Formal dating bans have become rare in Japan's idol industry, yet reports of relationships still trigger online firestorms that expose the intense expectations placed on performers.Earlier this year, after a weekly magazine reported that a member of a popular idol group was in a relationship, social media was filled with comments such as, "I can't honestly support them anymore" and "Don't take being an idol lightly."Popular group WEST. also came under criticism after two members announced in August that they had married, with one of them also revealing that he was a father. Some fans said t…READ FULL ARTICLE
