Number_i group releases comedic video amid fan etiquette controversy

The Japanese music group Number_i, consisting of Sho Hirano, Yuta Kishi, and Yuta Jinguji, has drawn attention through both social media engagement and recent controversy regarding fan etiquette.

The group released a comedic video on Instagram titled ‘I forgot my earphones…’, featuring a skit where Kishi and Jinguji act as human earphones for Hirano by singing their new song ‘BUGS LIFE’ directly into his ears. The video has received positive reactions from fans.

However, controversy has emerged following a social media post by former TV Asahi announcer Mikiko Minami. Minami shared a photo taken during a Number_i fan meeting at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, which sparked criticism from other fans. Despite official rules from the management company TOBE stating that unauthorized photography and recording are strictly prohibited, the photo was posted publicly. Critics pointed out that the post violated venue regulations and failed to protect the privacy of other attendees captured in the background.