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| SKE48 Team E’s Nakamura Izumi Announces Graduation After Nearly a Decade (Photo: SKE48) |
SKE48 fans woke up to an emotional but calm announcement as Team E member Nakamura Izumi, better known as Izurin, officially revealed her graduation from the group. The news was shared during a theatre performance, marking the beginning of her final stretch as an active idol after nearly nine years with SKE48.
According to the official statement, Nakamura Izumi will graduate at the end of March 2026, with her final activity scheduled for 31 March 2026.
Details about her graduation performance have yet to be confirmed, leaving fans closely watching for further updates from the management.
Izumi first joined SKE48 in November 2016 as a Kenkyuusei before steadily building her career. She was promoted to Team S in 2018 and later transferred to Team E in April 2025 following the group’s major team shuffle.
As part of SKE48’s 8th generation, she has remained a familiar face in theatre stages and group activities, including participation in the A-side single Koi Ochi Flag.
In her personal message to fans, Izumi shared that the decision did not come easily. She admitted to spending months thinking it through before finally choosing to take a new step forward.
Looking back on her nine-year journey, she expressed gratitude to fans, fellow members, staff, and especially her generation mates, describing the time they spent together as something she truly cherishes.
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She also promised to give her best until the very end and hopes to create more happy memories before her final bow.
As expected in the 48 Group world, graduation itself isn’t unusual. Many members eventually move on to explore new careers or step away from the entertainment scene entirely.
Still, Izumi’s announcement struck a chord, particularly among long-time fans who have followed her steady growth rather than headline-driven popularity.
Online reactions have been mixed but heartfelt. Many fans expressed sadness, saying her presence felt quietly comforting even without constant spotlight moments. Others shared messages of support, praising her honesty and maturity in choosing her own timing.
Some netizens also began speculating about whether she would receive a dedicated graduation show, noting that large-scale concerts are usually reserved for senior or centre-level members, though smaller theatre graduations remain very meaningful to fans.
With her remaining months now officially counted down, attention will likely turn to how SKE48 marks Izumi’s final chapter and how she chooses to spend her last stage moments. Whether you’ve followed her since her Kenkyuusei days or only recently noticed her in Team E, this graduation feels like one of those quiet goodbyes that stay with people longer than expected.
What are your thoughts on Nakamura Izumi’s graduation, and how do you think SKE48 should send her off?