Female Idol Retires 8 Years After Debuting In A Popular Girl Group

Her idol days are over.

After 8 years with her group, an idol has decided to leave it and retire from the entertainment industry.

Omori Maho | @akb48_maho/X

Omori Maho is a member of AKB48, one of Japan’s most popular idol girl groups. She joined AKB48’s Team B unit in 2018 and was transferred to AKB48 New Formation in 2023.

During AKB48’s show on April 25, Maho broke the news about her departure (“graduation”) to fans, and a statement was subsequently published on the group’s blog. She plans to leave the entertainment industry after her final performance on June 30.

| @akb48_maho/X

In her blog post, Maho, who joined the group at 18, reflected on her time with AKB48 and the memorable experiences she had as an idol. She confessed that she had repeatedly experienced setbacks in her career and that she had considered leaving the group many times.

| @akb48_maho/X

After much consideration, Maho has decided to leave entertainment entirely and walk a new path as a non-celebrity. Beyond that, Maho didn’t specify what this new path entails, but her management did list the schedules she will be partaking in with AKB48 until June, as well as the ones she will not be participating in.

Sadly, she isn’t the only idol fans have had to say goodbye to this year.

Girl Group Announces Their Disbandment, All Members Leave The Agency