life and Career
After leaving NGT48, Yamaguchi embarked on a solo career, transitioning into acting and modeling. She has since appeared in several Japanese TV dramas, including “There Is A Reason Why You Cannot Get Married” in 2021. On Instagram, Yamaguchi shares glimpses of her personal and professional life, connecting with fans and rebuilding her image as an independent artist.
Six years after the attack, Yamaguchi Maho stands as a symbol of resilience, having overcome one of the most controversial incidents in Japanese idol history to carve out a successful solo career.
Source: Krb