Former NMB48 member Yoshida Akari live-streamed on YouTube on August 16, her 27th birthday, announcing that she has transferred to Yoshimoto Kogyo Co.,Ltd., a talent agency that employs most of Japan's popular 'owarai' (comedy) talents. 

Yoshida appeared on screen and said, "I have an announcement for everybody." Fans speculated that this was a marriage announcement, but she immediately denied it saying, "I'm not getting married. It's a small announcement." 

She then announced, "I, Yoshida Akari, have actually switched agencies. I am now with Yoshimoto Kogyo," and added, "I will do my best to become funny!" 

Since she was in NMB48, Yoshida was signed with 'Showtitle' under the umbrella of Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings. She revealed that she wanted to widen her range of work, and introduced herself as "Yoshimoto Kogyo's Yoshida Akari." Finally, she stated, "What I will be doing won't change much, but I hope to appear on TV more."