Yoshimoto Kogyo announced on June 3 that comedian duo Asian have split. 

While they have gone their separate ways, Sumida Miho and Babazono Azusa will continue their activities under Yoshimoto Kogyo. On Instagram, Sumida revealed that she will be pursuing her dream of theater, hoping to challenge herself with plays and musicals. Meanwhile, Babazono wrote on Twitter that she has decided to see Sumida off with all of her heart. 

Asian is the 20th graduate class of NSC Osaka and won the Newcomer Prize at the 'ABC Owarai Shinjin Grand Prix' in 2005. They were the first female duo to advance to the finals of the 'M-1 Grand Prix' that same year. They've also won the Outstanding Performance Award at the 'NHK Kamigata Manzai Contest' and Rookie of the Year at the 'Kamigata Manzai Taisho.'