On April 30, 2025, SKY-HI, a prominent rapper and music producer, took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to address the recent controversy surrounding RYOKI (Ryoki Mitsuyama), a member of the seven-member dance and vocal group BE:FIRST, which he produces. The controversy erupted following reports from Weekly Bunshun on April 23, 2025, alleging that RYOKI was involved in a broken engagement with popular YouTuber R-chan (Eri Ono), leading to claims of "marriage fraud" amounting to 100 million yen.
In his lengthy post, SKY-HI expressed regret for the delay in his response, acknowledging that he should have commented sooner. He explained that the delay was due to the need for thorough fact-checking with FLASH UP etoile, the talent agency representing RYOKI, and consultations with external parties, including lawyers and experts. He stated, "I recognized that I should have commented on the RYOKI matter sooner, but it took time to confirm facts with FLASH UP etoile and other external parties, and to speak with RYOKI himself."
SKY-HI revealed that he had spoken with RYOKI both in the United States and immediately after his return to Japan. He apologized for causing concern among fans and supporters, stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment to everyone who trusts and supports us as the company’s representative and producer."
After careful consultation with external lawyers, SKY-HI concluded that there was no behavior on RYOKI's part that would constitute marriage fraud. He noted, however, that there were discrepancies between RYOKI's explanations and the information he received, leading to a complex situation. He stated, "There are many parts that differ from what I heard from RYOKI, and as a result of careful consultation with external lawyers and experts, there was no behavior that constitutes marriage fraud."
Despite the lack of legal wrongdoing, SKY-HI acknowledged that RYOKI's actions could be seen as a betrayal and that they contradicted BMSG's philosophy. He emphasized the importance of respect and honesty in all relationships, stating, "I strongly believe that all artists should be respectful and honest with everyone involved, and that I think the brand has certainly been damaged as a result of this."
SKY-HI also reflected on the contracts BMSG offers its artists, which are more advantageous than typical agreements, with higher distribution rates. He expressed concern that these favorable terms might have led some artists, including RYOKI, to develop a skewed sense of financial priorities. He admitted, "BMSG has contracts that are advantageous to artists, but I believe this may have caused some artists to become obsessed with money."
Furthermore, he acknowledged that while BMSG has been actively creating educational opportunities for its artists, RYOKI's education was insufficient. He stated, "I don’t think we have been able to do everything possible, and that we must ensure that this kind of thing never happens again."
SKY-HI's comments also highlighted the need for a culture of accountability and responsibility among artists. He expressed his commitment to fostering an environment where artists understand the importance of their public image and the impact of their actions. He remarked, "I strongly understand that the responsibilities of those in this profession are significant, and that we must create individuals who can bear this responsibility."
In closing, SKY-HI reiterated his apologies to fans and supporters for the distress caused by the situation. He stated, "I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment to everyone who has supported us with our past actions and vision." His heartfelt message aimed to reassure fans that BMSG is committed to rectifying the situation and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and the importance of integrity in personal and professional relationships. As the story continues to unfold, fans and the music industry alike are watching closely to see how BMSG and RYOKI will navigate the aftermath of this controversy.
