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Malay Mail
36 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
‘There is no falsehood in my claims': Japanese teen idol files police report after alleged rape and pregnancy by producer's boyfriend
TOKYO, Aug 3 — A 19-year-old Japanese teen idol has filed a police report after allegedly being raped and impregnated by the boyfriend of the group's producer and influencer, Yurinya. The allegations were first leaked by Japanese YouTuber Korekore on August 1 and later confirmed by Yurinya in a social media statement, according to a report by Koreaboo. Yurinya named her former partner in the statement, saying, 'I am deeply saddened and feel a strong sense of responsibility that someone I trusted, Taichi Saito, committed such an extremely irresponsible and inconsiderate act.' 'As a producer and an individual, I want to make it clear that I strongly denounce his actions and have completely severed all personal and professional ties with him.' Korekore claimed that the idol, a member of Japanese idol group Pretty Chuu — identified as Ten-ten in Yurinya's statement and as Shuna Amamiya in Japanese media reports — was secretly undressed and filmed while asleep at Yurinya's home. Although Saito later apologised to her via Line messages, it was alleged that he subsequently raped her while she was asleep, resulting in a pregnancy and later, an abortion. Korekore alleged that Saito pressured Amamiya to stay silent and offered a settlement of ¥1 million (approximately RM28,878). Amamiya reportedly reached out to Korekore for help before filing a police report. Yurinya said she first learned of the incident through the leaked post and confirmed its accuracy after speaking with those involved. She pledged to prioritise the affected member's well-being and strengthen the group's support systems. In the statement, Yurinya also apologised to the idol involved, the other Pretty Chuu members, the staff and the fans for the worry and trouble caused by the incident. Pretty Chuu management had previously cited 'chronic illness' as the reason for Amamiya's hiatus. A recent review of the group's official Instagram page showed only five members, despite Pretty Chuu debuting with six. In a Twitter update yesterday, Korekore shared conflicting accounts of the incident: Amamiya claimed, 'There was no consent while in a drunken state,' while Saito said, 'They kissed me, and it was consensual.' Japanese police are reportedly reconstructing the situation, as the incident occurred in private and evidence remains inconclusive. Korekore revealed that Amamiya visited a hospital to request medical records in order to clarify whether her pregnancy was linked to the alleged assault or a previous relationship. 'The documents will arrive by mail in a few days,' they said. Amamiya has announced her withdrawal from idol activities and asserted, 'There is no falsehood in my claims.' Korekore urged the public to refrain from slandering either party as investigations are ongoing. Pretty Chuu debuted on June 16 and is described by its producer as embodying 'strength,' 'transience,' 'innocence' and 'pure maiden heart.' * If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women's Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Manga with a Malaysian soul: How Rise Production blends local folklore with Japanese style and modern storytelling
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The love for manga shows no signs of slowing down — in Malaysia, a deep passion for this art remains strong, with fans eagerly diving into its stories day after day. While many locals are familiar with Japanese manga — especially modern titles such as Spy x Family, My Hero Academia and Chainsaw Man — few may know that a local visual and IP development studio is taking things a step further by creating original manga that reflects Malaysia's unique culture and identity. Not to be confused with the many local comics found nationwide, this studio fully embraces the authentic Japanese manga aesthetic — from the detailed art style to the right-to-left reading format, mirroring the experience of a true Japanese manga. Meet Rise Production — a studio founded by comic artist and manga enthusiast named Cross — which began as a solo project and has since evolved into a full creative team, coming together just last year. Think of their manga as a fusion of action, mystery and supernatural thrills, with stories designed to resonate deeply with millennials and young adults. 'As a company targeting the manga style, I think we can safely say we are the only one in Malaysia,' said Cavan, 25, the producer at Rise Production. However, Cross and Cavan acknowledge that others may have similar aspirations, though they point out that execution varies widely, and each project tends to develop a unique style of its own. 'For us, you can call this a manga style, but it's also a Rise style. 'At the end of the day, it's up to the reader's interpretation,' Cavan added. Cavan, the producer at Rise Production, said the team aims to retell local cultures through the most globally recognised format which is manga. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Why create manga with Malaysian elements? Cavan stated that they wanted to retell local cultures through the most globally recognised format, which is manga. 'I think the popularity of manga can't be denied in this current day and age,' he said. 'We also grew up reading manga, liking the Japanese aesthetic, that's why we decided to go with the manga style. 'We want to stay true to the medium at the end of the day,' he added. An artist from Rise Production hand-drawing a character. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa The success of their local manga thus far Just a year after its formation as a full-fledged studio, its work has already gained favourable reviews in Malaysia. Titles like Ibu Gunung (2022) — a folk horror about a mysterious pregnant woman, which has sold over 500 copies — and Keramat (2024) — a supernatural story about a bomoh's son and a Taoist exorcist, with over 800 copies sold — have both been well received. Interest in their work has also grown beyond Malaysia, particularly in South-east Asian countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, as seen through strong engagement at conventions like Singapore Comic Con and Indonesia Comifuro. The growing demand led the team to release digital versions, particularly for titles like Keramat. However, Cavan noted that they don't plan to convert all their titles into e-books, as the team believes print still offers a more impactful experience. Sketches from Rise Production's on display. