After nearly a decade of activities, Nakamura Izumi has officially announced her departure from SKE48, signaling a major turning point in her career and an emotional farewell for fans.

Nakamura Izumi joined the popular J‑pop girl group in November 2016 as a kenkyuusei (trainee). Thanks to her steady growth and dedication, she was promoted to Team S in 2018 before later transferring to Team E in 2025, where she continued her activities until now.

During a live performance on January 15, Izumi personally revealed that she would be “graduating” from SKE48 after nine years as a member. She confirmed that her final stage performance with the group is scheduled for March 31, officially closing a long chapter of her idol journey.

Following the announcement, an official statement was posted on SKE48’s website, where Izumi shared her thoughts with fans. She explained that the decision was not made lightly and that she had spent a long time thinking it over. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude toward fans, fellow members, and staff who supported her throughout the years, asking for their continued encouragement as she moves forward.

At this time, specific details regarding Izumi’s future plans and her activities leading up to her final performance have not yet been disclosed. This uncertainty has only added to fans’ mixed emotions of sadness, support, and curiosity about what lies ahead for her.

For many supporters, Izumi’s graduation is another reminder of how quickly time passes in the idol world. As the New Year begins, her farewell joins a growing list of idol departures making this goodbye particularly bittersweet for longtime fans who have followed her journey since her trainee days.

Sources: X