“A second life wouldn’t change my mind. I’d still choose Sakurazaka46”: Interview with Yui Takemoto
Original Interview: B.L.T Magazine June Issue
PHOTO: B.L.T
In February 2026, Yui Takemoto shared her decision to graduate from Sakurazaka46. It brings a 7,5 year journey to a close. This path began in Keyakizaka46 era and transformed into something bigger. She spent a year writing her graduation blog, making sure every word was perfect before saying goodbye. Together with staff, she chose May as the right time to move forward.
Her focus remains on the people. She watched the 3rd and 4th gen find their foundation, just as she once relied on the generations before her. She sees the challenges of the pandemic as the period that taught her to never take a single stage for granted. It was a lesson in gratitude that influenced everything that followed.
On stage, her perspective changes. Choreographing for the dance track in Tokyo Dome 2024 was a turning point. It showed her how to span the gap between the work and the fans. As she heads toward the National Stadium for the group anniversary, she does so with a clear sense of purpose. This is an entire chapter defined by persistence, effort, and confidence in what comes next.
The Graduation Blog & Timing
Q: It still feels somewhat surreal. … I keep wondering if you’re actually leaving us soon. (graduate)
TY: Honestly, I feel the same. When I first announced it, there was this heavy feeling that it was finally happening, but that feeling has faded a bit lately. I suppose you don’t fully wrap your head around it until the actual day. Right now, I’m so busy rehearsing for the National Stadium show that my days are just constant dancing, so graduation hasn’t really been on my mind. It feels like my normal daily life, and I’m just happy I can keep going like this until the very end.
Q: Your graduation blog was deeply touching. You shared your thoughts so thoroughly that I struggled to find more to ask. That said, how are you feeling at the moment? Do you still stand by your statement that you have achieved everything you set out to do?
TY: Well, I can say that with absolute certainty. The happiness I feel right now is the greatest I have known in the seven and a half years since I started. Every moment truly feels special. I always hoped to graduate while feeling optimistic and excited about the future. I wanted to leave the group at the very peak of my happiness, and that is exactly how things are playing out. To make sure my announcement felt positive, I started drafting the blog about a year ago, jotting down my sincere thoughts as they came to me. What you read is the result of that year-long process.
Q: That is quite remarkable. It really does feel like a final dissertation.
TY: It certainly felt like one (haha). Since I wrote it before the official announcement, it mainly writes my feelings from that specific time. My goal was to write about how my emotions changed after I decided to leave. By setting down that journey as it happened, I hoped readers could get a real sense of what my daily life was like during that period.
Q: The blog feels very genuine because you wrote those raw emotions over such a long time, allowing readers to really see how your perspective changed.
TY: It was a long process, but I added one final section at the end regarding the other members. While I was drafting it, I purposely left that part blank, intending to write it only when the announcement was actually made. In the end, the strongest realization I had was that my fellow members have truly saved me. By including that, I feel I managed to write something honest.
Bonds Within the Group
Q: The blog you wrote for Inoue’s graduation, titled “It’s already October, huh?”, was wonderful as well, but the post about your own departure felt even more heartfelt.
TY: Actually, after I posted that blog for her, she gave me a bit of a telling-off. She jokingly told me not to write something more moving than the person who is actually graduating.
Q: Inoue mentioned that to me as well. I have always felt that both you and she have a gift for expressing your emotions. From my perspective, seeing you both leave feels like a massive loss.
TY: It makes me happy just to hear that I will be missed. However, I am sure Sakurazaka46 will be perfectly fine without us. The juniors have become so reliable that there is no cause for concern. If anything, I am more curious about the Captain. I do wonder if she will miss having us around.
Q: Quite right, she has mentioned that herself, and even Inoue noted that she’s surprisingly sensitive.
