AKB48 announced on June 23 that they have terminated their contract with member Mei Hanada.

According to a statement posted on the group's official website, Hanada had been repeatedly late to activities since around December 2025, citing health issues. Management said they prioritized her well-being and placed her on hiatus so she could focus on her health and receive appropriate treatment.

The agency also stated that, during that process, they discovered that Hanada had been in contact with a specific fan, which violated group rules. While Hanada reportedly claimed that she had only met the individual twice by chance, the company said interviews conducted with relevant parties suggested multiple meetings had taken place. 

Unable to reach an agreement, the agency ultimately decided to end Hanada's contract, describing it as the first contract termination of a member in AKB48's history. Hanada, also known as "Meimei," joined AKB48 as a member of its 19th generation.