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| SAY-LA’s Hanazono Aki Announces Retirement from Entertainment After Final Summer with Fans (X) |
The announcement was made through SAY-LA’s official channels on June 20, where Aki revealed the decision came due to family-related reasons. Her last solo event will be her birthday and farewell live titled “Kiseki” at Gotanda G2 on 23 August, followed by a final group live appearance the next day.
Hanazono Aki’s Journey: Short But Full of Heart
Although her idol career in Japan was relatively brief, Aki’s story left a strong mark. Born in Hong Kong on 15 August 1998, she began her entertainment journey nearly 12 years ago and only moved to Japan two years back to chase her dream.
She first joined the I-GET agency's training group BABY TO KISS in August 2023, then got promoted to the main group SAY-LA just two months later in October 2023. As the first-ever foreign member in I-GET’s history, Aki quickly became a fan favourite—known for her sweet voice, honest charm, and stage presence that stood out despite her newcomer status.
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Fans affectionately call her “Akimaru”, and she’s switched from white to red as her official member colour during her time with SAY-LA. Her presence brought an international flair to the group’s otherwise all-Japanese lineup.
Sincere Words, From the Heart
In her multilingual farewell message written in Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and a sprinkle of emotion, Aki thanked everyone who supported her, from fellow members and staff to the fans who welcomed her with open arms.
“Because of you—who accepted me, gave me confidence and support—I was able to make dreams come true that once felt so far away,” she wrote.
“This will be my last summer as an idol. I want to give it everything I’ve got, to burn through my last youth and create unforgettable memories with all of you.”
She also expressed deep gratitude towards the SAY-LA team for supporting her as the agency’s first non-Japanese member—emphasising how lucky and thankful she felt throughout the experience.
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Fans React: ‘Too Soon, But Thank You’
Reactions from fans poured in across X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms within hours of the news. Many expressed sadness over her early departure but praised her bravery for moving countries and embracing the challenge of idol life in Japan.
“It’s hard to see her go, but Aki really gave her all. She deserves the happiest next chapter,” wrote one fan.
“From Hong Kong to Gotanda—Akimaru, we’ll never forget you,” said another.
What’s Next?
While Aki didn’t specify what’s next after her retirement from the public eye, she made it clear that she wants to focus on family matters and step back from the stage for good. There’s no talk of future acting or solo work—at least for now.
Fans hoping to catch her one last time are already booking tickets for her Birthday & Last Live “Kiseki” on August 23 at Gotanda G2, and preparing banners, letters, and lightsticks to send her off in classic idol fashion.
Aki might be leaving the spotlight, but she’ll surely remain in the hearts of SAY-LA fans for years to come.