A “Tee-hee” at the Police Station… What’s the Story Behind Popular Cabaret Hostess Yamatorino’s Arrest on Suspicion of Cocaine Possession with Her Boyfriend?

A mysterious gesture toward the camera

Around 2:00 a.m. on September 16, a car pulled into the Harajuku Police Station of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. In the center of the back seat sat a woman whose face was almost entirely hidden by a cap pulled low over her eyes and a mask.When the woman noticed the press, she extended her right index finger and thumb straight out—as if to hide her face—and made a mysterious “hand sign” by forming a circle with her index finger. Her left eye, visible between her fingers, stared directly at the camera—.

On September 15, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department arrested Rino Tazawa (27), known as “Yamatorino,” a popular hostess and social media influencer, and company executive Kota Fukumoto (28) on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law.

“The two were arrested in the act shortly before 4:00 p.m. on September 15 at the apartment in Roppongi, Minato Ward, where they were living together, on suspicion of possessing 0.4 grams of cocaine. Approximately 20 plastic bags containing white powder and straws believed to have been used for inhalation were also seized from the apartment.

Suspect Tazawa has admitted to the charges, stating, ‘We were using it together,’ while Suspect Fukumoto has denied the charges, saying, ‘It’s not mine.’“The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had been conducting an investigation since early this year after receiving information that Tazawa was using cocaine. Tazawa’s Instagram account has not been updated since the 13th, and rumors of his arrest were apparently circulating among those close to him,” said a reporter from the crime section of a national newspaper.

On social media, the meaning of the “hand sign” Tazawa made while being transported became a hot topic. Various theories have emerged, such as that raising his middle finger meant “Fuck you,” or that it was a gang sign—a signature pose by rapper KENNY-G—signifying “I won’t bow to authority.”

“There is a possibility she could face a prison sentence.”

“Suspect Tazawa gained popularity on X during the COVID-19 crisis under the account name ‘Player’s Wife.’ At the same time, she began to make a name for herself as a hostess—her main line of work.At ‘Jungle Tokyo’ in Roppongi, where she transferred in February 2024 under the stage name ‘Yamatorino,’ she reportedly generated 230 million yen in sales on her birthday. While some customers said, ‘She was so condescending—it really annoyed me,’ she was by far the most popular hostess.

“On the YouTube cabaret hostess audition show ‘LAST CALL,’ which began streaming this past January, she even served as a ‘Queen’ (judge) as one of the legendary cabaret hostesses. She also made headlines due to disputes with the show’s host, Yuji Mizoguchi, regarding the program’s operations and her appearance contract,” said an entertainment writer.

Going beyond her role as a hostess, Tazawa—who had 162,000 followers on X and 177,000 on Instagram—was also an influencer. What will happen to her now? Former narcotics enforcement officer Ryoji Takahama explains.

“First, a urine test will be conducted to determine if she used drugs. If necessary, a hair sample will also be taken to investigate whether she had a habit or a predisposition to drug use.The 20 bags of white powder that were seized will also be tested; if it turns out to be cocaine, depending on the quantity, it could be classified as possession for profit. Unlike possession for personal use, possession for profit carries the possibility of a prison sentence.

The number of cocaine-related arrests has increased approximately sevenfold over the past decade. Most of those arrested are in their 20s and 30s.It is believed that young people’s preference for cocaine stems from a misguided perception—spread on social media—that using it is a kind of status symbol, as well as from the unique fashion sensibilities of today’s youth. I believe the same can be said for the two individuals arrested in this case.”

Some have pointed out that the police had a specific motive behind these arrests.

“‘LAST CALL’ became a catalyst for the widespread use of Manjaro for weight loss, which led to problems. As the show gained popularity, the police may have made these arrests as a ‘show of force’ to counter the trend of cabaret hostesses being glorified,” said a crime reporter.

Suspect Tazawa has been cast from the glitzy world into the depths of despair. However, her days of atonement are only just beginning.

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