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| Tomita Suzuka Financial Struggles: Former Hinatazaka46 Idol Reveals Income Drop After Graduation. (Credits: ORICON) |
Former Hinatazaka46 member Tomita Suzuka has laid bare the financial strain of life after idol fame, revealing a sharp drop in income and limited work opportunities less than a year after her graduation from the group.
Appearing on Fuji TV’s variety programme Chidori no Oni Renchan on 16 March, the 25-year-old performer spoke with striking honesty about her current situation. Tomita Suzuka, who graduated from Hinatazaka46 in June 2025 to pursue a career in musical theatre, said she is now working roughly one day a week, with earnings reduced to just a quarter of what she made during her idol years.
“I’m off six days a week,” she admitted on air, before adding that she is “on the verge of not being able to pay rent” and has been forced into strict budgeting.
The comments, delivered without gloss, offered a rare look at the financial volatility that can follow a high-profile idol career.
Tomita Suzuka had returned to the programme with determination, taking on the show’s more demanding “Oni Hard Mode” challenge, aiming to secure the ¥2 million prize.
She framed the attempt as both a personal and professional turning point, noting that success could help reshape her image as she transitions into musical theatre.
“I really want that prize money,” she said, underscoring the stakes.
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| Tomita Suzuka Faces Harsh Reality With One Day of Work Per Week. |
Her appearance carried added weight given her history with the show.
Two years earlier, she became the first female idol to complete the programme’s original challenge, marking her as a standout talent within the format.
This time, however, the outcome was less favourable. After failing to secure the prize, Tomita Suzuka was visibly emotional, a moment that resonated widely with viewers.
Audience reactions quickly gathered online, with many describing her situation as “too real” and expressing surprise at the scale of the income drop. Others voiced support, calling for her efforts to be recognised and encouraging her transition into musical theatre.
The candid disclosure has also prompted broader discussion about the sustainability of post-idol careers, particularly for those moving into more niche performance fields.
今の収入、アイドル時代の4分の1なんか。
— ハンモック (@hinatadehammoc0) March 15, 2026
芸能界って大変やな………#千鳥の鬼レンチャン#富田鈴花 pic.twitter.com/i5O7vkw0A4
While some fans praised her openness as refreshing in an industry often defined by polished narratives, others pointed to structural challenges, noting that even established names can face instability once they step away from major group platforms. For many, Tomita Suzuka’s story has become a case study in the gap between idol visibility and long-term career security.
Now focused on rebuilding her path as a stage performer, Tomita Suzuka remains determined despite the setbacks, positioning this period as part of a longer transition rather than a final outcome.
What do you make of Tomita Suzuka’s situation — a harsh reality check or an industry-wide issue that needs more attention?