Ishida Shion, a member of the newly debuted girl group Yoake no Iris, has temporarily suspended all in-person activities after receiving multiple death threats, according to Japanese outlet Sanspo.
The group, which launched in October 2025, has already faced turbulence, with Shion becoming the target of online harassment shortly after her debut. The attacks ranged from derogatory comments about her appearance to outright discrimination. Despite being one of the group’s first revealed members, her introduction sparked polarized responses online.
On November 28, the group’s management issued a statement revealing they had received threatening emails containing explicit details—including the time, location, and methods of potential attacks directed at Shion and other members. Acting on legal counsel and police guidance, Shion was advised to suspend in-person appearances for her safety.
The management condemned the threats, labeling them a serious criminal offense, and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, defamation, or obstruction of the group’s activities. All relevant evidence, including anonymous tips, is being preserved for potential legal action.
Interestingly, while Shion suspended public activities, she has remained active on social media. Responding to fans’ confusion, she clarified that the suspension only applies to offline events, while online engagement continues under police advisement.
Shion’s journey has been marred by intense scrutiny. Detractors criticized her for being “not idol material” or “a publicity stunt,” questioning her looks and performance style. In response, management had previously released a video showcasing a new image for Shion in hopes of reducing backlash—yet the criticism persisted.
The incident once again highlights the pressures faced by young idols and the increasingly toxic climate on social media platforms. As Yoake no Iris pushes forward with its promotional activities, Shion’s situation raises urgent concerns about idol safety and mental health in the digital era.
Sources: Znews
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