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NMB48 Kojima Karin Announces Graduation After Nearly 9 Years

NMB48’s Kojima Karin Announces Graduation, Set to Bloom Solo in Kansai Scene
“From Saitama to Osaka”: Kojirin to Leave NMB48 This November, Solo Concert Announced (NMB)

It’s the end of a chapter for NMB48 as longtime member and group captain Kojima Karin, affectionately known as Kojirin, has officially announced her graduation. The emotional reveal took place on 26 June during the Tenshi no Utopia stage performance at the NMB48 Theatre in Osaka.

Right after performing the touching encore number Eien no Melody, Kojirin addressed the crowd with composure and heartfelt words:

“I have two things to tell you,” she said. “First, I—Kojima Karin—will be graduating from NMB48.”
The audience's stunned “Ehhhh!?” echoed through the theatre, but Kojirin calmly continued: 

“It’s been almost 9 years since I joined this group I love so much. I moved from Saitama to Osaka alone, purely because of how much I admired NMB48. Every day with this group has been a blessing.”

Her graduation is scheduled for November 2025, giving fans a few more months to see her perform and thank her for her nearly decade-long dedication. But make no mistake—this isn’t the end. In fact, it’s more of a new beginning.

Kojima Karin to Graduate from NMB48, Plans to Bloom as Kansai Talent

From Trainee to Captain: A Look Back at Kojirin’s Journey

Kojirin joined NMB48 as a 5th generation kenkyuusei (trainee) on 28 June 2016. She was promoted to Team N in 2017 during the group’s Arena Tour, before a series of team shuffles saw her briefly lead Team BII and eventually return to her roots in Team N in 2022.

Perhaps most notably, she was appointed as NMB48’s overall captain in November 2018, succeeding the legendary Yamamoto Sayaka. Under her leadership, Kojirin wasn’t just the face of the group—she produced stages, led with quiet strength, and never strayed from her mission to carry NMB48 forward.

In 2024, she finally stood centre stage for the first time on a single title track, “Ganbaranu Wai”, the group’s 30th single. For many fans, it felt like long-overdue recognition.

What’s Next? Solo Concert and Kansai Dream

NMB48 Kojima Karin to Graduate

Kojirin’s not slowing down post-graduation either. She dropped a surprise second announcement:

On 16 August, she’ll be holding her first solo concert titled The Colour of Bloom at Billboard Live Osaka.

And as for her future? Kojirin’s setting her sights on staying in the Kansai region, aiming to become a well-loved local talent, actively contributing to the Osaka-Kansai entertainment scene.

“I want to give back to everyone I’ve met during this journey. After graduation, I’ll keep working hard as an individual talent to bring even more energy to Osaka and the Kansai area.”

The Legacy of Kojirin

With a height of 164.3 cm, a July 1999 birthday, and a reputation for calm leadership and polished MCs, Kojima Karin leaves behind big shoes to fill. She was never the loudest member, but her reliability and gentle charisma helped stabilise NMB48 through tough transitions.

Whether as a performer, leader, or the girl from Saitama who took a leap of faith for her idol dream, Kojirin’s legacy in NMB48 is cemented.

Quick Profile – Kojima Karin (こじりん)

  • Born: 16 July 1999 (Age 25)

  • From: Saitama, Japan

  • Joined NMB48: June 28, 2016 (5th Gen)

  • Team History: Team N, Team BII, Team N (final)

  • Captaincy: Group Captain (2018–2025), Team BII (concurrent, 2019–2021)

  • First Centre: 30th Single “Ganbaranu Wai” (2024)

  • Solo Concert: The Colour of Bloom, 16 August 2025, Billboard Live Osaka

  • Graduation Date: November 2025 (exact date TBA)

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