TY: From our perspective, Matsuda certainly has a delicate side. She is mindful that she isn’t as mentally resilient as people might assume, which occasionally causes her to overwork herself. I always hoped she felt she could vent to Inoue or me. I believe our relationship has reached that level of trust, and since we still meet up, I’m confident my bond with Matsuda will remain unchanged after I leave.
Q: I quite agree. When exactly did you share the news of your graduation with the rest of the group?
TY: I let everyone know towards the end of last year. While I felt it was early enough, things were about to get very busy with New Year’s events and the 14th single, so I decided it was the right time to speak up. Settling on the actual date was a challenge, as there are so many potential milestones you could aim for. After discussing it with the staff, I eventually decided that May would be the best time for me.
I wanted to finish on a significant note, specifically the group’s 5th anniversary, as we have all worked so hard to reach that point. Initially, I considered December, which is the month we debuted, but the staff suggested staying until the anniversary concert in April, so the date moved to spring. I actually had no idea we would be performing at the National Stadium, so that was quite a shock. Just being on that anniversary stage would have been enough for me to leave with no regrets, so the stadium venue feels like a wonderful extra. Perhaps things were simply meant to work out this way.
Growth, Performance, and Looking Ahead
Q: Looking back, it seems as though everything has aligned perfectly.
TY: It really does. I first spoke to the staff about graduating around our 4th anniversary, but my thoughts weren’t entirely clear back then. I was torn between moving on to my next chapter and wanna stay with the group a little longer. I actually cried a lot on the day of that meeting and even considered not going at all. When I finally met the staff, I admitted I had been struggling at home. They suggested I take more time to think it over carefully, so I decided to keep the 5th anniversary in mind while I figured out my next steps. That gave me a full year to sort through my emotions.
I am so glad I started that conversation when I did because it truly feels like the right moment now. Over the past year, I have taken on new challenges, watched the younger members grow, and experienced so many things I wanted to see with the group. If I hadn’t decided to leave now, I am not sure when the next right time would have been. I managed to perform at Kyocera Dome, which was my personal dream, and now I have the chance to stand at the National Stadium. I even appeared on a variety show I love and brought my own dance ideas to life. With my mindset and surroundings changing so much, I feel completely refreshed.
Q: You mentioned the growth of your juniors. In an earlier interview, Mukai said she had started relying on her seniors and specifically named you and Ozono. As the eldest sister in your own family, do you think looking after others comes naturally to you?
TY: Actually, since I am one of the younger ones in my own generation, the older members used to look after me quite a bit. Sakurazaka46 was really the first time in my life that I got to experience being the little sister. Because I had been away from that “older sister” role for so long, I was actually quite worried about how to interact with the 3rd and 4th gen members. I can be surprisingly shy, and for a long time, I felt like I wasn’t being a very reliable senior because I struggled to even invite them out for meals.
However, I eventually grew close to Itoha and all the 3rd gen members. I never imagined such wonderful juniors would join and look up to us, and I am so grateful for that. I used to think they only talked to me because I seemed like the easiest person to tease without getting angry. I assumed they just felt I was “safe” to mess around with, but when the staff told me how much the younger members truly love me, I finally felt like I had achieved something as a senior. Having them around has definitely helped me grow as well.
Q: There is a saying that “your position shapes who you are.” Have you felt that sense of responsibility growing within you?
TY: It actually makes me a bit emotional to see the 3rd gen members acting like big sisters to the 4th gen now. It feels like only yesterday they were the youngest themselves, yet here they are, speaking so kindly and looking after the newcomers with such maturity. Watching them guide the 4th gen makes me realise how a large group naturally goes through these cycles. I recently had a meal with 1st gen seniors like Saito and Sugai, and I immediately slipped back into being the “little sister.” It made me realise how much I still enjoy that feeling and the time spent with my seniors.
I suppose I feel a bit nostalgic because the 2nd gen spent so long as the youngest members, which left me with a bit of a longing for those days. I am sure the 3rd and 4th gen members will feel the same way eventually; that is simply how the group moves forward. Because of that, I am already excited to see how the 4th gen will step into those “big sister” roles in a few years.
