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Tokyo cops crack down on street performances by idol group

The South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station
The South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station (NHK)
TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Wednesday filed charges against an idol group for holding an illegal performance outside JR Shinjuku Station two months ago, reports Nikkan Sports (Oct. 8).

Officers charged the seven female members of the group Flare-La-Mode Ace (aged 18-26) and its manager, 24, with violating the Road Traffic Act by holding a one-hour live concert before an assembled audience on a sidewalk in front of the South Exit of the station on the afternoon of August 13.

According to officers from the Shinjuku Police Station, the group, whose members are described as “idols from outer space,” had performed in the same location on more than nine occasions.

When warned about the violations by police, the manager of Flare-La-Mode Ace indicated that the shows would continue.

This year, there have been more than 500 complaints by pedestrians regarding congestion in the same general vicinity due to live performances, police said.

According to public broadcaster NHK (Oct. 8), the members of the group admitted to the allegations, saying that highly trafficked areas are beneficial for the sale CDs and tickets to upcoming shows.

Police also accused the members of a comedy duo with the same violation.

Flare-La-Mode Ace
Flare-La-Mode Ace