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| SUPER☆GiRLS Announce Double Graduation as Kana Sakabayashi and Cocona Tanaka Set Summer 2026 Farewell (Photo: Sponichi) |
Japanese idol scene just got a bittersweet update. J-Pop group SUPER☆GiRLS have officially confirmed that Sakabayashi Kana and Tanaka Cocona will graduate from the group in summer 2026, with their final appearance set for the group’s 16th anniversary live. It’s a calm, carefully considered decision, but one that’s already hitting fans right in the feels.
The announcement was shared via the group’s official site, making it clear that both members will fully step away from entertainment activities after graduation. Until that final show, SUPER☆GiRLS will continue promotions and performances as an eight-member group, giving fans one last stretch to enjoy the current formation.
SUPER☆GiRLS, formed in June 2010 and debuting later that year, are the first group launched under the iDOL Street project.
Over the years, they’ve gone through multiple generations while maintaining a strong live-focused identity, something both graduating members highlighted in their personal messages.
Kana Sakabayashi, who joined in late 2018, explained that her decision came after long reflection. She shared that performing at full power has always been her personal standard, but with time, it became harder to meet that benchmark in a way she felt truly satisfied with.
Choosing to step back now, she said, allows her to leave with pride and pass the spotlight to the next generation while she’s still confident in what she delivers on stage.
Cocona Tanaka, who joined in 2021, revealed a different but equally thoughtful reason. Through her idol activities, especially her involvement in costume supervision during the group’s sixth chapter, she discovered a deeper interest in fashion.
Wanting to properly study and pursue that path, she decided this was the right moment to graduate and start something new beyond the idol world.
坂林佳奈・田中想 卒業に関するお知らせhttps://t.co/SXnnEOxTmW
— SUPER☆GiRLS (スパガ) (@SUPERGiRLS_AMG) January 14, 2026
Their fellow members didn’t hold back in expressing how much the duo mean to the group.
From long-time bonds and shared struggles to quiet support behind the scenes, the messages painted a picture of two members who shaped SUPER☆GiRLS far beyond what fans see on stage. Several members admitted the news felt unreal at first, but ultimately voiced respect and support for both decisions.
Online reactions have been mixed but deeply emotional. Many fans praised the transparency and maturity behind the announcement, calling it a “proper graduation done right”.
Others admitted they weren’t ready to say goodbye, especially with the group approaching such a symbolic anniversary. There’s also been a noticeable wave of appreciation posts, with fans revisiting live clips, costume moments, and favourite MC segments involving Kana and Cocona.
Countdown to summer 2026 begins, SUPER☆GiRLS are expected to lean into this final chapter with intention, turning each live and appearance into something meaningful. For fans, it’s less about the goodbye and more about making the remaining moments count.
What do you think about this double graduation? Are you planning to follow their final run closely, or does this change how you see SUPER☆GiRLS moving forward?