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| ‘Weekend Idol’ Unit Navigates Rare Moment with Two Members Expecting Second Children. (Credits: Nikkei) |
A second pregnancy announcement has placed Japanese idol unit Venus Parfait in an unusual position, with two of its five members now preparing for maternity leave at the same time. Usaki Yuki (宇沙木ゆき), 39, confirmed she is expecting her second child, joining fellow member Kawai Fuka (河合風花), 37, who is already on leave for her own second pregnancy.
The development marks a rare moment in an industry typically defined by youth and uninterrupted activity schedules. Writing on Instagram, Usaki Yuki said she had entered a stable phase but admitted the early weeks had been physically demanding, forcing her to limit solo work.
She added that she plans to step back from live performances by the end of April, noting that at 39, she is approaching this pregnancy with caution and awareness that it may not mirror her previous experience.
Her message balanced honesty with gratitude, thanking fans, staff, and her fellow members for their continued support.
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Venus Parfait, a five-member group with an average age of 36, has built its identity around the idea of “weekend idols” — performers who pursue entertainment alongside weekday careers.
The concept has attracted attention in recent years as a counterpoint to traditional idol culture.
Members include Usaki Yuki, Kawai Fuka, Henmi Rena, Hatsuhara Chie, and former AKB48 member Sayaka Nakaya, all of whom bring prior industry experience.
Both Usaki Yuki and Kawai Fuka have extensive backgrounds across multiple idol projects. Usaki’s career spans groups such as Zessei no Imperial Collection and Chimamire☆Romantic, as well as the unit SnowRabbit.
Meanwhile, Kawai Fuka joined READY TO KISS in 2014 before stepping away from entertainment in 2017 to pursue nursing, only returning with Venus Parfait in 2023. Their trajectories reflect a broader shift, where former idols are re-entering the scene on their own terms.
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| Kawai Fuka |
Some supporters have praised the group’s openness, calling it a refreshing shift that acknowledges life beyond performance.
Others have raised practical concerns about how the group will maintain momentum with two members absent.
Online discussions have focused less on disruption and more on what this moment represents: a gradual redefinition of what an idol career can look like..
Netizens have also pointed to the symbolic value of Venus Parfait’s structure. The idea that an idol group can operate with maternity leave provisions — and speak openly about it — has been widely described as progressive within the context of Japanese pop culture.
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| Venus Parfait’s Line-Up Shift as Two Members Enter Maternity Leave Phase |
At the same time, sceptics question whether such a model can sustain long-term commercial appeal in a competitive market.
If Venus Parfait continues its trajectory, a potential “season two” of the group’s evolution may hinge on how it reintegrates its members post-maternity leave.
A return featuring both Usaki Yuki and Kawai Fuka could shift the group’s narrative further towards a lifestyle-driven identity, potentially opening doors for broader media appearances, brand collaborations, or even documentary-style content exploring their dual roles as performers and parents.
It may also redefine scheduling norms, with more flexible, event-based activities replacing traditional promotional cycles.
The coming months will test whether Venus Parfait’s model can hold under reduced manpower while maintaining public interest. Yet for many observers, the group’s current moment is already significant — not as a disruption, but as a statement.
What do you think — a bold new chapter for idols, or a risky shift in an industry built on consistency?