[2025 Latest] Why did Shion Tsurubo end her activities? A complete explanation of the whole story, from the online casino issue to the expiration of her contract

JO1 member Shion Tsurubo has announced that he will end his activities on December 31, 2025. This article provides detailed information on the latest news, including the online casino scandal, hiatus, summary indictment, announcements from his agency, comments from the member himself, and his past history of controversy.

table of contents

1. When and why did Tsurubo Shion end her activities?

2. The complete history of the online casino issue

3. Rumored past "mistakes" and controversy history

4. Disposition of the firm and rehabilitation program

5. Comments from the artist himself and fan reactions

6. The personality and appeal of Tsurufusa Shion

7. Q&A: Questions fans have

8. Summary: Background to the end of activities and future prospects

1. When and why did Tsurubo Shion end her activities?

Tsurubo Shion announced that her exclusive contract with LAPONE Entertainment will end on December 31, 2025, and she will end her activities as a member of JO1. Following her hiatus following the online casino incident, she revealed that she spent approximately five months deeply reflecting on her future, her role in the group, and her responsibilities to fans. While many expressed hope for her return, she decided not to renew her contract, stating that she had "sorted out her feelings internally."

This decision may seem sudden, but considering the magnitude of the social impact that has resulted from the case being referred to prosecutors and summary indictment, it is undeniable that there is a possibility that significant restrictions will be placed on their future entertainment activities, and it is believed to have been made after taking into consideration the impact this will have on the group as a whole.

2. The complete history of the online casino issue

The online casino scandal involving Shion Tsurubo was widely reported on May 31, 2025. The agency acknowledged the facts and, at her request, suspended her activities for 10 days. However, the more the investigation progressed, the more serious the situation became. It was revealed that she had been using the online casino for about nine months, had bet a total of nearly 15 million yen, and had lost more than 7 million yen.

The site he used was the overseas online casino "K8," and he has confessed to repeatedly gambling using his smartphone at local hotels and other locations.

The Metropolitan Police Department then referred the case to the prosecutor's office on suspicion of simple gambling, and the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office filed a summary indictment on the gambling charge on August 7, 2025. Although summary indictment is applied to relatively minor crimes, it leaves a criminal record and has a significant impact on the person's image.

Following this series of reports, the agency decided to extend the hiatus, stating that "the mental impact cannot be ignored." During the hiatus, JO1 will continue as a 10-member group, and Tsurubo herself will undergo rehabilitation programs and training.

■ Online Casino Problems Summary Table

item	Content
Usage period	December 2023 - August 2024
Site used	K8 (overseas online casino)
Total bet amount	Approximately 15 million yen
loss amount	Approximately 7.1 million yen
Legal action	Documents submitted to prosecutors for simple gambling → Summary indictment

3. Rumored past "mistakes" and controversy history

Even before the online casino issue, Tsurubo Shion had been the subject of several rumors and scandals, mainly on social media.
A lot of information was spread, including allegations of insinuating an affair with Hori Miona, rumors of her using a secret account, suspicions of interacting with fans through Clash Royale, and leaked DMs that were said to be badmouthing other members, but there was no conclusive evidence for any of these, and most of the time it was concluded that they were just "suspicions."

The allegations of insinuations in particular became a hot topic on social media due to a series of posts about the same food and items around the same time, but both parties remained silent and the agency has not made any official comments. Regarding the allegations of secret accounts, some of the images circulating at the time were suspected of being photoshopped, leading to widespread speculation that the allegations were unreliable. Regarding the Clash Royale incident, JO1 issued an official apology, but the details were not made public, leading to continued mixed reactions among fans. The allegations of badmouthing the other members also lacked credibility due to the unreliability of the screenshots, and have not been recognized as conclusive evidence.

4. Disposition of the firm and rehabilitation program

As a strict measure against the online casino incident, the agency suspended Tsurubo from activities for 10 days and implemented a rehabilitation program led by external experts. The program included training on legal knowledge, compliance, and social ethics, and was designed to prevent recurrence and raise awareness as entertainers. During the hiatus, the group continued as a 10-member group, with Tsurubo Shion's mental recovery and improvement of her working environment as the top priority.

However, the developments of the referral of papers to prosecutors and summary indictment are also significant for the agency, and the statement reveals that they have come to the conclusion that they "have no choice but to respect the wishes of the individual" when discussing her return to activities again.

5. Comments from the artist himself and fan reactions

In a statement released at the same time as the announcement of the group's demise, Tsurubo Shion expressed her deep gratitude and apologies to the fans and other members who had been with her for the group's long six and a half years. She frankly explained that, while understanding that it would disappoint fans who had been waiting for her return, she had come to the decision not to renew her contract after reflecting on herself.

Fans' reactions were broadly divided into two camps.

Fans who have supported him for many years sent warm messages such as "We're waiting for the day he returns" and "Take care of your mind and body," but there were also many voices of concern about the difficult situation ahead, with some saying things like "It will be hard to find sponsors" and "This will have a big impact on his overseas activities."

6. The personality and appeal of Tsurufusa Shion

Despite the ongoing scandals, Tsurubo Shion has maintained high popularity for a long period of time thanks to her performance skills and "humanity."

The powerful deep voice of the rapper, the overwhelming concentration during live performances, and the awkward and shy side he shows off off-stage - these contrasts are what make him so appealing to fans, explaining why he continued to receive support even after the controversy.

■ Basic profile

item	Content
name	Shion Tsurubo
date of birth	December 11, 2000
Birthplace	Born in Shiga Prefecture/Raised in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
height	179cm
blood type	Type A
hobby	Singing, dancing, games, bikes
Special Skills	Rap, low voice

7. Q&A: Questions fans have

Q1. Why did you decide to end your activities?

His use of online casinos has led to legal action, and after taking into consideration the impact on his life, his group, and his fans, he has decided not to renew his contract.

Q2. Is there a possibility that you will return to JO1?

Since he has clearly stated that he will not be renewing his contract, the possibility of his return is currently very unclear.

Q3. How did the online casino issue end?

He was summarily charged and fined, and as he was found guilty, he will have a criminal record.

Q4. How is your relationship with the band members?

He commented, "I still love the members," emphasizing that the reason was not a rift.

8. Summary: Background to the end of activities and future prospects

Tsurubo Shion's decision to end her activities was triggered by the online casino issue, but her announcement made it clear that it was ultimately a decision she had made over a long period of time. It's true that the major events of being referred to prosecutors and being summarily indicted made it difficult for her to continue her activities as an idol, but her comments convey a deep gratitude and affection for her fellow members and JAM, and it can be inferred that dissatisfaction or discord with the group was not the cause.

Even though their activities have ended, their future aspirations are not completely closed. They may be able to move on to other stages by utilizing their experience and talents, so attention is focused on their future announcements and movements.

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