HKT48’s Tanaka Miku addresses WIZ*ONE about IZ*ONE’s Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako’s return to HKT48

The plan for IZ*ONE members Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako was that they would return back to Japan as members of HKT48 in 2021.  Miyawaki Sakura is a first gen member of HKT48, Yabuki Nako is a third gen member of HKT48.

But in the 2 1/2 years since the two became members of IZ*ONE, their careers have flourished, their names became globally known, their performance has elevated  and they have reached amazing heights with the opportunity.

But the HKT48 which Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako were once part of, is no longer the same HKT48 they will be returning to.

Leader Sashihara Rino and a few of their members have since departed, the 48 groups are not in the same height of popularity compared to their 46 counterpart and activities for 48 members have no doubt slowed down due to the pandemic.

Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako (along with AKB48’s Honda Hitomi) were members that became IZ*ONE, one of the most financially successful female K-Pop groups of all time and what they will return back to, will no doubt be a bit similar but also different.

But if anything, Miyawaki and Yabuki as veterans, they will be looked at by the trainees for hopefully pumping some synergy back to HKT48. Hardcore fans of the two have been waiting for the two to return to HKT48.  And HKT48 member Tanaka Miku, best friends with Yabuki Nako and also close with Sakura posted a message of IZ*ONE disbanding and Sakura and Nako returning back.

さくなこおおおおおおおおおお https://t.co/xZHxwQFutP

— 田中 美久 (@miku_monmon3939) March 10, 2021

Unfortunately, Tanaka received criticism from IZ*ONE fans (WIZ*ONE) who were holding on to every hope that IZ*ONE’s contract will be extended.

Tanaka posted a second comment to WIZ*ONE and said that she had mixed feelings herself because she also likes IZ*ONE and also wants to see IZ*ONE’s activities for a long time, she loves them but she has waited for the day they can all perform together and she hopes everyone can understand. It’s complicated and she thought about the feelings of WIZ*ONE.

嬉しい！って言う気持ちだけじゃなくて、IZ*ONEも好きだから複雑な気持ち…。

IZ*ONEの活動もずっと見てたいし大好きだしでも、さくなことパフォーマンスする日もずっと待ってたりこの気持ちなんとも言えないこの気持ち…みんな分かるかな…複雑だよね

WIZ*ONEさん達の気持ちも考えると、、ね

— 田中 美久 (@miku_monmon3939) March 10, 2021

There are fans who are concerned with rumors that Miyawaki Sakura will return to HKT48 but announced that she will be graduating from the group.  Some who have commented on Tanaka’s post if the rumors are true.

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