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Sumire Tashiro has officially announced her graduation from OCHA NORMA and Hello! Project.
After stepping away in September 2024 due to health issues, she’s now decided that returning to full activities would be too difficult.
In her farewell message, Tashiro Sumire thanked fans for their support, saying, “I gave my all because of you.”
She described her three years in OCHA NORMA as unforgettable and expressed her deep love for the industry.
She joined Hello! Project in 2021, bringing her passion for music, dance, and photography to the group.
Despite her departure, she remains grateful for everything she learned and aims to move forward positively.
Hello! Project and Up-Front Promotion also released statements supporting her decision and asking fans to continue cheering for both Tashiro and OCHA NORMA.
Official OCHA NORMA's Statement Translation:
Thank you for always supporting Hello! Project and OCHA NORMA.
Sumire Tashiro has decided to graduate from OCHA NORMA and Hello! Project.
She had been on hiatus since September last year due to health issues, and while her condition has now improved, she expressed concerns about whether she could continue activities as before. After discussions with her parents, she decided to leave the group and the agency.
We sincerely apologise to everyone who was waiting for her return and could not meet their expectations.
We will continue to support Sumire Tashiro as she moves forward on her new path. We hope you will also watch over her kindly.
And we ask for your continued support for Sumire Tashiro and OCHA NORMA in the future.
March 11, 2025
Up-Front Promotion
President: Takeshi Nishiguchi
Message from Sumire Tashiro:
"I was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder and have been on hiatus since September. I sincerely apologise for causing concern.
After much thought during my recovery, I realised that it would be difficult for me to continue activities while taking care of my mental and physical health. Therefore, I have decided to graduate from OCHA NORMA and Hello! Project. I’m very sorry for the sudden announcement.
Joining Hello! Project at 16 and spending three years in OCHA NORMA was an incredible experience. As someone with no prior experience, I was able to give my all thanks to the support of everyone cheering me on. I am truly grateful.
These three years with OCHA NORMA are irreplaceable to me. I regret that I couldn't tell everyone in person and that my hiatus led straight to my graduation. I know this news brings mixed emotions, but I took my role as an idol seriously until the very end.
I faced my mental and physical health as much as I could, and after much consideration, I made this difficult decision.
My time in OCHA NORMA taught me so much and was an invaluable experience. Through my activities, I realised just how much I loved this job. I am filled with gratitude for everyone who supported me.
From now on, I will move forward in my own way, carrying these experiences with me.
I was truly happy to have met you all. Thank you so much for your support. I will always love you."