Aibon dismissed from agency

Up-Front Agency, the company behind Hello! Project, announced on Monday that it has dismissed idol Ai Kago.

Kago was suspended from work last year for underage smoking. In January of this year, Up-Front Agency allowed Kago to work in their offices in preparation for a comeback, and fans were excited to hear the news about her possible return. But the plans were quickly abandoned within the last few days.

Tabloid magazine Weekly Gendai just published an article reporting that it had seen Kago smoking again. Furthermore, it reported that Kago is dating 37-year old Yasuyuki Ishimoto, the owner of the Shibuya cafe SOMA. The two of them were seen spending the night at an onsen ryoken in Kusatsu, Gunma on March 17.

On Monday, Up-Front Agency stated that Kago had confirmed the story herself. Because she is a minor, the company consulted with her parents, and it was decided that her contract would be cancelled.