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| iLiFE!’s Nodoka Nara Announces Exit Following Controversy, Will Perform One Last Time |
Idol group iLiFE! has announced that member Nodoka Nara will be leaving the group following the discovery of what they described as a “serious rule violation.”
The timing, however, couldn’t be more dramatic—her departure comes just two days before the group’s highly anticipated concert at the Nippon Budokan on 27 August.
The 19-year-old, who previously performed under the name Nodoka Shizume as part of ZOC, has issued an apology on X, saying she feels “deeply ashamed” for her actions and that she has betrayed the trust of both her fellow members and fans.
Nodoka Nara Controversy
The decision follows virals on social media showing photos of Nodoka with a man alleged to be her boyfriend, alongside claims she badmouthed her bandmates in private LINE chats.
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While the authenticity of the posts has been debated, the spread of the images quickly sparked backlash online.
iLiFE!’s management released a formal statement on 25 August, confirming the rule breach and outlining the plan for the group’s immediate future.
Although Nodoka will remain on stage for the Budokan concert out of respect for both her fellow members and ticket-holding fans, that night will mark her final activity with iLiFE!.
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Events and Projects Cancelled
The fallout has also led to the cancellation of Nodoka’s scheduled birthday event in October, along with the termination of her ongoing crowdfunding campaign, “iLiFE! Nodoka Nara Birthday Festival Support Project.” All contributions will be fully refunded, the company confirmed.
Nara Nodoka’s Apology
In her own message, Nodoka admitted she does not feel she deserves to stand on the Budokan stage:
“If I could turn back time, I would. I know I have no right to perform after breaking the rules, but pulling out two days before the concert would only cause more pain for the members and for the fans who have supported us. I will give my best in this last performance, but I carry deep regret.”
Fans React
While some fans expressed support for her decision to at least see the Budokan performance through, many others have voiced disappointment, with several openly requesting refunds for their tickets. On X, one fan wrote: “The excitement’s gone. How can we cheer knowing what she’s done?”
After Budokan, iLiFE! will continue as an eight-member unit. Management also stressed in its official notice that fans should refrain from sending abusive messages or harassing the members online, asking for patience and continued support for the remaining line-up.
Despite the sudden scandal, the Budokan concert is still expected to be a pivotal milestone for iLiFE!—albeit under a very different spotlight than anyone had originally imagined.