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| Takemoto Yui Confirms Emotional Farewell from Sakurazaka46 After Nearly Eight Years in the Sakamichi Series (Photo: Sakurazaka) |
Sakurazaka46 is preparing to say goodbye to one of its well-loved second generation members, Takemoto Yui, who officially announced her graduation on 5 February 2026. The idol shared the heartfelt news through her personal blog alongside confirmation from the group’s official website, marking the end of a steady and meaningful chapter in her career.
According to the announcement, Takemoto Yui will graduate after completing promotional activities for Sakurazaka46’s upcoming 14th single, The Growing Up Train, scheduled for release on 11 March 2026. While the exact timing and format of her final activities remain under discussion, management assured fans that further details will be revealed once arrangements are finalised.
In her lengthy and deeply reflective blog post, Takemoto expressed both pride and gratitude for her time in the group. She described working for Sakurazaka46 as the greatest happiness in her life and confidently stated she feels she has given everything she possibly could during her tenure.
She shared how the past year felt like a countdown filled with carefully treasured moments, admitting that she is currently experiencing one of the happiest and most fulfilling periods of her career.
Despite the positive emotions, Takemoto revealed she struggled with the decision for quite some time, often questioning whether it was truly the right moment to leave such a powerful and meaningful environment.
Ultimately, she concluded that stepping forward now feels like the correct next chapter.
Takemoto Yui admitted she feels sadness simply because she has never known herself outside of Sakurazaka46, but she emphasised that she holds no fear or hesitation about the future. Instead, she expressed excitement about discovering new goals and building a life that reflects her personal identity.
She also promised to dedicate her remaining time in the group to repaying Sakurazaka46 and its fans with her full effort and sincerity, asking supporters to watch over her until the very last performance.
Takemoto Yui’s career in the Sakamichi Series spans over seven years, beginning with her successful entry through the Sakamichi Joint Auditions in August 2018. She officially joined Keyakizaka46 as part of the Kanji Keyakizaka46 second generation later that year, before continuing her activities under the same generation lineup in early 2019.
When Keyakizaka46 rebranded and transitioned into Sakurazaka46 in October 2020, Takemoto Yui naturally became part of the new era’s second generation, contributing to the group’s evolving identity and growth through performances, variety appearances, and promotional work.
Her steady presence and hardworking reputation helped her maintain strong recognition among fans, particularly for her sincerity and reliability within the group dynamic.
Graduations are widely recognised as a natural part of idol group cycles, especially within the 48 Group and Sakamichi Series structure. Members frequently choose to graduate to pursue new ambitions, expand into different entertainment fields, or step away from the industry entirely.
Takemoto acknowledged this reality in her message, noting how witnessing fellow members depart over time gradually made her reflect on her own future.
She revealed she had been contemplating the decision for months, describing it as emotionally challenging but ultimately necessary for personal growth.
News of Takemoto Yui’s graduation quickly sparked emotional reactions across fan communities. Many supporters expressed sadness and nostalgia, highlighting her consistent dedication since her debut and praising her growth throughout the group’s transition era.
Some fans described her as one of the members who quietly strengthened the team’s foundation, often playing an important role behind the scenes rather than dominating centre positions.
Others shared appreciation for her positive attitude and strong teamwork spirit, saying her departure will leave a noticeable gap within the second generation lineup.
There is also growing curiosity among fans regarding whether Takemoto will receive a graduation concert or special farewell event.
Within Sakamichi groups, large-scale graduation concerts are typically reserved for senior or highly central figures, leaving supporters uncertain about how her final send-off will be handled.
Nevertheless, fans continue to hope the group will organise at least a meaningful closing stage or commemorative performance.
Takemoto Yui Promises to Give Her Best Until the Final Stage. Throughout her message, Takemoto repeatedly thanked fans for supporting her journey and credited both members and supporters as the heroes who helped shape her career. She described everyday moments with fellow members as irreplaceable memories that became the foundation of her life inside the group.
Looking ahead, she emphasised her determination to finish her remaining activities with complete dedication, promising to deliver gratitude through every stage and appearance leading up to her graduation.
What do you think about Takemoto Yui’s graduation announcement and her journey with Sakurazaka46? Do you think she should receive a full graduation concert or a special farewell stage?