After 7 years... This is it. It feels like 2018 all over again, except that this time the news wasn't dropped on my birthday.
If you know me, you know I'm a major Yui fan. She's been my favorite member– No, favorite girl! Ever since I discovered BABYMETAL, and I never stopped being vocal about it. I moved on and continued to support Su, Moa and Momo after she was gone. I made peace with the fact that she'd be out of sight for many years to come.
Not a day went by in which I didn't wish her good luck and absolute happiness in whatever she'd choose to do... Even if it meant leaving the spotlight for good. That fear all of us Yui fans felt has finally become a reality (again).
So much speculation arose with her farewell and even more emerged from the unsettling silence, to the point of becoming almost unbearable. I firmly believe things could've been handled differently to avoid so much pain for the fans, Su and Moa, and especially Yui (regarding both her absence-departure from BABYMETAL and the upcoming years of silence).
Deep down, I was still holding on to the hope that one day she would "return to meet us all as Yui Mizuno", as she said in her departure letter. I cheered her on as she was "recovering and preparing for her new activities", as stated at that Amuse shareholders meeting. I cheered even more when Su asked us to "support her in her new dream".
It really sounded like she would eventually come back as a public figure, and I took these words as a gospel. Because, yes, I SO wanted to see her shining once again. I dreamed of seeing how the "Yui Mizuno legacy" would look like outside of YUIMETAL. Nothing about the past official statements gave me a hint that this would be her final choice... None, except one: I supported her in spirit while she was "struggling with her identity", as she wrote in her message for the Sakura Gakuin 10th Anniversary book.
If things didn't unfold differently, it's very likely because those "numerous discussions with her" happened as she was trying to come to terms with who she is. And my God, that's the most difficult journey any of us could possibly embark on. Her courage and perseverance are some of the many things I admire about her. It takes guts to carry on as a star, but so is walking away and putting yourself first.
For the past two years I've been saying that 2025 would be Yui's year. Because in numerology, her "year of life-changing events" turned out to be 2025 (witches and wizards will get it). As a fan, leaving the entertainment industry was certainly my least favorite out of all the possibilities. But as the friend I wish I could be to her, I would give her the biggest hug and hype her up in this life-changing decision.
I'm crying as I'm writing this. It hurts and it's freeing. It 𝙞𝙨 possible to move on and honor the past simultaneously. I will respect her decision, as I always have, and celebrate her legacy with all my might (yes, that includes videos).
7 years of YUIMETAL and 7 years of silence. Now the Yui Mizuno chapter finally begins: an era filled with days and nights out with friends, peach iced tea, home cooking, family time, PJs... And lots and lots of tomatoes, of course 🍅
Yui, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me, without even knowing I exist. It's crazy how much impact an artist can have on you, especially when you resonate with their character so much. I think of you as the type of friend I aspire to be and to find.
I salute you with a kitsune sign and Sakura Gakuin flag, girly ❤️🩹
Omajination
After 7 years... This is it. It feels like 2018 all over again, except that this time the news wasn't dropped on my birthday.
If you know me, you know I'm a major Yui fan. She's been my favorite member– No, favorite girl! Ever since I discovered BABYMETAL, and I never stopped being vocal about it. I moved on and continued to support Su, Moa and Momo after she was gone. I made peace with the fact that she'd be out of sight for many years to come.
Not a day went by in which I didn't wish her good luck and absolute happiness in whatever she'd choose to do... Even if it meant leaving the spotlight for good. That fear all of us Yui fans felt has finally become a reality (again).
So much speculation arose with her farewell and even more emerged from the unsettling silence, to the point of becoming almost unbearable. I firmly believe things could've been handled differently to avoid so much pain for the fans, Su and Moa, and especially Yui (regarding both her absence-departure from BABYMETAL and the upcoming years of silence).
Deep down, I was still holding on to the hope that one day she would "return to meet us all as Yui Mizuno", as she said in her departure letter. I cheered her on as she was "recovering and preparing for her new activities", as stated at that Amuse shareholders meeting. I cheered even more when Su asked us to "support her in her new dream".
It really sounded like she would eventually come back as a public figure, and I took these words as a gospel. Because, yes, I SO wanted to see her shining once again. I dreamed of seeing how the "Yui Mizuno legacy" would look like outside of YUIMETAL. Nothing about the past official statements gave me a hint that this would be her final choice... None, except one: I supported her in spirit while she was "struggling with her identity", as she wrote in her message for the Sakura Gakuin 10th Anniversary book.
If things didn't unfold differently, it's very likely because those "numerous discussions with her" happened as she was trying to come to terms with who she is. And my God, that's the most difficult journey any of us could possibly embark on. Her courage and perseverance are some of the many things I admire about her. It takes guts to carry on as a star, but so is walking away and putting yourself first.
For the past two years I've been saying that 2025 would be Yui's year. Because in numerology, her "year of life-changing events" turned out to be 2025 (witches and wizards will get it). As a fan, leaving the entertainment industry was certainly my least favorite out of all the possibilities. But as the friend I wish I could be to her, I would give her the biggest hug and hype her up in this life-changing decision.
I'm crying as I'm writing this. It hurts and it's freeing. It 𝙞𝙨 possible to move on and honor the past simultaneously. I will respect her decision, as I always have, and celebrate her legacy with all my might (yes, that includes videos).
7 years of YUIMETAL and 7 years of silence. Now the Yui Mizuno chapter finally begins: an era filled with days and nights out with friends, peach iced tea, home cooking, family time, PJs... And lots and lots of tomatoes, of course 🍅
Yui, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me, without even knowing I exist. It's crazy how much impact an artist can have on you, especially when you resonate with their character so much. I think of you as the type of friend I aspire to be and to find.
I salute you with a kitsune sign and Sakura Gakuin flag, girly ❤️🩹
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,003