GPS trackers, soiled stuffed animals and stabbings: the perils of being a Japanese pop star

Infatuated fans of Japan’s stage stars are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to get closer to the objects of their desire.

The management of all-boy dance troupe Anatashia has been forced to issue a statement through the group’s official Twitter account saying the six dancers will no longer accept soft toys from fans after what appeared to be a tracking device was found inside a stuffed animal given to one of them at a recent event.

“We are sad to have to inform you that inside a stuffed animal that we were given a few days ago, there was what we believe to be a GPS device,” the band tweeted. “This is both malicious and dangerous and, from now on, we will no longer be able to accept stuffed animals from our fans. We appreciate your understanding.”

Other fans expressed their anger at the incident, which could potentially have given the perpetrator a way of tracing one of the members of the group.

The dancers who make up Anatashia – known for their tightly-choreographed moves and trendsetting fashions – are apparently taking no chances with their fans as a result of previous incidents involving followers whose support took a sinister turn.

Kaori Matsumura, a singer with Nagoya-based idol band SKE48, appeared on a television chat show last year and said she always checks the insides of soft toys people send her out of fear that a fan might have hidden an audio or video recording device inside.