iLiFE!’s Noa Wakaba Addresses Old Photo Scandal

Third Scandal Hits iLiFE! as Noa Wakaba Explains Viral Junior High Picture

It’s been a tough week for iLiFE!, and the storm isn’t letting up. The latest member to get caught up in controversy is 17-year-old Noa Wakaba, after an old photo of her with a young man surfaced online.

The picture, reportedly taken when she was in her second year of junior high school, spread quickly on social media and sparked speculation. 

Noa Wakaba moved fast to address the issue, posting a lengthy statement on her official account.

In her message, she apologised for causing concern and clarified the timeline:

“The photo currently being shared is from when I was in my second year of junior high. At that time, I parted ways with him because I wanted to pursue being an idol. Since then, we have not met. There were a few times we exchanged messages as friends, but there were no romantic feelings involved.”

この度はみなさんにご心配をお掛けしてしまい大変申し訳ございません。

現在、拡散されている写真は中学2年生の時の写真になります。
アイドルになるためにお別れし、それ以降一度も会っていませんでした。長い期間、連絡もとっていませんでしたが友人として数回、連絡をとったことは事実です。…

— 若葉のあ【iLiFE!】 (@iLiFE_wakaba) August 31, 2025

She further explained that the only reason she recently contacted him was to apologise after his name popped up during a livestream discussion, insisting it was out of courtesy rather than personal closeness.

Noa Wakaba also made a firm declaration:

“Since becoming an idol, I have never been in a relationship. This is something I can say with pride. I joined iLiFE! with that determination, and for nearly two years I’ve devoted myself seriously to my activities. I hope you can believe in the fact that I’ve always approached this role sincerely.”

The 17-year-old closed her post by acknowledging the unease some fans might feel, but asked for continued support as she promised to work even harder.

This marks the third iLiFE! controversy in a single week. Just days earlier, Nodoka Nara bowed out of the group after reports of inappropriate fan relations, and former leader Riri Konoka was demoted following her own photo scandal. 

The back-to-back incidents have shaken the group’s image, even as they celebrated their Budokan performance.

For Noa Wakaba, however, the focus is on moving forward. Whether fans will rally behind her remains to be seen, but her open tone and direct apology suggest she’s determined to prove her dedication.

Photo via: Instagram/Noa Wakaba, X.