She is no longer an idol.
Koreaboo
35 minutes ago
After seven years with her group, a beloved star has officially said goodbye to idol life.
Suganami Mirei | @suganami_mirei/X
Suganami Mirei is a founding member of the Japanese idol girl group ≠ME (also known as Noimii). Eleven members of the group were announced on February 24, 2019, and the twelfth member was introduced on April 8, 2019, ahead of their August 4, 2021 stage debut.
| @suganami_mirei/X
On May 11, Mirei and her management released a joint statement announcing that Mirei, who was on hiatus at the time, would be officially leaving or “graduating” from the group. On X, the announcement racked up over 13 million views in its first three hours, over 42,000 likes, and many messages from heartbroken fans who are sad to see Mirei go.
菅波美玲 卒業のご報告https://t.co/Ev2iD4XW2M
— ≠ME_official (@Notequal_ME) May 11, 2026
Mirei apologized for surprising fans with the sudden news. She looked back fondly on her seven years of idol activities with ≠ME, thanking fans and her members who experienced all of those joys, sorrows, and celebrations with her.
| @suganami_mirei/X
Mirei’s graduation concert took place on June 12.
ちゅるり ちゅるり#菅波美玲卒コン pic.twitter.com/jgmj8cxLga
— 指原 莉乃 (@345__chan) June 12, 2026
Afterward, she posted a photo of herself in her stage outfit, expressing her love for her members and fans, as well as for her seven years as part of the group. Her members also posted congratulatory messages on X, celebrating Mirei’s new beginning; she will be leaving idol life to pursue an acting career.
≠ME 菅波美玲卒業コンサート
～みんなのことが大好きなの～
本当にありがとうございました🩵
7年間たくさんの思い出でいっぱいです🥰
12人とみんなだから見えた景色でした！
皆さんのことが大好きです。#ノイミー#菅波美玲卒コン pic.twitter.com/QQQSuA5WvO
— 菅波 美玲 (@suganami_mirei) June 12, 2026