TOKYO (TR) – Haruna Kojima, a former core member of top idol group AKB48 turned multimillionaire entrepreneur, has stunned fans and the entertainment industry after revealing that she secretly registered her marriage and gave birth to her first child.
Kojima, 38, announced the double bombshell on her official social media accounts on Saturday, disclosing that both she and the newborn are healthy.
“It is a personal matter, but I would like to announce that I have given birth to my first child,” Kojima wrote in a statement. “Because I wanted to share the news after a safe delivery, I am reporting it at this time. Both mother and child are doing well, and we are spending peaceful days together. Along with this, I would also like to report that I have registered my marriage.”
Non-celebrity husband
A major entertainment industry insider tells Smart Flash (Nov. 7) that Kojima registered her marriage and delivered the child in October. The father is reported to be an ordinary non-celebrity man (ippanjin).
The revelation came as a total shock to the public, as Kojima managed to conceal her pregnancy entirely. Despite maintaining an active presence on Instagram and YouTube well into the summer and autumn months, she exhibited zero physical signs of pregnancy.
“Even though changes in her body would typically have become obvious from early summer, there was not a single hint on her social media,” the insider said. “She has always favored loose-fitting one-piece dresses, but the level of discretion was absolute. It is likely she also scheduled and delayed posts to avoid detection.”
National fame in AKB48
Kojima first shot to national fame in 2005 as a first-generation member of AKB48. Known for her ditsy persona and striking looks, she cemented her status as one of the group’s legendary “Kami 7” (Divine Seven) top-ranking idols before graduating in 2017.
Following her departure from the idol world, Kojima pivoted to business with massive financial success. In 2018, she launched the lifestyle and apparel brand “Her lip to,” later establishing her own company to oversee operations. In April of this year, the venture was bought out by apparel firm yutori Inc. for a staggering 1.96 billion yen (approx. $12.8 million).
Kojima also retained her sex appeal among both male and female demographics. Her 2024 photobook “Kamoshirenai” — her first release in nine years — became a major hit, shifting over 170,000 copies thanks to daring shots featuring lingerie, swimwear, and thongs showcasing her trademark “marshmallow body.”
Wrapping up her announcement, Kojima expressed gratitude to her supporters and business colleagues.
“I once again realize how deeply I am supported by so many people,” she stated. “I will continue to face my work with greater sincerity and devotion than ever before.”
