Nine years after her debut, a female idol is saying goodbye to her girl group.
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In 2016, Kubo Shiori debuted as a third-generation member of the popular Japanese idol girl group Nogizaka46, at 15 years old. Like many Japanese idol groups, Nogizaka46 has a graduation system that allows current members to “graduate” and leave the group and new members to join the lineup.
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On September 16, the now 24-year-old star officially announced her departure from the group in a blog post entitled “Like the Wind, These Nine Years Flew By.” The younger members of her group begged her to stay longer, but she felt that it was time for her to move on.
I loved idols since I was six, and becoming a Nogizaka46 member felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from. But when I looked at myself objectively, I realised the timing to graduate is now. I want to learn how to make choices for myself, without relying on the group. I felt I must stand on my own.
— Kubo Shiori
Shiori will officially be leaving Nogizaka46 after her graduation concerts, which will be held on November 26 and 27, 2025, at Yokohama Arena in Japan.
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