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| Miyu Matsuo to Say Farewell: Graduation from Nogizaka46 Set for December (Photo: Nogizaka46.com) |
21-year-old Miyu Matsuo announced that she will graduate from the Japanese idol group Nogizaka46, with her final day as a member set for 31 December 2025.
Her participation in the group will officially conclude with the release of the 40th single, titled “Biryani”.
In her blog post today, October 23, under the title “Another World” (別の世界へ), Matsuo reflected on her journey: from the time she took the joint Sakamichi audition on a friend’s recommendation, through her training period, to finally stepping onto the stage as a 4th-generation Nogizaka46 member.
She recalled how many people had supported her all the way to that starting line, and how she gradually came to feel that the place she once struggled to find was in fact “here” with the group.
Matsuo Miyu said she reached a moment where she could honestly say, “I’ve done everything I can here,” and that she is currently at her happiest.
She explained that it was at the moment she felt truly happy, and realised that she loves this place so much—which is precisely when she made the decision to graduate.
In the same announcement, she revealed that not only will she be graduating from the group, but she will also retire from all entertainment activities.
She offered thanks to everyone involved—members, staff and fans alike—and asked for their support until the very last day of the year.
Born on 3 January 2004 in Chiba Prefecture, Miyu Matsuo joined Nogizaka46 after passing the audition in 2018 and completing her time as a trainee.
She officially became a member in 2020 as part of the 4th generation.
Her first selected single appearance was the 32nd single “Hito wa Yume wo Nido Miru”, and she served as centre for the 33rd single’s under-track “Funde Shimatta”.
Her decision comes shortly after fellow 4th-generation member Mio Yakubo (23) announced her own graduation.
With Miyu Matsuo’s departure confirmed, there’s a bittersweet air around the group as it looks ahead to the end of the year and the new chapter she is about to begin.
Fans can look forward to the release of “Biryani” and how Matsuo will mark her final activities with Nogizaka46 before stepping into a new world.