"Famous in the Night World" Controversy in Japan Over Girl Group Member Visiting Entertainment Venues

Husband Arrested on Fraud Charges... Started Working Due to Financial Hardship
"Similar to Idols in Being Chosen"
"Started Because of Financial Hardship... But It's Fun"

Former member of Japan's popular girl group AKB48, Kobayashi Kana (32), has caused a stir in Japanese society after it was revealed that she is working at a nightlife establishment.

On the 12th, Japanese media outlet LuLINE magazine reported, "Kobayashi Kana is working at a nightlife venue after experiencing financial difficulties following her divorce."

Kobayashi debuted as part of AKB48's 2nd generation in 2006 and left the group in 2016 to pursue an independent entertainment career. In May of last year, she announced her marriage and the birth of her first child on her Instagram.

However, less than a year later, in January, she suddenly revealed her divorce, sparking renewed attention. Her ex-husband was a man who divorced his previous wife and remarried; he worked in the investment industry but was arrested on fraud charges. At the time of their marriage, Kobayashi appeared on a variety show with her then-husband, showcasing their luxurious apartment life.

Former member of Japan's popular girl group AKB48, Kobayashi Kana (32), is reported to be working at an entertainment establishment due to financial difficulties. [Photo by Kobayashi Kana SNS]

In an interview with the media, Kobayashi confessed about working at the nightlife venue, "A close friend has been a veteran working at the same establishment for 18 years, so I had heard many stories and was somewhat familiar with it," adding, "I accepted it as normal."

She went on to explain the similarities to being an idol, saying, "There are many similarities. Both are in a position to be chosen by customers," and clarified, "The difference is whether the product is alcohol or a handshake."

She also said, "There is a big difference between actually meeting and not meeting (customers)," and added, "I do drink a little now, but when I was an AKB member, I was so weak that I wouldn’t drink even if other members were drinking."

She revealed that the reason she started working at the nightlife venue was due to her divorce. "I earned quite a large amount through live streaming, but the taxes were enormous. When I realized I had to pay taxes, I understood that I couldn’t cover the amount with just daytime work," she explained.

Kobayashi emphasized, "I had to raise my child," and said she needed living expenses. When asked about fans’ reactions, she said, "There was some criticism, but I couldn’t afford to care. I am the pillar of my household," and added, "Fans know my situation and sometimes buy me champagne, calling it a ‘base support fee.’"

She currently works six days a week and said, "I only take days off when my child’s health is poor. I was really lucky to find a home close to the daycare."

She also shared her plans, saying, "I definitely want to become famous in the nightlife world. While I work out of necessity, I really enjoy what I’m doing now."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.