Hinoi Team: Asuka to appear in spring drama, rumors of breakup

Hinoi Team’s official website announces that Asuka Hinoi will be a regular cast member of the spring drama series “Oniyome Nikki Ii Yu da na.” Fuji TV will broadcast the series on Tuesdays at 10:00pm. Hinoi has not been in a drama since 2003.

Meanwhile, Hinoi Team fans are still in shock over the news that Keika Matsuoka is leaving the group. In a recent article in Love Berry magazine, she left a handwritten message to her fans announcing that she will no longer be a model in that magazine. However, the message also mentioned that she wants to focus on high school entrance exams, and so will no longer be a part of Hinoi Team. No official announcement of Keika’s departure has yet been made by avex.

The news has also led to rumors that Rina Takenaka may be leaving as well, or that the group may even disband, though there is still the possibility that the group will continue with a change of members.