Get Sakamichiclips’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Q: I suppose that is how the spirit of the group is passed down. However, Fuyuka mentioned that while she was still active, she felt she had shown her clumsy side to the 2nd gen far too early. She wondered if she might have handled those initial interactions better. Was that actually the case?
TY: To be fair, the 1st gen members are often like that. I am only joking, of course. In reality, Fuyuka and Sugai found it very easy to talk. When I saw Fuyuka recently, we reminisced, and I even teased her about how intimidating the seniors seemed at first. The truth is that we in the 2nd gen are quite awkward ourselves, so things were naturally a bit stiff when we first met. However, those feelings settled themselves over time, and looking back on those days now simply feels nostalgic.
Q: Here is another amusing point. Mukai also mentioned that the 3rd gen members are all quite clumsy. Perhaps that is simply how everyone perceives themselves?
TY: I believe that regardless of whether you are a senior or a junior, you tend to view the other generations as being better than your own. You start at the same time as your peers, so you see all their strengths and weaknesses as you grow together. Seniors are already established from the beginning and possess so many skills, so even as you spend time together, they are still ahead of you. This naturally makes you think they are remarkable. They likely feel the same way about their juniors, noticing how impressive they are despite having only just joined. The third generation probably views us and the fourth generation in that same light. I feel this perspective is unique to groups that run with a generation system.
Q: In an interview for our April issue, your fellow genmate Fujiyoshi mentioned that while the 2nd gen are individually awkward, she loves that about everyone. She also spoke specifically about you, saying that although you felt like just a peer at first, you gradually became a reliable presence. She even noted how memorable your performance in “Abura wo Sase!” was and expressed a desire to dance to a dance track choreographed by you. Is this the first time you are hearing this?
TY: It is, mostly because Karin would never say such things to someone directly. It is quite surprising to hear she feels that way. Actually, please do look forward to the National Stadium performance.
Q: I certainly will. That project on the “Sakurazaka Channel” featuring the self-proclaimed awkward 2nd gen members having a BBQ together was truly moving.
TY: It is quite rare for us to do something as a group on our own. While the photoshoot we did together with B.L.T. was very special, that BBQ video was specifically planned as a way for us to spend time together before Inoue graduated. Interestingly, I told everyone about my own graduation shortly after that.
When we were all gathered around the firepit, I briefly considered telling my genmates right then. However, since we were there to focus on Inoue, I realised it was not the right moment to bring up my own news. Although I had wanted to find a chance to tell them while it was just us together, I decided to hold back. That actually made the day even more significant for me, as I spent it knowing it might be the last time I would experience something like that with my generation.
Q: Furthermore, when you were exchanging gifts, Yamasaki became quite emotional while reading her letter to the 2nd gen. Had she known about your graduation then, she might have been completely overwhelmed.
TY: That’s exactly why I told myself to focus entirely on giving Inoue the best possible send-off that day. I planned for everyone to shift their focus to my graduation only after the new yea. That was my mindset at the time.
Q: Were Inoue and Matsuda the only ones who knew about your graduation in advance?
TY: Among my fellow 2nd gen members, I only told those two and Hono beforehand. Hono and I have spent a lot of time together over the years and even travel together, so I felt it was right to tell her. I also shared the news with Ishimori and Nakashima, explaining that the exact date was not yet set, but I would be graduating. Since Rika, Yuzu, and I often share meals and have very deep conversations, I felt they needed to know so they could prepare themselves emotionally. So, in total, there were only five members I informed ahead of the official announcement.
Q: When Fujiyoshi found out about your graduation, she remarked on what a miracle it is that so many of your generation are still here after seven and a half years. That really highlights how rare your situation is.
