IZONE/HKT48 SAKURA MIYAWAKI ANNOUNCE HER GRADUATION AND FUTURE PLAN

After Izone officially disbanded as a group in April 28, 2021, it seems that Sakura also decide a crucial move and choose her own path. On May 15, HKT48 formally stated that after 10 years, Miyawaki Sakura would be graduating from the group at her own request. After months of speculation by fans, that wondering how long that Sakura will stay in HKT48 after IZONE's time is offer, it seems we got the answer. Although many wota fans from Sakura are kinda disappointed, yet many long time fans also still support her decisions.

In the same week, Japanese fashion magazine ViVi 2021 (July) will be out next Friday, the issue will have a special feature for Miyawaki Sakura. The thing is, they "accidentally" release this "crucial" news before Sakura even inform it to the fans herself. According to a preview shared by a Japanese bookstore of the the upcoming July 2021 issue of ViVi magazine, Miyawaki Sakura shares in her interview that she will be graduating from HKT48. Tweeted by HMV&BOOKS (and then deleted) starts "Her activities with IZ*ONE over, she returned to HKT48, and just the other day Sakura Miyawaki announced her graduation.

VIVI magazine:

Q: Lastly, please tell us about your future activities that would interest the fans.

A: After the graduation concert at "Marine Messe Fukuoka" on June 19th, I will leave Japan again and I will take onto a new challenge.

Along with her graduation announcement, Sakura will release "SAKURA MIYAWAKI Graduation Visual Booklet!" . Sakura herself was involved in the direction and production of the booklet. Sakura's graduation concert will take place on June 19th, with livestreams planned.

If people not forget too, there is some rumor earlier this year said that Miyawaki Sakura was reported to be preparing to sign with HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) following IZ*ONE’s disbandment. However, the agency stated at the time, “Nothing has been decided.”

The official press release from HKT48 official site as follows:

Announcement of HKT48 Team KIV Sakura Miyawaki’s Graduation

Thank you so much for your continued support of HKT48.

As streamed, Sakura Miyawaki has requested her graduation during today’s live broadcast.

This is an official announcement regarding her graduation.

Sakura Miyawaki will be finishing her involvement in HKT48 at her graduation concert, planned to be held on Saturday, June 19th.

We apologize for the sudden news, but we hope you will understand.

Her graduation concert details will be released soon after this release. Pelase wait for any further information.

We would like to thank all fans and all involved parties who have supported Sakura Miyawaki through her 10 years of activities starting in 2011 as HKT48’s first-generation group member, then AKB48’s senbatsu member, and IZ*ONE’s member.

We kindly ask for your warm support for Sakura Miyawaki until her graduation day.

HKT48 Management Office