Minami Minegishi, of Japan's teen girl band "AKB48," shaves head, apologizes for having boyfriend

Minami Minegishi cries while apologizing in video on AKB48's website. / http://www.akb48.co.jp/

TOKYO A member of a hugely popular Japanese girl band has shaved her head and issued a tearful videotaped apology for violating the megagroup's no-dating rule.

The spectacle has sparked debate in Japan over whether the band AKB48 exerts too much control over its performers.

Minami Minegishi made the video, posted on AKB48's website, after the 20-year-old was caught by a gossip magazine coming out of her boyfriend's apartment.

AKB48 says it forbids its members from dating to project a clean image and signal their devotion to the group and their mostly male fans.

The band is made up of more than 90 teenage girls and young women divided into several teams. Minegishi belonged to the most prestigious team but her manager said she will be demoted to "research student" status.

[Jane_2_Electric_Boogaloo]

Asami Konno got out of Morning Musume and now works at TV Tokyo. She's now "ready for your love" as 9nine would say. Something tells me 9nine doesn't have that rule. I couldn't picture someone telling Umika Kawashima she can't date a boy.

[Bojax39]

"AKB48 says it forbids its members from dating to project a clean image and signal their devotion to the group and their mostly male fans."

Seems like male fans would be more interested in young women they thought might be attainable than those who are definitely not.

[rwsmith29456]

To me discouraging a healthy relationship sends the wrong message.

[judymar14]

Rules are rules, even ridiculous ones!

[HobartSchmenge]

And yet, band member Amaya Bukkake makes no apologies for her transgressions.

[pokey5735]

Sounds like a cult and they have way to much control over her. Get out and stay out! You deserve more! These people are not worth your anguish!!

[jeffkro]

Wait a second, isn't Japan having a problem with extremely low birth rate. Isn't a pop band with a no dating rule setting the wrong example?

[HobartSchmenge]

Thankfully she chose head-shaving as penance for her heinous crime, rather than seppuku. That would have been a little over-the-top.

[allanx2002]

Well from how she is being demoted to "trainee", the next step may be seppuku... I hear social stigma in Japan can get very bad...

[micmac666]

Brazilian wax for next transgression. Boyfriend wins.

[royalstar05]

This girl has been brain washed. Get out of that cult and date the guy.

[enlightenu]

More weird Japanese stuff.