On July 1st, it was announced by her agency that Irie Risa, an 18-year-old member of the popular Hello! Project idol group Juice=Juice, has been diagnosed with panic disorder. As a result, she will be taking a break from her activities to focus on treatment.

Up-Front Promotion, the agency representing Juice=Juice, shared the news on the official Hello! Project website. They explained that Irie has been experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. After seeking medical advice, she was diagnosed with panic disorder and advised to rest and receive outpatient treatment for the time being.

Irie Risa joined Juice=Juice in July 2021. In her personal blog, she expressed her regret for causing concern and inconvenience to her fellow members, staff, and fans. She revealed that she has been struggling with health issues for about six months, with symptoms varying in intensity. Recently, she has experienced severe anxiety, shortness of breath, and dizziness, which led her to seek a thorough medical evaluation and receive the diagnosis of panic disorder.

Irie admitted that deciding to take a break was a difficult decision. She acknowledged that she sometimes pushed herself to perform on stage despite her condition, which may have worried her fans. However, now that the decision to rest has been made, she is determined to focus on her recovery and hopes to return to performing as soon as possible.

Irie assured her fans that on good days, she plans to update her blog and social media, even if the frequency may decrease. She asked her fans for their patience and support during this time.

Due to her condition, Irie will miss the upcoming Hello! Project 2024 Summer ALL OF US “Vega” and “Altair” concerts starting on July 13th. The agency apologized for any concern and inconvenience this may cause to fans and related parties, requesting their understanding and support.

Up-Front Promotion emphasized that Irie Risa's health and well-being are the priority. They will continue to monitor her progress and make decisions about her return to activities based on medical advice. They expressed their gratitude for the understanding and support from fans and stakeholders during this challenging time.