Keyakizaka46’s Yui Imaizumi will be graduating from the popular Japanese girl group soon. The announcement was made via the official Keyakizaka46 website, as well as Imaizumi’s official member blog on the same website.

© SONY MUSIC

Yui Imaizumi has been absent from official Keyakizaka46 activities since Winter 2017 — including rehearsals, concerts, and handshake events. “I am so sorry for causing so much worry for my fans, the rest of the group, and the staff,” she says in her statement. “… so I have come to a truly heartbreaking decision to graduate from Keyakizazaka46,” she continues.

© SONY MUSIC

The last release Imaizumi will be part of is the 7th single “Ambivalent”; she will also be absent from the upcoming “Keyakizaka46 Summer Nationwide Arena Tour” which starts this weekend — 11th August 2018. The group’s management will be making another announcement about her farewell activities very soon.

We wish Yui-chan all the best in her future!