TY: There are still several members from the Sakamichi Joint Audition in Nogizaka46 and Hinatazaka46 as well. People often react with surprise that I am leaving already, but our history as a group is actually quite long now. We went through a great deal to become who we are today, and I never imagined such a happy future was waiting for us.
The period when our 9th single was postponed, and concerts were cancelled due to the pandemic, gave me a very strong sense that releasing music and performing are not things to take for granted. I am grateful every time we can pour our emotions into a production and share it with the world. The 3rd and 4th gen members joined once things had stabilised, so while they understand the situation in theory, they might not feel it as deeply. Because of that, we, in the 2nd gen, try our best to remind them that being able to carry out these activities is a gift and never lose that sense of gratitude.
Q: You and the other 2nd gen members are the final ones to remember pre-pandemic handshake events, as well as the online concerts and restricted cheering during the lockdown. While it might have been better to avoid those hardships, the perspective you gained from them is quite significant.
TY: Actually, I believe the current success of the group is only possible because of that period. I see our present situation like a spring that has bounced high after being compressed so tightly. The pandemic also led to online meet and greets and digital concert streaming, which represented a real step forward. There are many positives to take from that time.
Those measures allowed people who could not travel to our venues for various reasons to still watch our shows or speak with us. It enabled overseas supporters to join in and allowed people to connect even when they were unwell. Coming to a physical handshake event takes courage, whereas joining from home feels much easier, and children can participate comfortably with their families nearby. Everyone has different circumstances, and since they choose to spend their precious time with us, I want to appreciate every single conversation.
Q: Following your debut, concerts were held without an audience for some time. Your first performance before a live crowd was “BACKS LIVE!!” in June 2021, which was already five years ago.
TY: That was at the Maihama Amphitheater. I remember the audience had to wear masks and could only show their support by waving sticks since chanting was prohibited. While seeing the fans in person was moving, looking back, those restricted concerts were actually the saddest for me. It felt as though the fans were right there but unable to fully express their excitement.
However, those experiences made me realise how much the crowd fuels our adrenaline. I believe there is meaning in everything we go through. Before joining, I expected the difficult times to outweigh the rewarding moments, but that has not been the case at all. While it hasn’t always been easy, the dreams I mentioned in interviews have actually come true. Learning that persistence leads to such results has been incredibly valuable. If I had given up, I think I would have spent my life running away from hard work. Being rewarded for my perseverance, even if it took a long time, is very important to me. In reality, working toward a goal every day is difficult and doesn’t always lead where you expect, but that daily effort builds into something meaningful. I see life as a cycle of simply making sure I am fully prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.
Q: It is curious how things work out. They say the seeds you sow only sprout once you have forgotten you planted them, or that taking the long way around can lead to the most unexpected places.
TY: I used to find this world incredibly tough, but having come full circle, I can now see what a dream-filled world it actually is. I am aware my journey took longer than most, yet that is precisely why I can say with such pride that I am glad I persisted. Interestingly, as a group, we never actually sat in meetings and set goals like performing at Tokyo Dome or the National Stadium. We never even imagined such things were possible. During our second arena tour, it was not uncommon to see empty seats, which was naturally quite disheartening.
Instead of focusing on where we wanted to be in several years, we simply concentrated on the tasks right in front of us, such as perfecting our choreography for the next day’s rehearsal. Looking back, I believe we reached this point because so many people saw our sincere efforts and chose to support us. This includes the staff and, most importantly, the Buddies. No matter how difficult things became, our fans stood firm and reassured us they would always be there. Their unwavering support in uncertain times was our greatest motivation. I truly want to express my gratitude once more. We are so proud of how our fans have strengthened, and I often feel like I want to introduce every single one of my supporters to the world. I would not have made it this far without them, and as I approach graduation, I realise more than ever that I am the person I am today because of their support.
Q: I think that is a very modest way of looking at it. I think Sakurazaka46 simply wouldn’t be the group it is today without you, Takemoto.
