 |
| Nakajima Yuto Graduates from Hey! Say! JUMP After 18 Years |
It’s the end of an era for Hey! Say! JUMP fans. On 28 August 2025, Nakajima Yuto (32) officially announced his graduation from the group, closing an 18-year chapter as an idol to focus fully on acting.
The announcement came directly from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, catching many fans off guard with its sudden timing.
 |
A Sudden But Respectful Departure
According to the official statement, discussions had been ongoing as the group looked ahead to their upcoming 20th anniversary.
Amid those talks, Nakajima Yuto expressed his wish to “stand on his own feet” and pursue acting as his main career. Both the company and fellow members decided to respect his decision.
The agency also apologised for the abruptness of the announcement, thanking fans for their support and acknowledging how important Yuto’s presence had been since debut.
It was also confirmed that he will not be appearing at a-nation 2025 on 31 August, which would have been his last scheduled stage with the group.
 |
Yuto’s Message to Fans
In his heartfelt personal statement, Yuto looked back at nearly two decades with Hey! Say! JUMP:
“From debut until now, I’ve been able to see so many incredible views with my members and fans – sights I could never have reached on my own. I owe everything to the people who’ve supported me along the way. Now, with a strong determination to pursue acting, I’ve chosen to graduate at this timing. I’m deeply sorry to surprise you like this, but I promise to continue working hard to deliver entertainment in a new form.”
He admitted he had leaned on the comfort of the group for many years, but said his passion for acting had grown into something he could no longer ignore.
He expressed deep gratitude to his members for supporting his decision, even as they continue preparing for the milestone 20th anniversary.
 |
A Long Career Already Behind Him
Born in Tokyo in August 1993, Yuto joined Hey! Say! JUMP in 2007, debuting with Ultra Music Power. Over the years, he became known not only as a performer but also as a successful actor and model.
His acting credits are impressive, including:
-
TV dramas like Suits, Hanzawa Naoki (2013), Pure Love Dissonance (2022)
-
Films such as Pink and Gray (2016), Our Meal for Tomorrow (2017), #Manhole (2023)
-
Stage performances, notably Higeyo Saraba (2023)
He also made his mark in fashion as a long-standing Men’s Non-no regular model, recently publishing his first photobook Hue I am this month to commemorate the end of his modelling stint.
 |
For fans, it’s bittersweet. While they’ll miss seeing Yuto on stage with Hey! Say! JUMP, there’s no denying his acting career has been steadily on the rise. His decision to leave the group isn’t a retreat but a conscious step toward a new chapter.
As Hey! Say! JUMP moves toward its 20th anniversary, Nakajima Yuto will walk his own road – one built on the same passion and drive that carried him through nearly two decades as an idol. For the fans, it’s not really goodbye, but rather a different way to cheer him on.