TOKYO (TR) – Hono Tamura, the 27-year-old former center of Japanese idol group Sakurazaka46, announced her graduation on Sunday, dealing another blow to fans just days after the group’s captain declared her own exit, reports Nikkan Sports (Sep. 15).
Tamura revealed her decision via her official blog, stating she will leave the group following promotional activities for their 16th single, “Ai MUST BE,” which drops on October 14. Her departure marks a milestone for the franchise, as she is the first title-track center to graduate since the group rebranded from Keyakizaka46 to Sakurazaka46.
The announcement comes on the heels of another major departure. Group captain and fellow second-generation member Rina Matsuda, 26, announced her graduation on September 9.
Tamura addressed the consecutive shocks to the fanbase in her post. “With Captain Rina Matsuda’s recent graduation announcement, I feel sorry that our announcements ended up overlapping,” she wrote.
Currently the oldest member of the group, Tamura reflected on her journey, noting she passed her audition at 19 and will turn 28 this October.
“I intended to live my idol life day by day so that when this day came, I wouldn’t have any unfinished business or regrets,” Tamura wrote. She admitted to moments of hesitation but said she pushed through to ensure she made the most of her limited time in the industry.
Tamura expressed deep gratitude to the group’s fanbase, known as “Buddies,” stating that meeting her fellow members and fans allowed her to love herself more than she used to. “I was happy. And I am still happy now. Thank you so much for finding me and loving me,” she added.
The exact date of her final day as a Sakurazaka46 member has not yet been decided and will be announced at a later date.
A native of Osaka Prefecture, Tamura joined the group in November 2018 after a 14-year background in competitive volleyball. Known affectionately as “Honosu,” she anchored the group as the center for their October 2021 hit single “Nagaredama.” Outside of music, she has capitalized on her striking figure to work as a regular model for the beauty magazine VOCE.
