YUIMETAL Leaves BABYMETAL Due To Poor Health

BABYMETAL member YUIMETAL has officially left the group, the singer announced today in a statement.

With her departure, BABYMETAL will now be a duo consisting of members SU-METAL and MOAMETAL. The group released a new song today titled "Starlight", marking its first time releasing music as a duo.

YUIMETAL's involvement with BABYMETAL had been the source of speculation for nearly a year. Her last performance with the group was in December 2017.

When the group toured in the United States in May 2018, YUIMETAL was conspicuously absent due to poor health. This lead to questions of whether she was still a member of the group.

"I feel very sorry that my decision will disturb the other members and some many fans who have supported BABYMETAL. I am further terribly sorry to sadden the fans who have supported BABYMETAL. I had the strong desire to appear on stage again, but my physical condition is not at its best even now, and further I feel that I would like to pursue my dream, one that I have had from a long time ago, of going on my own as Yui Mizuno. It is these factors that led to my decision," she said.

The nature of YUIMETAL's illness remains unknown.

BABYMETAL will be touring in Japan starting October 23. The group has billed the concerts as its rebirth as a duo.