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| ≠ME Tighten Security Ahead of Osaka Event Following Violent Ticket Raid (Tokyo Sports) |
Japanese idol group ≠ME (Not Equal Me), produced by Rino Sashihara, has announced that their upcoming fan event in Osaka on 11 May 2025 will proceed as planned, but under significantly enhanced security measures.
The decision follows a violent incident that occurred during a previous event on 29 April at LakeTown in Koshigaya, where a group of over 20 individuals stormed a tent, stealing hundreds of priority viewing tickets and injuring staff in the process.
According to a report by Tokyo Sports, the perpetrators remain unidentified and at large.
Eyewitness accounts from the April event describe the scene as chaotic, with the tent swaying violently as shouts and screams rang out.
Staff members who attempted to stop the intruders were met with aggression, and law enforcement was called to the scene.
The incident forced the organisers to cancel the remainder of the event and issue a statement denouncing the violence.
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In response, ≠ME’s management has issued a formal notice outlining their commitment to safety and order at the upcoming single release event for "Mob no Cinderella / Kami-sama no Iu Toori!" to be held at LaLaport EXPOCITY in Suita, Osaka.
"The event will proceed as scheduled, with a strengthened team of security and event staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, performers, and personnel," the statement reads.
The organisers also clarified that any guest who refuses to comply with staff directions or significantly violates event rules will be asked to leave immediately, without refund or compensation for travel or accommodation.
Additional rules have been established to prevent overcrowding and dangerous behaviour.
These include prohibitions against climbing on structures, entering restricted areas, and obstructing walkways.
Individuals found in possession of multiple admission tickets through improper means, or engaging in disruptive conduct, risk being permanently banned from all future events.
Despite the heightened caution, the Osaka event promises the typical energy and charm of a ≠ME release celebration.
A mini live performance and send-off event are planned, with participation available through same-day CD purchases.
To ensure fairness and safety, access to priority viewing zones will be managed via a randomised ticket system, with pre-registration for purchase order numbers beginning the evening before.
The group’s tenth single release event will feature all twelve members, including Hina Ogi, Kirari Ochiai, Moeko Kanisawa, and Hitomi Suzuki, among others.
Organisers have urged fans to cooperate fully to help create a “safe and enjoyable event” in the wake of last month’s turmoil.
While the identity of those responsible for the April incident remains unknown, sources within the event staff noted prior social media activity that could be construed as a warning of planned disruption.
Some within the industry suspect the involvement of a so-called "troublemaker group" unaffiliated with the fandom, known for targeting public gatherings for chaos.
Authorities continue to investigate, and the management has reiterated their policy of permanently banning any individual linked to violent or fraudulent conduct at ≠ME events.