Hey! Say! JUMP’s Yuya Takaki Faces Backlash Over Two-Shot Post With Woman

Fans confused by a two-shot with an older-sister-like figure

On December 7, ’25, Yuya Takaki (35) of ‘Hey! Say! JUMP’ uploaded an intimate-looking two-shot with model and talent Mai Miyagi (37) on his Instagram. The post caused a stir among fans, leading Takaki himself to clarify the relationship with Miyagi in a live broadcast.

Takaki posted a side-by-side, close photo with Miyagi at what appeared to be a restaurant. He described her as: “My older sister!” and “The older sister who always scolds me loudly she looks just like my real older sister,” revealing that he has a close relationship with Miyagi.

Miyagi had married a non-celebrity man in February ’18 and had two children but announced her divorce on January 1, ’25, becoming a single mother.

“Even if she’s an older-sister-like figure, many fans were confused by the sudden two-shot with a woman. As a result, Takaki deleted the post with Miyagi’s photo. Not only fans of Hey! Say! JUMP but also fans of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT as a whole reacted with statements like, ‘He’s not acting responsibly as an idol,’ ‘A two-shot with a girl makes me uneasy,’ and ‘Does he really think fans will be happy seeing this?’—showing clear disappointment at Takaki’s behavior,” (entertainment writer) explained.

Takaki had opened his personal Instagram account on July 9, ’25. Recently, he has been doing late-night Instagram Lives, communicating with fans in his own way (same source).

After deleting the post, Takaki conducted an Instagram Live and explained: “Yesterday’s post wasn’t a misstep or anything I just thought, I want people to know me fully, so I posted it. There’s nothing weird between me and (Miyagi), we’ve just been close for a long time. I thought if you’re my fan, you’d understand, so I was a bit naive. Sorry.”

He also admitted: “I didn’t intend to delete it, but I thought it might have caused trouble for her.”

It seems he wanted to show his genuine self through Instagram. He added: “I misjudged, but I treated everyone a bit like friends. I’m sorry. This is just how I am, probably won’t change much. Don’t say anything to the other person. It’s my fault,” defending Miyagi.

Fans express concern: “Are you okay?”

In response to Takaki’s own explanation, fans on social media wrote:

〈Even though he didn’t know what kind of comments viewers would leave, Yuya-kun sincerely apologizing on Instagram Live made me think he’s honest and mature. I’m glad I support Yuya-kun, I realized that again.〉
〈Takaki-san’s honesty is really charming! Genuine and cute. I hope he continues posting his authentic self, just as he is.〉
〈I want him to post on social media without worrying about anything, and show his real self.〉

Supportive voices were sent in.

“Rather, some people who are not fans of Hey! Say! JUMP or Takaki, but support other groups, saw clips of this live broadcast and actually developed a favorable impression of Takaki. The group’s concert tour started on December 13.

Right after the tour began, on the 15th, Takaki posted a Story on Instagram (a post visible for 24 hours) asking, ‘Which do you prefer, the real me or the idol me?’ However, the post was deleted before even a day had passed. Fans expressed concern, saying, ‘The late-night Stories are so worrying, and deleting it is even more worrying. We love any version of Yuya,’ and ‘Is Yuya okay?’” (same source)

Even so, Takaki himself stated during the previously mentioned Instagram Live, “I’ll post photos like that again,” suggesting he has no intention of changing his stance. In fact, he interacted again with Miyagi on Instagram, who had caused the earlier controversy.

On December 23, Miyagi uploaded a video of herself changing clothes, and Takaki commented, “Not sexy at all.” Miyagi replied, “Shut up,” and the exchange, showing their close relationship, was made public.

“Looking at their comments, some negative reactions were seen, such as ‘Not suited to be an idol’ and ‘Is there any point in commenting?’ But there were also positive responses like, ‘Their interaction is funny’ and ‘They’re like real siblings.’ Devoted fans probably want Takaki to post his authentic self, close to his private life,” (same source).

The group’s concert tour will continue until January 12, ’26. During performances, he is expected to remain an idol who gives fans dreams and excitement.