Ado is one of the most famous artists in the world.
Ado is currently on a world tour, captivating many fans overseas.
In Japan, rumors are circulating that Ado’s face photos have been leaked.
Overseas fans must be curious as well, right?
So today, I’m going to cover the truth behind those face leaks that became popular in Japan, aimed especially at her international audience.
My English is still a bit rough, but I hope you enjoy this!
“Ado’s face leaked? Full photo reveal!”
Photos of Ado from her idol days
There are indeed photos from Ado’s “idol days” before her major debut, showing her with short hair and no mask, which have been circulated widely on SNS and fan sites.
When you search online for “Photos from Ado’s idol days,” many images appear that seem to show “Ruri,” a presumed member of the three-person unit “Amaru,” making the peace sign—images that fans believe depict Ado.
Face-reveal images from Ado’s high school years
Photos believed to be of Ado during her high school years have been circulating online, and they’ve become a hot topic among fans. They first appeared in forum and social media posts claiming to show snapshots from graduation ceremonies and events at Watanabe High School, with many pointing out that the short black hair and facial features strongly resemble today’s Ado.
These high school photos spread mainly through fan shares and posts from classmates. Images taken during activities with the “Amaru” unit were mixed in, and that’s what led users to speculate that Ado could be in those pictures.
Why is Ado’s face reportedly revealed? How credible are the leaked images?
Is it true that Ado was a member of the idol unit “Amaru”?
Ado was part of a three-member idol unit called “Amaru” stem from fan speculation, and no official confirmation exists. Online, the unit’s member list includes someone named “Ruri,” and that person—sporting a short black bob—has drawn comparisons to Ado.
In other words, the idea that Ado belonged to Amaru is an intriguing fan theory but remains unverified. Similarities in hairstyle, silhouette, and name have fueled interest, yet there’s insufficient evidence to confirm the claim.
Is the “Ruri” member of “Amaru” actually Ado?
“Ruri”, a member of the idol group “Amaru,” is actually Ado herself are intriguing—but they remain unconfirmed. International fan sites have noted that within the trio known as “Amalu,” the short black bob-haired member called “Ruri” bears a strong resemblance to Ado.
This theory gained traction when fans observed that “Ruri”’s social media accounts align with Ado’s current official account (@ado1024imokenp), and the content from that time sparked speculation that they could be the same person.
However, no official statement or concrete evidence supports this claim, so it remains within fan theory territory.
Moreover, on Reddit, Ado has explicitly stated that she does not show her face, reinforcing the air of mystery around her identity.
As a result, the “Ruri = Ado” hypothesis is best regarded not as confirmed fact, but as an alluring possibility that fans continue to explore.
Why does Ado hide her real face? Ado’s hidden identity and artist philosophy
The reasons for keeping her face concealed and her identity as a “utaite”
Ado chooses not to reveal her face because she has a strong desire to let her voice and music speak for themselves, rather than relying on facial expressions. She prioritizes the world of her songs and maintains a sense of mystery as an artist by keeping her appearance private.
There are two main reasons behind this decision. The first is her respect for Vocaloid culture. Since the beginning of her career, Ado has been influenced by the Vocaloid scene and values its semi-anonymity and character-driven expression.
The second reason is that she wants audiences to focus purely on her performance. By hiding her face, listeners can fully immerse themselves in her voice and the atmosphere of her stage shows. During live concerts, Ado performs using only her silhouette and sound, staying true to the essence of a “utaite” (singing performer).
The appeal and strategy behind artists who never show their face
This kind of strategy enhances Ado’s mysterious charm and is a major reason why fans around the world are so drawn to her.
Artists like Ado, who choose to hide their faces, skillfully use anonymity as a tool to create a unique artistic identity and carefully manage their relationship with fans. Ado maintains her privacy during live performances by using character illustrations and silhouettes, allowing audiences to focus solely on the music itself.
The reason this approach is so effective is because it enables listeners to become completely immersed in the sound and voice. On English-speaking music forums, many users have commented that anonymity helps them concentrate more on the music. On Reddit, for example, some have said that the use of masks or avatars makes artists more memorable. In fact, artists often leave a stronger impression when filtered through a layer of mystery, rather than being reduced to a single face.
By keeping their identities hidden, artists also carve out a distinct niche in the streaming landscape. Especially in the case of Ado and Yoasobi—both affiliated with major labels—choosing to remain anonymous is seen as part of a new wave in the music industry.
In short, anonymous artists are supported for three key reasons: separating art from personal identity, building a mysterious brand, and offering a pure listening experience. Ado is riding this wave with great success, using her hidden identity as a powerful asset that captivates global audiences.
Afterword
This article has summarized the rumors and speculation surrounding the possible leak of Ado’s face photos.
While there has been no official statement, the photos in question are believed by many to potentially show Ado during her high school years.
It doesn’t seem likely that Ado will reveal her face in the future, but as a fan, I’ll continue to support her all the same.