SSFV said:

Any idol group who can achieve this many fans, performed at an epic venue, has its own TV show and appear in many commercials without resorting to swimsuits and fanservice....

Stardust groups do plenty of fanservice, the only thing they didn't do was swimsuits.

At the end on the day I just think we shouln't act like Mirei doing a swimsuit photoshoot is going to cause a breach in time and space for stardust. That breach has always been lingering there, with Kimi to Sekai playing in the distance :))

Invader said:

At the end on the day I just think we shouln't act like Mirei doing a swimsuit photoshoot is going to cause a breach in time and space for stardust. That breach has always been lingering there, with Kimi to Sekai playing in the distance :))

Totally agree with you

One one hand, I admire Mirei for doing what she wants to do, and I think it reinforces the down-to-earth side of her character (which I like).
(if she wanted to do the bikini shots, that is. I'm assuming that it was her idea to party with naughty boys and girls.)

But I don't like the idea of Stardust turning into an organization that's going to put pressure on girls to do bikini shots. I'd feel much happier if they could make their own choices in that regard.

But then again, showbiz being showbiz, and Jpop being Jpop, I should probably just put on my cynical, un-rose-colored glasses and say, "Whatever will be will be, however crass and exploitative it may be!"

Mattthecat said:

I disagree on two counts. As a member of an idol group she can't do anything she wants in her private life, especially in Japan. Especially not break the law (provided it's all true)
The swimsuit shoot however was not something she did on her own but was agreed to and and managed by Stardust

Let me re-iterate (reiterate?) that.
She should be allowed to do anything in her private life. She wants to break the law? Let her do it. Let her face the music. However, her actions should not be reflected on the whole group. It is unfair that you have to consider anything you do, you have to think of the group first.
It is unfair that because the action of one person, the other girls are affected. I mean these girls was recruited since they were in elementary school and they barely had any idea what being in showbiz means. They had to comply by the rules all the time just because one's action can affect the whole image of a group. They can easily quit but think about what they have built up until now.

It's a different story if she's doing it with Ebichu's name on it.
Unless everyone, including all the girls themselves, agreed upon it (although I'm pretty sure some were against), then I have no complains even though I'm pretty sure Mirei requested it. I mean I do have complains about their image of no swimsuit but you know what I mean. Or she could have said no to them if it was by management.
I'm pretty convinced she's trying too hard to be an adult.
Surprisingly to me, the most mature one I can think of is Hinata.

It is unfair that because the action of one person, the other girls are affected

While the scandal (if it even becomes one) won't be of a real consequence to the group, it still is a fact of life
If she was a Western artist I'd agree with you.
But she is part of the Japanese entertainment industry. And you can lament about it as long as you want.
A single person's actions DOES reflect on the group as a whole.
I remember an incident when Natsumi Abe was involved in a plagiarism scandal and all Morning Musume members apologized publically on TV for that
The group means more than the single member

As someone in the entertainment industry you have a huge burden when it comes to morality as well. Especially in the public's perception
Take Atsuko Takahata apologizing for her son's alleged rape charges two weeks ago
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/26/national/japans-apology-culture-takahata-mother-says-sorry-adult-sons-alleged-sexual-assault/
Or the apologies by Mari Yaguchi or Becky for their extra-marital affairs

As someone living in the West this all appears strange and hypocrytical ("let him that is without sin cast the first stone")
I have a hard time accepting it as well but I have to accept the fact that this is how Japanese society and corporate identity is shaped.
If our Western egocentric thinking is always the best way to go through life could be a matter of discussion though

Famous case of Minami Minegishi I still regard as posing (and the scandal and her public repentance)

I mean it was all thought out action from the outset

vimoral said:

I do not know if it was a montage, but in any case the group wasn't responsible for the acts of one of their members.

What do you mean and which case?

Thanks. That was great!

I think Rittan saw an Ai Shinozaki photo by mistake in the third-to-last :)

Haha, nice find with the photos. I think it's good to be able to laugh at the situation. It's not the end of the world.

But it's obviously complicated. On the one hand, Mirei should be allowed to do what she wants. On the other hand, being an Ebichu member gives her certain responsibilities. Ultimately, balancing these two is a fine act. In my view, perhaps management have made a mistake because gravure does not fit with Stardust or Ebichu and the rest of the members shouldn't have to suffer for Mirei's decisions. On the other hand, I value individualism as well, so I am not that unhappy about it as long as it is something Mirei wanted to do.

Like I said, it's complicated and depending on your views your mileage may vary. In the end, we'll all have to deal with it.