In an emotional announcement that brought fans to tears, Mizuta Shiori, a long-time member of the Japanese girl group NMB48, revealed her decision to graduate from the group and officially retire from the entertainment industry.
The announcement came during the group’s Seishun! Koi no Destination concert on October 25, where Shiori took center stage to reflect on her nearly ten-year journey as an idol.
“I, Mizuta Shiori, will be graduating from NMB48,” she declared. “When I look back on these past nine and a half years, it feels both long and incredibly short. I’ve truly given my all and I have no regrets.”
Debuting with NMB48 in June 2016, Mizuta quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her bubbly charm and consistent presence in performances. Over the years, she built a loyal fanbase, boasting over 23,000 Instagram followers, and contributed significantly to the group’s identity.
But it was not just a farewell to NMB48. Mizuta also shared that her graduation marks her complete departure from the entertainment industry.
“Every moment, happy or sad, became a treasure. Even when I made mistakes or caused worry, everyone still supported me. Because of that, I can stand here now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Mizuta Shiori
While Shiori did not reveal specific future plans, her tone remained optimistic and full of gratitude. She closed her statement with encouragement for fans to celebrate the time they have left together.
“Let’s make the rest of my idol life as beautiful and wild as ever. Idol and fan — let’s go all out till the very end!”
The idol industry in Japan follows a “graduation” system where members eventually move on to new chapters, but Shiori’s departure stands out as a full goodbye to showbiz a bold move that underscores her readiness for a fresh start outside the spotlight.
Fans have flooded her Instagram with messages of love and support, many noting how her sincerity and dedication will leave a lasting legacy in the NMB48 family.
Mizuta Shiori’s final performances with NMB48 are expected to take place later this year, marking the end of an era for the beloved idol.
Sources: Koreaboo
You must be logged in to post a comment.