She will no longer be an idol.
Koreaboo
1 hour ago
A young, rising star has decided to step away from the spotlight less than two years after debuting as an idol.
Shiratori Sari | @sari_shiratori/X
Shiratori Sari is a member of the popular Japanese girl group AKB48. She joined the lineup as a kenkyuusei (trainee) in March 2024 at age 13 and became an official Regular Member of the group in December 2025.
On March 5, Sari announced her departure from the group during a concert. Balancing her schooling has been difficult for Sari, so she has decided to “graduate” from AKB48 to fully focus on her education. Sari told fans that it became increasingly difficult for her to perform at a high level as an idol and keep up with her studies once she entered high school.
AKB48 became a place where I belonged. But while trying to balance school, I started to worry whether I could meet everyone’s expectations. After thinking deeply about it, I made this decision.
— Shiratori Sari
Sari plans to continue her idol activities, including in-person fan meetings and online events, until May. She will also perform with her members at their AKB48 Spring Concert 2026 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium from April 3 to 5. Sari’s final concert, to celebrate her graduation from the group, is expected to take place sometime in May, but the exact date has not been announced yet.
さりいちゃんこと白鳥沙怜が卒業を発表#白鳥沙怜 pic.twitter.com/oiP45Hfs0a
— KK-8弐号機🍙🍙 (@k3pomitabi) March 5, 2026