 |
| Morning Musume’s Rio Kitagawa Gearing Up for Comeback This Autumn After Controversy Break |
After a months-long hiatus following a social media controversy, Morning Musume '25’s Rio Kitagawa is officially making her way back. On 4 July, the group’s official website confirmed that Kitagawa is preparing to resume her activities this autumn, marking the first step toward a return since her suspension in April 2025.
Related scandal:
Kitagawa Rio Badmouthing Fellow Momusu Members
The 21-year-old idol halted all appearances after it was revealed that she had allegedly expressed frustration towards fellow members and shared what appeared to be secretly snapped photos of them via a private social media account. The incident caused quite a stir online and led to widespread fan speculation about group dynamics behind the scenes.
Kitagawa quickly took responsibility, publishing a public apology on her blog dated 14 April. Not long after, Hello! Project confirmed she’d be taking a break, citing a violation of internal rules and framing the hiatus as a period of reflection and self-accountability.
Not Back Just Yet: Key Concert Absences Confirmed
While Kitagawa is currently working towards a full return, fans hoping to see her at upcoming shows will have to wait a little longer. According to the announcement, she will not be joining either the “Morning Musume '25 Spring Concert Tour: Mighty Magic DX Sending Off Erina Ikuta” or the “Hello! Project 2025” summer tour, which wraps up on 31 August.
The group apologised once again to fans who had been hoping for her appearance and stated they’ll announce a more specific return date when it’s confirmed.
A Gradual Return, Not a Sudden Comeback
For now, it looks like Kitagawa’s return will be a slow build, with the focus on internal preparation rather than public-facing activities. The tone of the statement suggests that management is handling the situation delicately, possibly allowing time for both fans and fellow members to adjust.
It’s unclear whether Kitagawa will return to major group activities immediately upon her comeback, or if she’ll gradually reintegrate through limited appearances or online content first.
Regardless, fans have already started buzzing online with mixed reactions—some expressing cautious excitement to see her back, while others are still divided over the past incident.