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| Former Idol Matsuura Nana Leaves dela and Enters Japanese Parliamentary Race at 25 (Photo: Livedoor JP) |
Japanese entertainment world didn’t just get a surprise announcement this week, it got a complete plot twist. Matsuura Nana, once known for her bright presence as a member of Nagoya-based idol group dela, has officially closed one chapter of her life and opened another that few saw coming. In the space of just 24 hours, the 25-year-old went from idol farewell messages to standing at a press conference announcing her run for Japan’s House of Representatives.
On 21 January, dela’s management confirmed that Matsuura Nana had ended her activities with the group and mutually terminated her contract with the agency. Nana herself followed up on social media, thanking fans for their support and confirming her departure.
At the time, many assumed it was the usual idol graduation story. The real reason, however, became clear the very next day.
On 22 January, Matsuura Nana reappeared in the spotlight under her real name, Nana Uragami, announcing her candidacy for the upcoming general election.
She will contest the Aichi Prefecture 9th District seat in the House of Representatives as a representative of the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin). The announcement was made at a press conference in Nagoya, where she appeared confident, determined, and clearly ready for a very different kind of stage.
According to her official profile, Matsuura Nana is a graduate of Nanzan University’s Faculty of Law and previously worked at an IT company before entering the idol industry. Far from being a sudden or impulsive decision, her political ambitions appear to have been in motion for some time.
She has already been active in local campaigning and had earlier been appointed as head of the Japan Innovation Party’s Aichi 9th District branch, covering areas including Tsushima, Inazawa, Aisai, Yatomi, Ama City, and Ama District.
In her own words, Matsuura Nana describes herself as part of the younger generation who wants politics to take responsibility for the future.
She has stated that she is prepared to take on that role, focusing on self-sacrificing reforms, economic revitalisation, addressing the declining birth rate, and pushing forward educational reform.
At just 25, she is positioning herself as a voice for younger voters who feel increasingly disconnected from traditional politics.
The reaction from fans and netizens has been mixed but intense. Some longtime supporters admitted they were shocked by how sudden the transition was, with comments expressing sadness over her departure from dela.
Others, however, praised her courage, calling the move “bold,” “refreshing,” and “unexpected in the best way.” There are also netizens who see her as a symbol of a changing political landscape in Japan, where younger candidates with diverse backgrounds are stepping forward.
Of course, there are sceptical voices too. Some online users questioned whether Matsuura Nana idol background would be an advantage or a hurdle in national politics, while others urged the public to judge her on policy rather than her former career. Still, even critics agree on one thing: Nana Matsuura has successfully captured public attention.
Her leap from idol life to national politics is already being discussed as one of the most striking career shifts in recent years. Whether she wins the seat or not, Matsuura Nana has clearly sparked a wider conversation about youth, representation, and unconventional paths into politics.
What do you think about idols entering politics, and could this signal a new trend in Japan’s political future?