Dempagumi.inc, one of Japan’s most prolific idol groups of the early-mid 2010s, have announced their decision to disband at the beginning of 2025, marking the end of their 16-year journey.

The announcement came during the encore of their Tokyo LIQUIDROOM performance as part of the ‘We need the DEMPA TOUR 2024’ on April 20th. The members, including Mirin Furukawa, Risa Aizawa, Ayane Fujisaki, Kaname Rin, Rito Amasawa, Ria Kobato, and Hina Takasaki, revealed their decision after discussions among themselves and their crew.

The group’s origins trace back to the unit Dempagumi, formed in 2007 by Furukawa and Kowada Akari, employees of the Akihabara live house ‘DearStage’. Since then, Dempagumi.inc have become synonymous with delivering “Moe Kyun Songs to the World”.

Despite facing tumultuous periods during their long career, Dempagumi.inc managed to achieve landmark accomplishments, from releasing numerous hit singles like 2011’s ‘Future Diver’ and 2015’s ‘Sakura Appareshon’, to holding iconic performances, including their first Tokyo Nippon Budokan show in 2014, and international showings at events like Hyper Japan in London and France’s Japan Expo.

RELATED: DEMPAGUMI.INC DEFY EXPECTATIONS AT FRENZIED LONDON DEBUT

The group’s influence extended beyond music, with collaborations at fashion events, appearances as models, and serving as Goodwill Ambassadors for “Culture City of East Asia, Yokohama 2014”. Their dedication to otaku culture and vibrant high-energy performances made waves felt across the globe.

As they embark on their year-long journey toward the final curtain call, Dempagumi.inc plan to kick off a nationwide tour starting at Toyosu PIT in Tokyo on October 8th (coined “Dempa Day”), aiming to create unforgettable shows alongside their fans until their farewell live in early 2025.

The announcement of Dempagumi.inc’s disbandment has elicited emotional responses on social media from fans, staff, as well as current and former members alike.

Moga Mogami

Moga Mogami, a prominent former member who parted ways with the group in 2017 during their peak, shared poignant reflections on the news via a post on Instagram. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed the challenge of comprehending an end amidst the ongoing journey. She remarked, “Today, I happened to be talking to myself about ‘the concept of endings’. When I came back home and settled down a bit, I saw the news about Dempagumi’s disbandment. It’s quite difficult to imagine an end when you’re in the midst of living it right now. Even during my time with Dempagumi, I never thought about an end.”

Reflecting on her tenure with the group, Moga recalled the dedication she poured into Dempagumi.inc. She revealed the internal struggles she faced, including feeling overwhelmed and unable to maintain composure. Despite these challenges, her commitment to supporting the group remained unwavering. She confessed, “There were probably many who didn’t like that aspect of me, but at that time, with all the strength I could muster, I wanted to support Dempagumi. I dedicated everything I had to Dempagumi, more than anything else. It was the most important group to me.”

Acknowledging her departure from the group, Moga expressed a sense of relief and closure. She recognized the inevitability of change and accepted the current members’ decision to conclude this chapter. “While I may have had various thoughts, the fact that the current members have chosen to end this chapter is something to accept. It’s as natural as graduating from school, moving away, or quitting a job. Just like there’s no eternity in this world, someday, the ‘someday’ arrives. We won’t forget, and it won’t disappear. Thank you, and well done”, she concluded, offering her support and gratitude to her former colleagues.

Mofuku-chan

“Dempagumi have always upheld the ridiculous goal of ‘saving the universe'”, shared Mofuku-chan, the group’s longstanding producer and founder of DearStage, in her own statement in a Tweet on the day of the announcement. “Dempagumi, inspired by the fact that otaku culture saved us when ‘reality was not good,’ believes that we were able to help those who found it difficult to live, even if only a little.”

Reflecting on their aim of “delivering Moe Kyun Songs to the World,” she pondered on the achievement of that goal, stating, “I’m not sure how far we’ve achieved that, but recently when we go on overseas expeditions, many idol operators there tell us, ‘We created idols after seeing Dempagumi’, and I feel that we may not have become world-famous artists, but we might have encouraged people around the world to take a step forward, thinking, ‘Maybe I can become that too’, ‘Maybe I can create that too’. There was a mysterious and gentle power in Dempagumi.inc that made people think, ‘If those girls can do it, maybe we can too!’”.

Despite inspiring numerous new idol groups in the scene, she expressed the challenge of matching Dempa’s unique performances. “But… I seriously believe that the live atmosphere of Dempagumi.inc with everyone here may be so unique and unparalleled that it might never be replicated by anyone else. It’s seriously the strongest and most unique in the world.”

“Until next year, let’s celebrate with Dempagumi’s eccentric songs and dances!”

Accorinrin (Otoboke Beaver)

Even Accorinrin, the frontwoman of the Kyoto punk band Otoboke Beaver, who will be performing at Glastonbury Festival later this year, shared her sentiments on X (Twitter), reminiscing about the inspiration she felt after witnessing Dempagumi.inc’s performance back in 2023.

“Looking forward to Dempagumi.inc’s ending and future. I still remember the excitement from that day. Always respecting and supporting.”

Mirin Furukawa

Mirin Furukawa, the group’s sole remaining original member, also a mother and devoted Otaku, shared her thoughts on the day of the announcement on X (Twitter): “Dempagumi.inc is reaching its ending. I started as an idol thinking I’d show them all. And as someone who couldn’t achieve anything, being an idol was the only thing I found fulfilling.”

“It would be a lie to say I achieved all my goals, but I’m grateful for making it through these 16 years. People often say, ‘If Mirin leaves Dempagumi, she’ll probably become a shut-in again’, so that’s one thing I want to push through. To all the fans who supported me, thank you for seeing me as an idol even though I couldn’t become anything. I’d be happy if you remembered me as ‘that idol existed’ until the end.”

Messages from all members of the group, expressing their gratitude and emotions, have been shared on the group’s official website, acknowledging their fans’ unwavering support throughout the years.

While the announcement marks the end of an era, Dempagumi.inc’s legacy as pioneers of otaku culture and ambassadors of moe music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Dempagumi inc 'DEMPARK!!!' album artwork

Dempagumi.inc
DEMPARK!!!

Release Date: 20/07/2022
Label: TOY’S FACTORY
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music

Dempagumi.inc 'WWDD' album artwork

Dempagumi.inc
WWDD

Release Date: 18/05/2015
Label: TOY’S FACTORY
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
CD: Regular | Limited Edition