Introduction

In a heart-wrenching revelation that has left fans and netizens stunned, former Japanese idol Otani Masae, 42, has come forward about her tumultuous financial journey following the disbandment of her beloved girl group, Melon Kinenbi. The group, which captivated audiences across Japan in the 2000s, enjoyed a successful decade-long run, but as fans have learned, the glittering facade of celebrity life can quickly fade.

Initial Struggles After Disbandment

After Melon Kinenbi disbanded, Otani found herself at a crossroads. No longer part of the agency that shaped her career, she ventured into freelancing, but financial woes soon followed. Within a year, mounting tax bills left her scrambling for income, prompting her to take on a series of part-time jobs, even factory work, where she struggled to make ends meet. Remarkably, she managed to juggle these demanding roles with sporadic appearances in the entertainment sector, a daunting task that highlighted her determination to succeed despite overwhelming odds.

Becoming a Delivery Driver

At 36, Otani made a strategic move and became a delivery driver. Initially, it seemed like a ray of hope; she was earning a respectable monthly income ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 yen (approximately 2.77 million to 4.62 million KRW). However, the tide turned with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saturated the delivery job market and slashed her earnings to a mere 15,000 yen (about 140,000 KRW) a month—a drastic drop that plunged her deeper into financial despair.

Debt and Public Welfare Support

In a shocking twist, Otani admitted that in her quest to enhance her delivery service, she accrued a staggering debt of 5 million yen (about 46.15 million KRW). This transformation from idol to struggling delivery driver was a hard pill for her family, friends, and fans to swallow, but she remained candid about her situation, revealing that by 2020, she was relying on public welfare support to survive.

Journey to Redemption

'I managed to get back on my feet while receiving public assistance, but I declared bankruptcy at the age of 39,' Otani disclosed, casting light on a reality that often goes unseen in the glamorous world of entertainment.

A New Chapter as a Nail Artist

Despite the hardships, there is a silver lining to Otani’s journey. After overcoming the initial financial hurdles, she has since embarked on a new chapter in her life as a nail artist, skillfully balancing this new career alongside her continued passion for singing and engaging in the entertainment industry. Otani’s resilience stands as a powerful reminder that even in the face of staggering setbacks, renewal and reinvention are always possible.

Industry Implications

This story serves as a wake-up call to the entertainment industry and its fans, highlighting the importance of long-term financial planning and support for those in the limelight. Otani's experience is a poignant reminder that fame does not guarantee future stability and that even idols have to navigate the ups and downs of life just like everyone else.