YUIMETAL officially withdraws from BABYMETAL, she releases a statement

YUIMETAL, one of the members of BABYMETAL, has been missing from the group for a while now, and the absence was said to be due to health reasons. However, BABYMETAL has now made an official announcement about YUIMETAL permanently withdrawing from the group.

“Thank you for continually supporting BABYMETAL. We would like to inform you of BABYMETAL’s new beginning which will be effective starting this month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN performances. YUIMETAL had expressed her desire to return performing with the group in the following months after last December’s performance due health concerns. During her absence, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire staff team had been preparing for her awaited return. However, YUIMETAL came to a decision that she will not be performing at BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN and that she will no longer be a part of BABYMETAL. We thank her for all of her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. This month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN will mark the rebirth in which SU-METAL and MOAMETAL form the core of BABYMETAL. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the fans for the continued support and look forward in what’s next for BABYMETAL.”

YUIMETAL released a statement that appeared to allude to continued health problems, but also a desire to do her own thing.

“To all the fans, I am truly sorry for the inconvenience I have caused so many people due to being absent for an extended period of time. I have mulled over this over and over again but, I have decided to leave Babymetal at this time. I feel very sorry that my decision will disturb the other members and some many fans who have supported Babymetal. I am further terribly sorry to sadden the fans who have supported Babymetal. I had the strong desire to appear on stage again but my physical condition is not at its best even now, and further I feel that I would like to pursue my dream, one that I have had from a long time ago, of going on my own as Mizuno Yui. It is these factors that led to my decision. I am thankful for the numerous and precious experiences I was able to have being a part of Babymetal. I always felt day to day that I was truly blessed. The live shows where we all smiled together and became as One were truly happy and enjoyable times. I will do my utmost best to be able to again one day meet all of you as Mizuno Yui. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 8 years.”

I guess the writing was always on the wall for this eventual outcome since she’s been missing for a while now, and I know this happens to bands all the time, but due to the crossover nature of this it sure feels more like an idol leaving. Sigh.

Anyway, in her absence BABYMETAL have been performing with two backup dancers while on tour, and I wonder what direction they go forward with here. Do they try to replace YUIMETAL? Maybe, because it honestly feels rather weird for them to be a duo.