Nagase, at 27, is breaking the mold. By choosing a low-key, high-empathy platform like Ichika Mats to declare her retirement, she is rejecting the spectacle of the "Farewell Tour" (which generates millions for agencies) in favor of raw honesty.
Nagase revealed that years of performing without adequate ear protection during her "metal idol" phase have permanently damaged her hearing. "Music has become pain," she admitted. "I hear a constant ringing. When I try to sing, I can no longer hear the pitch correctly. To go on stage and lip-sync would be a betrayal to my fans. To sing live would be torture." yui nagase declares her retirement ichika mats exclusive
Since stepping away from the spotlight, Rina has moved into a more traditional career path: She currently lives in . Career: She works as a hotel manager . Nagase, at 27, is breaking the mold
While she is currently focused on her management career, Yui hasn't completely closed the door on her followers. She has expressed interest in livestreaming on Instagram once her personal life feels more settled. "Music has become pain," she admitted
While fans often speculate about burnout or scandal, Nagase’s retirement seems rooted in a desire for personal evolution. In the exclusive snippet, she touched upon the physical and mental toll of maintaining her status as an "Iron Lady" of the industry—a nickname earned through her intense work ethic and overwhelming performance style.
"I am not sick. I am not embroiled in a scandal," Nagase said, reading from a handwritten letter. "I am simply done."