Tomomi Itano faces backlash over hotel changing room filming

Former AKB48 member Tomomi Itano is facing public backlash following a YouTube video featuring footage filmed in the changing room of a large public bath at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. While Itano claimed on social media that she had received “special permission” to film the scene, the hotel initially stated that while filming within the premises was permitted, filming in the changing rooms was not.

In a subsequent statement, the hotel clarified that the filming took place outside of regular business hours when no other guests were present, and apologized for failing to clearly communicate that certain areas should remain off-limits for filming. This clarification has led to further scrutiny regarding whether the family received “special treatment” by having access to the facilities during non-operational hours.

Observers and acquaintances have suggested the incident may stem from the pressure of maintaining a strict weekly upload schedule for her YouTube channel. Following her departure from Horipro earlier this year, Itano has been managing multiple business ventures alongside her entertainment career, leading to speculation that a perceived lack of content may have driven the decision to film private family moments.