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa The studio's work has received notable recognition, with Ibu Gunung winning the Work In Progress (W.I.P.) Programme 2023 organised by Singapore Comic Con, and Keramat earning a place in the programme's Top 10. 'The response has been very welcoming,' said Cross. Before Rise Before coming together as an official studio, many of the artists who would form Rise had already established strong connections and gained recognition in the world of visuals. One notable example is the lead artist Cross, who partnered with influential Malaysian filmmaker and Grim Film CEO Jared Lee to create the local manga Horologist, which Jared wrote and directed. It debuted through self-publishing in 2021 and quickly sold out during its physical launch at Comic Fiesta, one of Malaysia's largest manga and anime conventions. Following its success, the project secured funding from MDEC and was developed into an animated short, with many of the artists — who would later form Rise — contributing to its production by illustrating backgrounds and props even before the studio was officially established. The Horologist anime, released in 2022, went on to win several accolades, including Best Animation at San Diego Comic-Con and Best Animation at the USA International Film Festival, both in 2023. It was also nominated for Best Animation and the Audience Choice Award at Poland's Animator 2023 International Animation Festival. Now officially united as Rise Production, the team has shown a strong interest in adapting their own manga into anime, particularly Keramat. However, their current priority is building momentum around their existing manga titles. What's next, and where to catch them? Rise Production has many collaborations in the works — including one with a Japanese publishing house, which will feature a brand-new title — along with plans to re-release some of their earlier manga. If you're wondering where to get their titles, you'll need to be patient as their manga isn't available in local bookshops and can only be obtained at selected events. The good news? You won't have to wait long as Rise Production will be appearing at Comic Fiesta 2025, this December, where they'll be unveiling several brand-new IPs alongside existing favourites like Keramat. In the meantime, you can check out a glimpse of their work or stay updated on their next event appearance on their social media accounts such as Facebook and Instagram. Changing the world with the power of manga The concept of creating stories using authentic manga styles has primarily been explored across Asia, especially in countries like Hong Kong and South Korea. While it cannot be confirmed that Rise Production is the only studio pursuing this approach in Malaysia, they are certainly gaining significant attention for pioneering it locally. 'We hope to be known as the manga powerhouse of Malaysia, and make as many great stories as we can, with much power, much passion. 'I believe great stories have the power for change, and we'll use manga to take us there,' Cross concluded.
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Misha Omar opens her heart: New single, sold-out concert and a whole lot of gratitude
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Misha Omar's journey in the local music scene over the last two decades has not been an easy one, but behind her success, the melodious-voiced singer continues to appreciate the people who have supported her, including journalists who faithfully documented every moment of her career since she first ventured into the entertainment industry. Misha, 43, whose real name is Samihah @ Aisah Omar, 43, said her close relationship with media practitioners has helped her build self-confidence through the many challenges and transitions in her career, including the times when she had to deal with vocal problems and personal dilemmas. 'As my late father used to say, we don't meet (someone) by chance. I'm very grateful for this connection because it's something I deeply value in life. 'In addition to having close friends who truly know me, I'm also very transparent with my journalist friends. My relationship with journalists is very special. I gain their trust, they gain my trust. I think artistes from my era feel the same. This is a bond I really treasure in my life,' she said after the launch of her latest single 'Break' recently. Misha, who rose to fame through the Bintang RTM 2001 programme, said her new song, composed by renowned Indonesian composer Melly Goeslaw, is not just a musical piece but a poetic expression that narrates a love story in a unique way. 'I feel Melly really understands the character of my voice and she knows I'm a storyteller through music. The poem she created may seem ordinary at first glance, but when explored further, it becomes a story that's easy to convey,' she said, describing the collaboration as a dream come true. Misha, meanwhile, is set to perform her solo concert DiA Misha Omar at Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur, on Nov 29. The tickets for the Gold, Silver and Platinum seat categories sold out within just 15 minutes. 'This is a very good sign. I was actually quite worried because there are so many concerts being held towards the end of the year, but the response has been very positive. I truly appreciate those who genuinely want to be with me that night,' she said. She said she will begin intensive physical preparations 60 days before the concert, along with vocal training under Datuk Syafinaz Selamat. The concert will highlight her 23-year journey in the local music industry, featuring a musical arrangement and storytelling approach that takes the audience through the most significant moments of her life and career. 'I never take my work lightly. Every time I go on stage, I try to give my best. I believe that's what keeps friends and fans believing in me,' she said. Melly, who made a surprise appearance at the launch function of Misha's new single, praised the latter's ability to convey stories through music in a deeply moving way. She said Misha's uniqueness lies in her ability to bring a song's narrative to life, making every line feel real, especially when used as a soundtrack in a film. 'I became a fan of Misha after hearing (the song) Pulangkan in the movie Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam. I love horror films and every time her voice came on in that movie, it really touched my heart,' she added. — Bernama
