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| Re:♡ Issue Serious Statement as GPS Device Is Discovered at Honami Hoshino Birthday Celebration. (Credits: Re:♡) |
A birthday celebration for rising Japanese idol group Re:♡ (りらいく) suddenly turned into something far darker after management confirmed that a GPS tracking device had been hidden inside a plushie displayed among flower stand gifts during member Hoshino Honami’s recent birthday event. Police are now involved, gifts have been temporarily banned, and the idol herself has admitted she is still feeling frightened following the discovery. Safe to say, this was not exactly the kind of “fan support” anyone expected to see at an idol birthday event.
The four-member Jpop group, which officially debuted on stage at Zirco Tokyo on 30 June 2024, shared the announcement through their official Twitter account on 18 May 2026. According to management, the device was discovered inside a stuffed toy that had been placed within a flower stand prepared for Honami Hoshino’s birthday celebration.
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| GPS Tracker Found in Plushie at J-Pop Idol Hoshino Honami’s Birthday Event Sparks Police Response |
The group stated that police were contacted immediately after the event ended and that evidence had already been submitted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Management described the incident as a “serious issue” involving both safety and privacy concerns for members and staff. In response, Re:♡ confirmed they would temporarily stop accepting gifts while reviewing security measures and event regulations. Honestly, it says quite a lot about modern idol culture that management teams now apparently need to inspect teddy bears like airport security staff.
【重要なお知らせ】
— Re:♡【りらいく】 (@ReLike_Official) May 18, 2026
いつもRe:♡を応援いただきありがとうございます。
また、ファンの皆さまにご心配をおかけしてしまい申し訳ございません。
メンバーが安心して活動できる環境を守るため、運営として慎重に対応を進めております。
ご理解・ご協力のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。 pic.twitter.com/zhs3P8STaF
The situation has also reportedly taken an emotional toll on Hoshino Honami, who joined the group in October 2025 as the blue member. In her own statement posted online, she admitted she was genuinely scared and still feeling anxious even now, though she reassured supporters that management and police were handling the matter.
She also thanked fans for their concern and said she hoped everyone could continue supporting her while she moved forward at her own pace.
That quiet and calm response from Honami only made many fans feel worse about the situation. Across Japanese social media, reactions quickly shifted from shock to anger, with many calling the incident “terrifying” and “crossing every possible line.”
この度はご心配をおかけしてしまい、申し訳ありません。
— 星野ほなみ🥁⚙️@Re:♡ (@ReLike_Honami) May 18, 2026
私自身本当に怖くて、今も不安な気持ちはありますが、現在は運営の方々や警察の方々に対応していただいているので、みんなには安心してもらえると嬉しいです。
これからも自分のペースで頑張っていくので、引き伝え応援よろしくお願いします。 https://t.co/RAgmj6BdAf
Some fans pointed out rumours that the plushie may not have originally been part of the flower display, which only fuelled further concern online. Others criticised the increasingly invasive behaviour that idols, particularly younger female performers, continue to face despite tighter venue rules and fan regulations across the industry.
For many longtime Jpop followers, the news also reopened wider conversations about idol safety culture in Japan. While fan gifts and elaborate flower stands are common traditions during birthday events and concerts, incidents involving tracking devices and hidden recording tools have become an uncomfortable topic in entertainment circles over the years.
The fact that a GPS device allegedly made its way into a celebratory display has left many supporters stunned at just how far obsessive behaviour can escalate. Because apparently some people still fail to understand that supporting an idol should not involve turning into a rejected detective thriller character.
The group’s management carefully avoided revealing too many additional details, likely due to the ongoing police response, but their statement strongly urged fans not to pressure members with questions or speculation about the incident.
They also acknowledged that the emotional impact was already affecting activities behind the scenes. That part especially resonated online, with many fans commenting that idols are often expected to smile through situations that would deeply unsettle anyone else.
Despite the disturbing circumstances, supporters have also rallied around the group with messages encouraging Honami and fellow members Kurose Miran, Shidaka Ami, and Hinata Chihiro to prioritise their safety first.
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Some fans praised management for acting quickly and publicly addressing the issue instead of quietly ignoring it, which unfortunately has happened in parts of the entertainment world before. Others argued that venues hosting idol events may now need stricter inspection systems for gifts and flower displays moving forward.
The incident has drawn particular attention because Re:♡ are still relatively new within the competitive Jpop idol scene. Since debuting in 2024, the group has steadily built a loyal fanbase through live performances and social media activity, with Honami Hoshino’s addition last year bringing fresh attention to the lineup.
Instead of discussing music, performances, or upcoming activities this week, however, fans now find themselves discussing privacy risks and personal safety. Not exactly the promotional cycle any idol group hopes for.
As the investigation continues, many supporters are hoping the situation pushes event organisers and agencies across the wider idol industry to rethink how fan interactions are managed. Birthday events are meant to celebrate idols, not leave them checking plushies for tracking devices afterwards. The fact that this even needs to be said out loud feels surreal enough already.
For now, Re:♡ say they are reviewing their safety systems before deciding whether gifts can be accepted again in future.