Japanese pop star Ms. Minami Minegishi, a member of the girls' entertainment group, AKB48, made headlines around the world after cropping her hair and delivering a tearful, apologetic video.
She had not broken any laws, as other male idols and actors have done. Instead, she spent the night at her boyfriend's house, an activity that is still very much legal.
The video of the once peppy, long-haired young woman with a buzz cut, contorted face and red eyes apologizing directly into the camera was viewed millions of times, and continues to be.