TY: Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. Fuyuka, for instance, was always working to elevate our dance standards because she wanted the entire group to improve. I don’t think I have such a broad perspective myself. However, if I spot a member looking a bit anxious in the rehearsal mirror, I feel there is every reason to speak up.
If I were to stay silent and allow the choreography to remain imperfect before a show, I would only regret it later, and it wouldn’t be fair to the other member either. Because of that, I try to offer help as soon as I notice something. Lately, I have been focusing more on the 4th gen and occasionally the 3rd, while my own generation members are perfectly capable of handling things themselves. I hardly have to look their way at all (laughs). That is not to say I am constantly monitoring the juniors; it is simply something I do naturally whenever I happen to notice a struggle.
Q: Mukai mentioned it as well. She said that whenever she feels stuck or confused, you are the first to notice and ask if she is struggling. I suspect your claim of not having a broad perspective is simply a sign of your own modesty.
TY: Personally, I always felt happiest when my seniors taught me something. I still remember how much it helped when they spoke to me while I was nervous, or how a simple conversation with them could brighten my day. I felt it was only right to do for others what had made me so happy to receive. Someone once told me that one should not just repay favours but pay them forward. Lately, I have been making a conscious effort to pass those kindnesses on to others in a new way, rather than just returning them to the person who helped me.
I find myself wanting to do both. I previously mentioned that I wanted to repay the kindness I received from the members and staff before I leave, but as my graduation draws near, I have started to think that paying it forward might be the most meaningful final act I can perform as a member. In practice, this often just means having casual chats with 4th gen members. When we talk, I realise there is so much I want to say but have been holding back. I remember how much I valued it when the 1st gen spoke to me, so I am truly enjoying these moments with my juniors as a way of passing that spirit on.
Q: I am certain the kindness you have passed on will live through the third and fourth generation members. While you are clearly a person of great character, I believe your strength lies in your performance. With that in mind, I would like you to select what you consider to be your finest work.
TY: If I had to choose one, it would be the dance track I performed before “Abura wo Sase!” at the Tokyo Dome concert in June 2024. Although I am still motivated to keep improving, that performance holds a special place because of the time and depth of emotion I invested in it. It began with me alone on stage, then the other members joined, leading into the song itself. My goal was to get the entire venue to clap along. Since it was only my second time choreographing, I quickly realised how difficult it is to present something as pure entertainment rather than just a dance routine.
I did a lot of research into how to naturally encourage the audience to join in not just through the moves, but through my body positioning and working with the stage director to engage the whole stadium. That experience shifted my perspective. Instead of just focusing on what felt good to dance, I began thinking about how to create something that people would find exciting. Seeing 52.000 people clapping to a dance I created was an incredible feeling. It wasn’t just about self-satisfaction, either; hearing from fans that they felt a sense of unity through that clapping made me realise that a live performance is truly about the joy of creating something together. Receiving praise from the stage director was a huge boost to my confidence, so I would definitely call it my best act so far.
Q: And you are determined to surpass that benchmark before your graduation.
TY: That’s the plan. In fact, I am still feeling the creative growing pains even now. While the process of turning one into a hundred is enjoyable, creating something from absolutely nothing is incredibly difficult. It is so challenging that it has brought me to tears, but I have noticed why I cry. In the past, my tears often came like the struggle of balancing university with my idol activities, or the uncertainty of how I could best contribute to the group.
These days, however, I only cry from the intensity of the creative process or from the moving things the members say once a project comes to life. When I realised that, I thought, “Wow, these are actually tears of happiness.” Learning how much the meaning behind my tears has changed over the last seven and a half years is something I am grateful for. My wonderful groupmates and fans are the ones who taught me that. Even if I were to be reborn, I would still want to be an idol and a member of Sakurazaka46. Being able to say that means I’ve had a wonderful career, and I would love to tell my younger self: “Even if you feel lost, keep going. A future filled with laughter is certainly waiting for you!”
