i☆Ris, the voice actress idol unit, announced on its official website Sunday that it will end activities at the end of 2027. The decision coincides with the group’s 15th anniversary and closes a 15-year journey.
Statement Thanks Fans
In a statement, the staff apologized for the sudden announcement and thanked fans and everyone involved with the group. They said the five members and staff had been discussing the matter since last year, after the group’s 10th anniversary in 2022. "We will run to the end in true i☆Ris style," the statement said, adding thanks to fans "in our hearts."
Members Share Final-Year Messages
The unit consists of Yamakita Saki (green; leader), Serizawa Yuu (blue), Akaneya Himika (purple), Wakai Yuki (red), and Kubota Miyu (orange). Each member posted a message to fans.
| Member | Color |
|---|---|
| Yamakita Saki | Green (leader) |
| Serizawa Yuu | Blue |
| Akaneya Himika | Purple |
| Wakai Yuki | Red |
| Kubota Miyu | Orange |
Yamakita Saki, the group’s leader, said she originally planned to continue for ten years and was glad to pass that point with all five members. She said the group has yet to achieve a sold-out solo show at Yokohama Arena and wants to reach it in the remaining year.
Wakai Yuki said the decision was not prompted by any one person and was made after thorough discussion among the members. She said she began to think about an end to her idol career after the 10th anniversary and chose the 15-year mark to finish while the group is at its peak.
Serizawa Yuu told fans who were upset by the news that she was sorry to see them sad and asked them to spend the final year making memories they can look back on for the rest of their lives. Akaneya Himika, who said she usually gets bored of things quickly, called this the longest she has stuck with anything. Kubota Miyu said she was a little glad if fans felt sad, because it showed how much the group meant to them. Several members closed with the same line, asking fans to "dream a little longer, just a little more" with them.
Yokohama Arena Live and Event Plans
The group’s 14th anniversary live is scheduled for November 3 at Yokohama Arena. Kubota asked fans to come with their sadness if they must, but to bring plenty of excitement too. The statement did not announce details of further events before the end of 2027.
Career and Achievements
i☆Ris formed in July 2012 under the DIVE II Entertainment label by Avex and 81 Produce through the Anison Vocal Audition. The group debuted in November 2012 with the single Color. In addition to their music careers, all five members are also voice actresses, best known for performing songs for the PriPara anime franchise. The idol group also won the Best Vocal Performance Award at the 10th Seiyuu Awards in March 2016.
Over the years, i☆Ris performed theme songs for several anime, including Kenja no Mago, Sousei no Onmyouji, Tejina-senpai, Mahou Shoujo Site, Kakegurui Twin, and most recently Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko. The group also received an anime movie adaptation, i☆Ris the Movie: Full Energy!!, which premiered in Japan in May 2024 to celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Official Links and Source
Official site: iris.dive2ent.com
Official X: @iris_official_
Source: Oricon News, Famitsu
