Goodbyes in the anison world are never easy, but when a group leaves behind a giant footprint after more than a decade on stage, the impact is felt even stronger. The iconic seiyuu and idol unit i☆Ris officially announced via its website that it will conclude its group activities at the end of 2027, coinciding with its fifteenth anniversary in the industry.

The official statement detailed that both the members and production team began discussing the group’s future and individual careers last year, starting from reflections after their tenth anniversary in 2022. After long discussions, they reached a mutual agreement to end the group’s activities by the end of 2027, ensuring that the five members will continue to deliver performances and releases with gratitude during their remaining time together.

Group leader Saki Yamakita thanked the fans and noted that important goals remain before the curtain falls, including filling the Yokohama Arena for their upcoming solo events. Yu Serizawa and Yuki Wakai emphasized that this is a choice made positively by all, aiming to say goodbye while the group still shines brightly. Himika Akaneya and Miyu Kubota added kind words, inviting fans to enjoy the remaining time and join them at their next concert for their fourteenth anniversary at the Yokohama Arena on November 3rd.

About i☆Ris

i☆Ris is a well-known Japanese musical group formed in 2012 after a joint audition between Avex Records and 81 Produce talent agency. The original lineup included Saki Yamakita, Yu Serizawa, Himika Akaneya, Yuki Wakai, Miyu Kubota, and Azuki Shibuya. The project officially debuted in the anison genre that same year with the song “Color,” used as the ending theme for the animated series Battle Spirits Sword Eyes.

The turning point in their career came when all members were selected to star in the PriPara anime franchise, where they also performed the series’ musical themes—a milestone that solidified their status and earned them the Musical Performance Award at the tenth Seiyu Awards in 2016. After Azuki Shibuya’s graduation in March 2021, the group continued as a quintet without losing fan support.

What is your favorite i☆Ris song or the most memorable memory from their anison career?