For an idol, learning choreographies and coordinating movements with the group is part of daily work. But what happens when you can no longer see your colleagues or the audience in front of you? That’s the reality of Sayaka Kato, a 38-year-old Japanese idol who continues performing on stage after losing nearly all her vision due to a brain tumor. Instead of abandoning her career, the Akagidan member has found new ways to keep doing what she loves.

Her story changed in 2019 when she began experiencing severe headaches and vision problems. Doctors discovered an eight-centimeter brain tumor compressing her optic nerves, requiring an eight-hour emergency surgery. Although the tumor was removed, her vision continued deteriorating and she eventually lost almost all of it.

The situation was especially difficult for Kato, who had been part of Akagidan since its early days, founded in Gunma Prefecture in 2011. Previously, she explained she could still distinguish some light and color differences but lacked enough vision to read text or recognize faces. Despite this, she returned to the stage in January 2020, just months after surgery, thanks to support from her colleagues and fans.

One of the biggest challenges has been learning new choreographies. While her colleagues can watch an instructor and repeat movements, Kato needs a different approach. During rehearsals, the instructor physically guides her arms and legs to teach each step, while other Akagidan members help her find her position and move correctly on stage.

Interestingly, songs she performed before losing her vision don’t pose the same issue. Kato explained her body still remembers many of those choreographies, though learning new material requires listening to songs repeatedly and practicing movements until memorized. She must also pay close attention to her location to avoid accidents during performances.

Another change in her concerts is how she interacts with fans. Unable to see their faces in the audience, she asks them to shout as loudly as possible so she can feel their enthusiasm through their voices. This way, shouts and applause have become an even more important part of her performances.

Currently, Kato performs as a “blind idol” (visually impaired idol), an identity she openly incorporates into her career. In March 2026, she joined Akagidan at a charity music festival in Saitama, sharing the stage with other visually impaired artists. The singer has also participated in awareness activities and events where she speaks about the changes in her life.

For Kato, staying with Akagidan isn’t just about remaining active in Japanese entertainment. She also hopes her presence on stage inspires other visually impaired people to pursue their own interests. Although she acknowledges there are still movements she’d like to perfect, she continues rehearsing and performing with her colleagues.

Did you know Sayaka Kato’s story, or is this the first time you’ve heard of an idol who keeps singing and dancing after losing nearly all her vision?