Original article from NTV News, translated by OP
JO1's Tsurubo Shion referred to prosecutors by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of online gambling
It has been revealed that Tsurubo Shion, a member of the global boy group JO1, has been referred to prosecutors by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for gambling at an online casino.
According to investigators, the person who was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of online gambling is Tsurubo Shion (24), a member of the global boy group JO1.
Tsurubo is suspected of visiting an overseas online casino website to gamble from within Japan.
Regarding Tsurubo, in May 2025, his company put him on a 10-day suspension of activities for allegedly using an online casino at some point in the past. Afterwards, the company announced that Tsurubo's activities would resume starting June 10th.
The company spoke about the resumption of Tsurubo's activities, commenting, "We fully understand our responsibility in this matter, and we will diligently and periodically conduct initiatives to raise awareness of regulatory compliance and to prevent recurrences."
At the time of his suspension, Tsurubo reflected, "I am truly sorry for this matter. I deeply regret doing something so shameful. From now on, I will do everything to live my life in a way that regains your trust. I sincerely apologize to all involved parties, JAMs, and those who support me."
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police reportedly conducted a voluntary questioning with Tsurubo in early 2025.
The topic of online casinos has become a matter of public concern, as comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo and professional baseball players were referred to prosecutors at the beginning of 2025.
Although online casinos may be legally operated overseas, accessing them from within Japan to gamble is illegal. However, online websites that advertise "legally operating overseas", as well as the false claim that "[online casinos are] unregulated in Japan", are misleading and have led to many confirmed cases where individuals have accessed these sites without realizing their illegality.
The issue has pushed forward proposals to tighten regulations on online casinos. With support from both ruling and opposition parties, an amendment to the Basic Act on Countermeasures Against Gambling Addiction was approved by Japan’s House of Representatives on June 3rd.
The amendment criminalizes not only the creation and operation of online casino websites but also advertising and social media posts that promote them. If passed, the bill would make online casino sites illegal, which would allow authorities to request the removal of such content from online advertising entities.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police stated, “Online casinos are not only illegal but also carry the risk of addiction, so we urge people not to use them,” adding, “We also plan to promote measures that address gambling addiction.”
Original article from NHK News, translated by OP
JO1's Tsurubo Shion referred to prosecutors on suspicion of gambling at online casino
On the 16th, Tsurubo Shion, a member of the popular dance and vocal group JO1, was referred to prosecutors by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of gambling money at an online casino.
The individual referred to prosecutors was Tsurubo Shion, a member of the popular dance and vocal group JO1.
Accessing casino websites from within Japan and betting is considered a gambling-related crime and is prohibited by law. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, he is suspected of illegal gambling, involving access to a casino site via smartphone and betting a total of 440,000 yen between May and June of last year.
From what is known from voluntary questioning so far, it has been revealed that Tsurubo placed approximately 15 million yen in bets on casino games such as roulette between December 2023 and August 2024. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police were reportedly seeking prosecution at the time of filing the case.
Tsurubo reportedly told investigators, "I was under the impression that online casinos were all right. I was unaware of it, and deeply regret it."
Regarding Tsurubo, his company had announced a 10-day suspension of his activities after it was revealed that he had used online casinos some point in the past.
