Japanese pop star Ms. Minami Minegishi, a member of the girls¡¯ entertainment group, AKB48, made headlines around the world after cropping her hair and delivering a tearful, apologetic video.

She had not broken any laws, as other male idols and actors have done. Instead, she spent the night at her boyfriend¡¯s house, an activity that is still very much legal.

The video of the once peppy, long-haired young woman with a buzz cut, contorted face and red eyes apologizing directly into the camera was viewed millions of times, and continues to be.