This may be taken ICly, however, it must not be moved or taken from it's original found location.
If found, DM @be.ellerinaz so it can be marked as found! People after that may still be able to find this article.
. ˒ ★ Tucked in the far left corner of Karakura's local library, back catalogues of articles and books sit on shelves to dust. One particularly stands out, slightly weathered and crumpled. One page of a newspaper, only one side readable. The article dated not too long ago... How did a local paper from Fukuoka end up in Karakura? * ˚ · ☆
[!] LOCATIONS USED IN THE ARTICLE ARE PURELY DECORATIVE! [!]
March 15, 2024, marks the disbandment of popular J-POP group M1STY! Specific details on why the girl group disbanded have been withheld from the public. Since then, members Kaya Yua, Ban Nanami, Fujii Hye-Won, Higa Umi, and Sugiyama Otoha have branched off to new opportunities. Some avoid the spotlight, while some reenter it in new group or solo acts. Notably, former M1STY! members Ban Nanami and Higa Umi have shied away from performing. The remaining members have, respectively, joined new groups, performed solo, or entered the acting space.
On July 27, 2025, a missing person case was opened for former member Higa Umi. In a formal report, a relative of Higa described her disappearance as “abrupt and unlike her.” Following this, they describe Higa as “quiet, calm, and content with life outside the spotlight.”
Head Detective Usui Isamu relays to the press, “In all my years of investigating missing people’s cases... this is the strangest by far.” Though the Fukuoka Police Department (FPD) is unable to disclose much, “We are working hard to find Miss Higa. We understand how beloved she was by fans, but we hope the public can understand we must keep this case confidential per the family’s request” (Usui).
With what is public for all to see, it’s noted that nothing in Higa’s life drastically changed or was altered. It’s under the assumption of many fans that when M1STY! disbanded, Higa returned to focusing on her education. As Higa was only seventeen years old at the time of disbandment, it’s presumed the young idol aimed to finish her final year of secondary school. Higa was also noted to have participated in local clubs that served the community.
“She was like every other kid! Idol life took away the childhood Umi should have had. After M1STY!, Umi could finally act like any other teenager in Fukuoka, no strings attached,” explained Higa’s best friend, Koga Ema. Koga further details Higa’s school life as “nonchalant” and “under the radar.” Many of the young idol’s peers claimed Higa acted “just like the rest of us, staying out of trouble and passing her classes.”
On August 12, 2025, a backpack was found under a bench in Ohori Park and is now in the possession of the FPD. The forensics team has identified that the backpack belonged to Higa Umi. Detective Usui informs the public, “...This is one step closer to finding Higa Umi.” He further reassures the media and fans that crucial items were inside the backpack—items that could lead investigators right to Higa.
The Fukuoka Police Department has yet to disclose what sorts of evidence they discovered inside the backpack and what actions they will take regarding the evidence retrieved. As of the release date of this article, no further statements have been made for the media about the case. Fans can only continue to hope their beloved idol is found soon and safe. Whether Higa’s disappearance will affect the other members of M1STY! or not is up to chance.
On July 27, 2025, a missing person case was opened for former member Higa Umi. In a formal report, a relative of Higa described her disappearance as “abrupt and unlike her.” Following this, they describe Higa as “quiet, calm, and content with life outside the spotlight.”
Head Detective Usui Isamu relays to the press, “In all my years of investigating missing people’s cases... this is the strangest by far.” Though the Fukuoka Police Department (FPD) is unable to disclose much, “We are working hard to find Miss Higa. We understand how beloved she was by fans, but we hope the public can understand we must keep this case confidential per the family’s request” (Usui).
With what is public for all to see, it’s noted that nothing in Higa’s life drastically changed or was altered. It’s under the assumption of many fans that when M1STY! disbanded, Higa returned to focusing on her education. As Higa was only seventeen years old at the time of disbandment, it’s presumed the young idol aimed to finish her final year of secondary school. Higa was also noted to have participated in local clubs that served the community.
“She was like every other kid! Idol life took away the childhood Umi should have had. After M1STY!, Umi could finally act like any other teenager in Fukuoka, no strings attached,” explained Higa’s best friend, Koga Ema. Koga further details Higa’s school life as “nonchalant” and “under the radar.” Many of the young idol’s peers claimed Higa acted “just like the rest of us, staying out of trouble and passing her classes.”
On August 12, 2025, a backpack was found under a bench in Ohori Park and is now in the possession of the FPD. The forensics team has identified that the backpack belonged to Higa Umi. Detective Usui informs the public, “...This is one step closer to finding Higa Umi.” He further reassures the media and fans that crucial items were inside the backpack—items that could lead investigators right to Higa.
The Fukuoka Police Department has yet to disclose what sorts of evidence they discovered inside the backpack and what actions they will take regarding the evidence retrieved. As of the release date of this article, no further statements have been made for the media about the case. Fans can only continue to hope their beloved idol is found soon and safe. Whether Higa’s disappearance will affect the other members of M1STY! or not is up to chance.
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