Female Idol Threatened With A “Massacre,” Repeat Offender Arrested
Police have arrested a 26-year-old, unemployed man who was previously sentenced for committing a crime against a female idol.
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Murayama Ayaka is a former member of the popular Japanese idol girl group AKB48. She joined the group as a kenkyuusei (trainee) in 2011 and officially left AKB48 on June 15, 2025, following her graduation concert in Tokyo.
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Last July, Murata Yuichiro was arrested by the Osaka Prefectural Police for making death threats against Murayama. He was sentenced to a six-month prison term. While serving his suspended sentence, Murata reportedly threatened Murayama again with a menacing message on an online forum. According to police, Murata posted his threat at around 2:10 a.m. on August 3, writing, “I’m going to massacre you, so look forward to it.”
Murata’s IP address led investigators to arrest him on suspicion of threatening to kill Murayama. “People who saw the news about my previous arrest continued to make slanderous comments about me,” Murata reportedly said during police questioning, “and I posted the message in a fit of anger.”
Avex, Murayama’s agency, has since released a statement, making it clear that their artists’ safety is a top priority.
We strive to create an environment where artists and talents can work safely and securely, and if similar incidents occur in the future, we will take firm and strict action.
— Avex
