Female Idol Announces Her Departure From Popular Girl Group

After five years with her group, an idol has decided that it’s time for her to move on.

Wada Miyu is a member of NMB48, a Japanese girl group that debuted in 2011 as AKB48‘s second sister group. 28-year-old Miyu joined NMB48 in 2020, was transferred to NMB48’s Team N in 2023, then tranferred to Team M in 2023.

Unlike most K-Pop groups, some J-Pop groups like NM48 have a graduation system, where current members “graduate” and new members join the group. On July 31, Miyu announced her graduation during Team M’s performance at NMB48 Theater in Osaka, Japan.

I, Wada Miyu, will be graduating from NMB48.

— Wada Miyu

“My idol life didn’t exactly start off smoothly,” she told fans. “It actually took me three years just to make senbatsu, and during that time, I felt I couldn’t bring much good news to the fans who had supported me from the very start.” Senbatsu refers to the selection of members who will participate in a specific activity, typically the “A-side” of a single or major performances.

Wada Miyu announcing her graduation

She credited her competitive spirit for helping her to finally make the cut.

Idols don’t have time to hesitate. While you’re sitting there unsure, someone else will already be two steps ahead. I’ve always been super competitive, and honestly? That worked in my favor.

— Wada Miyu

Miyu also thanked fans for their support, telling them, “If I could be even a tiny bit of a hero to someone out there, then I’m truly glad I became an idol. I can say it with pride—dedicating my youth to NMB48 was one of the best choices I ever made.”  She will be graduating around November of this year.

Wada Miyu announcing her graduation

Back in May, another NMB48 member announced her graduation:

Girl Group Member Announces Her Departure After 5 Years With Popular Group