On August 3 at around 2:10 a.m., former AKB48 member Murayama Ayaka allegedly posted a message on an online forum warning, “I’m going to massacre you, so look forward to it.” Police traced the post to Murata’s IP address and arrested him on suspicion of making death threats.
Murata had previously been arrested in July 2024 by the Osaka Prefectural Police for threatening to kill Murayama. He was sentenced to six months in prison, but his sentence was suspended. Despite that leniency, police say he committed the same crime again while still under the suspended sentence.
During questioning, Murata reportedly claimed he acted “in a fit of anger” after seeing online slander about himself related to his previous arrest. Murayama, who debuted with AKB48 as a kenkyuusei (trainee) in 2011, graduated from the group on June 15, 2025, following her final concert in Tokyo.
Her agency, Avex, issued a statement condemning the incident and stressing that artist safety is their highest priority:
“We strive to create an environment where artists and talents can work safely and securely, and if similar incidents occur in the future, we will take firm and strict action.”
Police are continuing their investigation, and Murata could face a prison term without suspension this time.
Sources: Koreaboo
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