Wasuta (The World Standard) Ends Its 11-Year Career: They Are Saying Goodbye This Winter
One of the most colorful groups in the world of Japanese pop music and anime, Wasuta (The World Standard), has announced that it will conclude its 11-year successful journey this winter. Breaking the sad news to fans during their 11th-anniversary concert held on March 27, 2026, the group will cease operations with a major final concert to be held in the winter season. It was stated that the decision was made collectively following long and comprehensive discussions regarding the members' future individual goals.
Founded in 2015 as part of the "iDOL Street" project under Avex Trax, Wasuta established a unique identity as idols of the digital age. Known for their cat-themed costumes, energetic dances, and effective use of social media, the group lived up to their "world standard" name by performing in 13 different countries, including France, Canada, and Thailand. The group's current lineup includes leader Nanase Hirokawa along with Miri Matsuda, Ririka Kodama, and Ruka Mishina; founding member Hazuki Sakamoto left the group in 2021 and retired from the industry.
For anime lovers, the disbandment of Wasuta marks the end of an era. The group reached a wide fan base with iconic songs such as "Just be yourself" and "KIRA KIRA Hologram," which they performed for popular series like Idol Time PriPara and Kiratto Pri☆chan. Making a difference in idol culture with innovative approaches such as allowing fans to take photos and videos during their stage performances, the group will always be remembered for the cheerful melodies they contributed to the anime world.
In an emotional statement, the group's leader Nanase Hirokawa expressed that the group, which she joined when she started high school, was a lifelong commitment for her, but that they had reached a natural end after more than 10 years. The other members also described this 11-year process as the most valuable treasure of their lives and promised to give their best performances to their fans during the remaining time. While the exact date and venue of the final concert have not yet been finalized, the farewell event to take place this winter is expected to create a major impact in the J-Pop world.
