15-Year-Old Idol Shocks Fans By Announcing Withdrawal From Group

15-year-old Mirei Hayashi, a standout member of the popular Japanese idol group SKE48, has declared her imminent departure from the group. Mirei’s shocking announcement was made on May 7 during a live performance at the SKE48 theater located in Nagoya, which caught both the audience and her fans online by surprise.

Hayashi, who has been seen as a pivotal figure in the future trajectory of SKE48, chose a significant moment at the end of a group performance to reveal her decision to graduate from the group. Her exit is scheduled quite soon, with the official departure set to happen at the end of August.

Hayashi Mirei、林美澪
「#SKE48's kenkyuusei」 pic.twitter.com/EQ2jwX8BQm

— 48g pics (@archive48g) July 21, 2021

Expressing regret over the abrupt nature of her announcement, the teenage star shared her honest but mixed feelings with fans.

I, Mirei Hayashi, will be graduating from SKE48.

I am sorry to inform you so abruptly, but it is a decision I have made after much consideration. I wanted to contribute to SKE48 as much as possible. Please support me until the end.

— Mirei Hayashi

The young idol’s career has been notably illustrious despite her short stint with SKE48. Hayashi achieved fame within the group shortly after joining, following her successful audition as part of SKE48’s tenth generation in November 2019, when she was just ten years old. She quickly rose to prominence, securing the central spot in the group’s recent singles, including “I Found You Back Then” and “Flower in My Heart,” which further solidified her status as a fan favorite.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Hayashi also ventured into modeling, becoming a face for the fashion magazine Seventeen.

Hayashi Mirei just announced Graduation from SKE48 still too young to graduate but I hope it’s for the best for her!! Mirei was on unit “Black Pearl” with Jurina 珠理奈 #MatsuiJurina #SKE48 #AKB48 #松井珠理奈 #HayashiMirei #林美澪 pic.twitter.com/2bQtoJZRqO

— VR (@vernareffo) May 7, 2024

The news of the star’s departure has not only shocked but also saddened fans who expected Mirei to be one of the brightest future stars of SKE48. Fans are also questioning the impact her withdrawal will have on the group’s future and popularity.