Tokyo, Japan – August 21, 2025. A Tokyo District Court has fined Shion Tsurubo, 24-year-old member of the popular J-pop group JO1, ¥100,000 (approx. $675 USD) after he admitted to gambling illegally on an overseas online casino.
Investigators revealed that between May and June 2024, Tsurubo accessed the offshore platform K8 from Japan, wagering on roulette and other casino games via his smartphone. Records showed deposits of nearly ¥15 million ($104,000), resulting in net losses of around ¥7.1 million ($49,000).
The case was uncovered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police during a broader probe into criminal proceeds linked to unauthorized gambling platforms. Prosecutors filed charges earlier this year, leading to Thursday’s ruling.
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In addition to the court’s fine, Tsurubo’s management agency, Lapone Entertainment, announced a 10-day suspension from all public activities. The company issued a public apology, stating it would strengthen compliance measures and ensure that similar incidents do not recur.
The scandal has sparked debate in Japan, where gambling laws remain among the strictest in Asia. Under the Japanese Penal Code, gambling outside government-authorized exceptions—such as horse racing, bicycle racing, pachinko, and state lotteries—is illegal. While the Integrated Resorts Act of 2018 paved the way for regulated land-based casinos, online gambling remains prohibited, and both operators and players are liable to prosecution.
Public reaction has been mixed. Fans on social media expressed disappointment but also questioned the lightness of the penalty compared to the large sums wagered. Others noted that in Japan, the reputational consequences often outweigh financial sanctions, as celebrities are held to stricter standards of conduct.
The ruling against Tsurubo highlights the government’s zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized online casinos and sends a warning to both public figures and ordinary citizens that participation in offshore gambling platforms carries legal and social consequences.
