Ugh, this one hit hard. LumiUnion — the local idol group formed to support the town of Namie after the 2011 disaster — announced they will disband after a final, free concert in Namie on April 29. The news came just days before that last show, and the members used the announcement to thank fans and the town.
Image credit: @_lumiunion_ (X)
Key points: the group announced on April 27 that they would end activities after the Namie performance. Admission to the final concert was free and residents were encouraged to attend. Member Ayaka said, „Although our activities are ending, our feelings for it like a hometown will not change.“ Luna Naito added, „I hope we can continue to help people across Japan learn about the town and the earthquake disaster.„
Namie, the town LumiUnion was created to support.
For fans who want the quick facts, here are a few helpful background notes:
- LumiUnion originally debuted as Namie Joshihatsu Kumiai on November 24, 2019, at the Reconstruction of Namie Town Tokaichi Festival.
- The 8-member group was created to support Namie’s recovery after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
- The group was managed by STAR PLANET and King Records; Ayaka Sasaki of Momoiro Clover Z served as the group’s producer and was also a member.
It’s always tough when an idol project tied so closely to a community wraps up — but there’s comfort in how publicly the members expressed love for Namie and their aim to keep raising awareness about the town’s story. Sending love to the members and fans who showed up for them since 2019.
Source: Koreaboo