Chronology of the Renka Iwamoto Case from Nogizaka46, Temporarily on Hiatus Due to Breaking the Golden Rule

Kapanlagi.com - Renka Iwamoto, one of the members of the Japanese idol group Nogizaka46, has recently been in the spotlight. She is known to have violated the golden rule of Nogizaka46 and decided to temporarily stop her activities.

As is known, an idol group indeed has golden rules that must be followed by its members. One of them is the prohibition against dating, as it is considered to disrupt the expectations and imagination of fans. This rule was broken by Renka, causing a huge uproar in the online world and among fans.

What is the chronology of the story? Check it out below..

1. Intimate Photos Spread on Social Media

Renka Iwamoto, a viral member of Nogizaka46 (Credit: instagram/renka.i_official)

As a member of the third generation of Nogizaka46, Renka actually has quite a good career. She has a hardcore fanbase that faithfully supports her. However, an incident came to disrupt her career.

Somehow, at the beginning of 2025, intimate photos of Renka and a man spread on social media. The man is said to be her boyfriend. Due to the huge uproar, Renka eventually made a clarification regarding this case through her personal blog.

As of January 14, 2026, Renka officially went on hiatus from all Nogizaka46 activities for the time being.

2. Cancel Meet & Greet Event

Renka Iwamoto, a member of Nogizaka46 who went viral (Credit: instagram/renka.i_official)

Due to the hiatus decision, Renka has to miss a major event that was previously scheduled, namely the Real Meet & Greet for Nogizaka46 members. This news was also confirmed by the idol group through their official website.

"As announced through her personal blog, Iwamoto Renka will stop her activities with Nogizaka46 for an unspecified amount of time. Therefore, Iwamoto Renka will be absent from the 'Real Meet & Greet' event held at Makuhari Messe on Sunday (26/1/2025). We sincerely apologize to those who have been eagerly anticipating the event from Renka. We will continue to provide updates regarding her participation in future events. Thank you for your understanding," wrote Nogizaka46's official statement on their main site.

3. Fan and Media Reactions

After a few weeks of hiatus, Renka finally made a comeback sooner than expected. On February 22 and 23, 2025, she resumed her activities with Nogizaka46 to perform at Yuki Yoda's Graduation Concert at Mizuho PayPay Dome, Fukuoka.

This news was well received by fans on social media. Many felt that Renka had become a victim in this incident because someone spread her personal photos without permission.

4. Profile and Career Journey of Renka Iwamoto

Renka Iwamoto, a member of Nogizaka46 who went viral (Credit: instagram/renka.i_official)

Renka Iwamoto is a Japanese singer and idol who is a member of the third generation of the idol group Nogizaka46. She was born on February 2, 2004, in Tokyo, Japan, and has blood type B.

Before joining Nogizaka46, Renka was a member of the trainee group First Kisspo until 2016. On September 4, 2016, she was announced as one of the members of the third generation of Nogizaka46. Her stage debut with the third generation took place on December 10, 2016, at the Omitatekai event held at Nippon Budokan.

Renka was first selected as a senbatsu member for Nogizaka46's 21st single, Jikochuu de Ikou!, which was released in 2018. Since then, she has continued to participate in various singles and other group activities.

In November 2024, Renka released her first photobook titled "Itazura na Kaze." This photobook features various photos that highlight her charm as an idol.

Renka Iwamoto is known for her singing and dancing talents, as well as her cheerful personality. As the youngest member of the third generation of Nogizaka46, she has managed to capture attention and earn a special place in the hearts of fans.

(kpl/gtr)