Japanese Idol JO1’s Shion Tsurubo Under Investigation for $104K Online Gambling
Shion Tsurubo from the popular J-pop group JO1 is under investigation for gambling on the offshore website “K8.” The 24-year-old artist spent around $104,000 over nine months on gambling and lost nearly half of that amount.
How the Violation Came to Light
The gambling took place via mobile phone, often in hotels during tours. The artist preferred online roulette and claimed he played whenever he could: “I like pachinko, and I could play anywhere.”
The investigation didn’t initially focus on the idol, but stemmed from a broader case involving illegal financial transactions. During the inquiry, it was discovered that Tsurubo regularly accessed the K8 website—an online casino officially operating outside Japan.
However, in Japan, accessing any gambling website—even foreign ones—is illegal if done from within the country.
Potential Consequences
Tsurubo was voluntarily questioned and officially charged with “simple gambling”—a relatively minor offense but one that can carry legal consequences and damage his reputation.
Japanese law is strict, even for those who gamble online without involving others.
Reactions and Aftermath
A Temporary Pause
On May 31, Lapone Entertainment announced a 10-day suspension of Tsurubo’s activities. During this period, he completed a “rehabilitation program” and, according to the company, “deeply reflected on the importance of social responsibility.”
On June 10, he returned to the stage, apologizing to fans and vowing to be “more sincere than ever.” The idol expressed “deep shame” and promised to regain public trust through his actions.
Forgiven by Fans
Despite the scandal, fans stood by him, and the group continued its activities. The pattern of a fall from grace followed by a quick comeback is not uncommon in Japan’s pop industry.
Online Gambling in Japan: The Bigger Picture
Although platforms like K8 operate legally in other countries, online gambling from within Japan remains illegal.
Nonetheless, the scale of gambling is significant: Japanese citizens are estimated to spend over ¥1.2 trillion annually on online casinos.
| Fact | Figures and Details |
|---|---|
| Tsurubo’s Total Bets | Approximately ¥15,000,000 (around $104,000) |
| Losses | Nearly half of the total amount |
| Time Period | 9 months |
| Favorite Game | Online roulette |
| Website | K8 (offshore platform) |
| Status in Japan | Online gambling is illegal |
Inequality and Public Scrutiny
Tsurubo became a focal point not because he did something unique, but because he’s in the spotlight. Many are now asking: where does justice end and public shaming begin?
In Japan, the same actions can be judged differently depending on who commits them and how well-known they are. Whether formal charges will be filed or the case quietly dropped will show just how much public exposure matters in such situations.