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| Aobara Waka |
NMB48’s Aobara Waka — better known to fans as Wakatan — has officially announced her graduation from the group, marking the end of nearly three years with the Osaka-based idol unit. The announcement was made during the Seishun! Koi no Destination stage on 25 November 2025, catching many fans off guard but earning plenty of warm support.
According to NMB48’s official statement, Waka’s graduation is scheduled for March 2026, and she will take part in all activities related to the group’s 32nd single, giving fans a proper send-off before she moves on to her next chapter.
“A positive step forward” — Waka explains her decision
In her message to fans, Waka shared that the past year gave her countless chances to rethink her future. After a long period of reflection, she decided it was time to step forward and chase a new dream.
Leaving NMB48 wasn’t easy, she admitted, but she believes this timing is the right moment for personal growth. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to fans who supported her through both the highs and lows of her idol journey — promising to keep everyone’s hearts “warm until the end.”
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Wakatan has had one of the more memorable journeys within her generation. She joined as a 9th-gen Kenkyuusei in December 2022, was promoted to Team BII the following year, and later transferred to the Promoted Members unit in October 2025.
Her leadership potential was recognised early too — she served as Captain of the 9th Generation from February to December 2023, before the role was dissolved.
Alongside her stage presence, Aobara Waka has appeared in several NMB48 works, including album tracks from Souzou no Pistol (NMB13) and Seishun no Lap Time 2023. On stage, fans know her from units such as NMB6, Yokosuka Curve, Hoshizora no Caravan, and Sayonara, Kakato wo Fumu Hito.
Born 6 January 2004 in Osaka, Waka is known for her lively MC skills, sharp Soran Bushi dance, and famously strong voice — a combo that made her stand out during performances.
Her hobbies range from shopping for cute clothes to copying idol dances, exploring restaurants, and karaoke hopping.
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She’s also got a warm side off-stage, often sharing love for comfort foods like chocolate, yakitori, and her mum’s chikuzen-ni.
Despite failing her first three NMB48 auditions (6th, 7th, and 8th gens), Waka Aobara’s persistence paid off when she finally secured her place as a 9th-generation member — and she’s been a cheerful presence ever since.
She’s also the older sister of fellow 9th-gen member Aobara Yuka, making them one of the beloved sibling pairs in the group.
With penlight colours yellow and green, Waka’s presence has always brought energy and brightness to NMB48 stages, and her stated dream — to become someone who brings smiles and hope to people around the world — feels perfectly in line with her personality.
Details on her final stage and farewell schedules will be announced soon.
For now, fans can still meet her through all 32nd single activities as she closes this chapter with gratitude and warmth.
NMB48 thanked fans for attending the performance where the announcement was made and asked for continued support for Waka as she heads toward her graduation in March.