HONG KONG (TR) – The “Mega Fans Expo 2026” (MFE) — was abruptly cancelled on Wednesday after key attendees were denied entry to the country.
The incident is the latest effort by authorities to crack down on female Japanese travelers suspected of engaging in adult-related businesses abroad.
Promoted as Hong Kong’s first large-scale adult entertainment expo, the cancellation of MFE came less than two days before it was scheduled to open.
According to the South China Morning Post (Nov. 11), nearly 30 Japanese adult video (AV) performers, managers, and crew members were refused immigration clearance and deported back to Japan upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. This was despite reportedly obtaining advance visas.
“We sincerely apologize”
MFE was scheduled to be held at the Regal Airport Hotel. over a three-day period ending November 15. “It has been canceled due to circumstances beyond our control,” said the organizers on X on Thursday.
“We sincerely apologize for falling short of the expectations of the fans who had been looking forward to the event and for causing you such deep disappointment,” the statement continued. “We also sincerely apologize to all performers and those involved for the considerable inconvenience caused.”
Under Hong Kong law, visitors are generally not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment.
The event was to feature a lineup of about 30 Japanese performers and industry guests — including Yui Hatano (serving as MC), Taka Kato, Saika Kawakita, Hibiki Otsuki, Rena Miyashita, Hikari Aozora, Remu Suzumori and others.
【重要なお知らせ】
「MEGA FANS EXPO 2026」開催中止に関するお詫びとお知らせ11/13(金)〜15(日)に開催予定の「MEGA FANS EXPO 2026」は、諸般の事情により開催中止となりました。
楽しみにお待ちいただいていたファンの皆様のご期待を裏切る形となり、深く失望させてしまいましたことを心よりお詫び申し上げます。出演者・関係者の皆様にも多大なるご迷惑をおかけし、誠に申し訳ございません。
■ チケットの払い戻し
購入窓口／公式サイトにて順次ご案内いたします。
※手続き完了まで、チケットおよび購入確認メールは大切にご保管ください。MEGA FANS EXPO 運営事務局
— MegaFansExpo (@MegaFansExpo) November 11, 2026
Intensified scrutiny
The announcement comes amid intensified scrutiny this year by border agents of female Japanese visitors suspected of working in adult-related businesses.
As recently reported, a bar hostess from Nagoya was handcuffed and deported by border officials from Hawaii.
Last month, popular hostess Miyu, working in Osaka City’s bustling Kita Shinchi district, suffered the same fate.
In June, AV actress Yua Fukuda was detained and interrogated on suspicion of prostitution upon arriving in New Zealand. She was subsequently denied entry and deported.
