Manila Idol Matsuri — which dubs itself as the first major Philippine event dedicated to Japanese idol culture, has been the subject of intense online scrutiny after organizers apparently failed to secure the event’s backstage area, leading to their performers having been robbed of approximately PhP 80,000 (about SGD $2000) in valuables.
The performers have been vocal on their personal social media platforms about the incident, citing lack of accountability as well as apparent victim-blaming on the part of Manila Idol Matsuri. As for the organizers, they have not made any statement addressing the issue.
Manila Idol Matsuri boasted of an extensive line-up of local independent Japanese idol-style groups, as well as an appearance by the Philippines’ official AKB48 sister group MNL48. As of this time, it is unclear if members of the AKS-affiliated idol group were among the victims of the apparent theft.
