Juice=Juice leader Uemura Akari has announced that she will be graduating from both the group and Hello! Project after next spring's concert tour.

Uemura became a Hello! Pro Kenshusei in 2012, and was selected as one of Juice=Juice's original members in February of 2013. She has been the leader of the group since November of 2021.

Regarding her graduation, Uemura commented, "Some promising kohai (juniors) have joined, and now that the group's range and choices have broadened, I thought about my own future and reached the decision to pursue a new path." She added, "I've experienced various things during the past ten years, but to finish, I hope to run through the precious time I have left with the Juice=Juice Family in order to convey my utmost gratitude." 

More details on Uemura's activities after graduation as well as the next year's spring concert tour will be announced at a later date.