entertainment

Male idol dance group finds hidden stalker gadget inside stuffed animal present from fan

11 Comments
By Casey Baseel, SoraNews24

In Japan, there’s a bit of a stigma that surrounds male fans of female idol singers, which stems in no small part from a number of high-profile cases of guys becoming intensely possessive of or attracted to their favorite female performer. But female fans of male idols can be just as startling obsessive in their desire to create a connection of any kind, which brings us to Anatashia.

Since the members of Anatashia don’t sing, they’re technically not idol singers, but the six young men who make up the dance troupe are marketed in much the same way as vocalist idol units, with their choreographed routines, trendy fashions, and smooth-faced, non-threateningly handsome good looks being their major selling points.

As with many popular musical entertainers in Japan, Anatashia’s fans sometimes send them gifts, including stuffed animals. But one plushie they received was more than just a vessel to convey the fan’s ardent affections, because it also contained a GPS tracker.

The group’s official Twitter account released a statement, saying:

"Thank you all for the gifts you send us.

However, we’re sad to inform you that inside a stuffed animal we received the other day, there was what we believe to be a GPS signal emitting device.

As this is both malicious and dangerous, from now on we will be prohibiting fans from giving us stuffed animals. Thank you for your understanding.

The intent seems to have been that the stuffed animal would end up either at the group’s practice studio or in one of the member’s homes, giving the fan a way of determining the location in order to stalk or surprise Anatashia’s members. In reaction to the news, several more scrupulous fans said that whoever gave the GPS-hiding stuffed animal should be blacklisted from all future performances and fan events, but its unclear whether the gift was mailed to the group (in which case the mailing address could be determined, and perhaps from it the sender’s identity) or if it was simply dropped into the present collection boxes that are often set up at live appearances by idols and idol-like performers."

Source: Twitter/@antsa_official via Jin

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Japanese idol reveals disgusting secret about stuffed animals she’s received from fans

-- The 10 best anime about idols, as chosen by the Internet masses

-- Japanese idol singer has an important request for fans: Please use deodorant

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

11 Comments
Login to comment

Look at the state of them.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Hmmm, maybe Yuzuru Hanyu should check out the hundreds of Winnie the Pooh plush dolls that are thrown out to him after his performance. I'm sure he doesn't keep them though.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

As this is both malicious and dangerous, from now on we will be prohibiting fans from giving us stuffed animals. Thank you for your understanding.

That’s the issue with Japan. They never treat an issue from its core.

Receive a stuffed animal with GPS tracking? Ban stuffed animal presents. Fair enough. Next time, crazy stalker will send a plastic toy.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

They look like a bunch of 22nd century neo-pirates, who are a little too light on their feet.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Or just don't accept any gifts of any kind. Tons of crazy people out there.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The world or Japan just keeps getting weirder.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

My guess is they dont want anymore stuffed animals and this was the easiest way to say it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Madness is not gender specific obviously

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I think some fan weirdos need a full time job, too much time on their hands

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I’m sure they’re all destroyed or given away. If you’re going to give something make sure it’s something even the queen would want to keep.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites