In the same week that the AKB48 moneymen claimed victory in the amount of hype and advertising cash their well-greased PR machine could turn their "election" campaign into -- comes a scandal that proves just how controlled and fake they are. A minor member of the band, Rino Sashihara (b.1992), has sort-of admitted to the rumors started by a tabloid that she seduced one of her otaku fans. Shock horror! A girl exploiting her fame to get some fun and pleasure for herself?!! Well, it's okay if it's men (unless you go as far as, say, Edison Chen), but with an idol, and especially for ...

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