The official website of the i☆Ris voice‑actress idol unit confirmed on Sunday that the group will cease activities at the end of 2027, marking the close of its 15‑year run. The statement explained that members and staff have been discussing the group’s future since last year and collectively decided to conclude the project after the upcoming anniversary year.
Founded in July 2012, i☆Ris originated from the winners of the AniSon Vocal Audition, a joint talent search held by avex and 81 Produce. The six original members debuted with the single “Color” in November 2012, simultaneously launching careers as both musical performers and anime voice actresses.
Since its inception, the unit has built a reputation for delivering high‑energy theme songs for a wide range of series, including Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live, Mushibugyō, Fantasista Stella, Hantsu x Trash, Twin Star Exorcists, Akiba’s Trip: The Animation, PriPara, Idol Time PriPara, Magical Girl Site and Wise Man’s Grandchild. Their most recent contribution was the opening for the dodgeball series Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko.
The group’s lineup today consists of Saki Yamakita, Yū Serizawa, Himika Akaneya, Yūki Wakai and Miyu Kubota. Former member Azuki Shibuya graduated from the unit on March 31, 2021, as reported at the time.
Throughout its career, i☆Ris has not only dominated the music charts but also earned industry recognition. The unit captured the Singing Award at the 10th Annual Seiyū Awards in March 2016, a milestone that highlighted its dual identity as singers and seiyū. Later that year, they performed a landmark concert at the iconic Nippon Budōkan, cementing their status as a top‑tier idol act.
To celebrate its decade‑long journey, i☆Ris released two feature films in 2024. i☆Ris the Movie –Full Energy!!– premiered in May, followed by the documentary Live & Documentary Movie ～i☆Ris on STAGE～ in September. Both projects served as a nostalgic look back at the group’s evolution and offered fans a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of their creative process.
In addition to audiovisual releases, the unit inspired a webcomic in 2016 tentatively titled Shūkan i☆Ris (Weekly i☆Ris), further expanding its multimedia footprint.
As part of the farewell schedule, i☆Ris will hold a 14th‑anniversary live concert on November 3 at Yokohama Arena. The event will serve as both a celebration of the group’s legacy and a final curtain call before the planned disbandment at the close of 2027. Organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans, noting that the support received over fifteen years has been “invaluable.”
While the announcement marks the end of a distinct chapter, each member is expected to continue pursuing individual voice‑acting roles, solo music projects, or other entertainment avenues. The decision to dissolve the unit after a 15‑year span mirrors a broader trend among Japanese idol groups, which often plan finite lifespans to allow members artistic growth beyond the collective brand.
For those interested in tracing i☆Ris’s full discography, filmography, or voice‑acting credits, the comprehensive profile on Anime News Network offers a detailed overview of the group’s contributions to anime, games, and live performances.
Featured image: ©avex
Source: Anime News Network