AKINO to leave bless4 after December graduation live
AKINO will leave bless4 after its 21 December graduation live and begin a solo career as the group continues as bless∞ (Forever).
AKINO will leave the sibling music group bless4 after its graduation live on 21 December 2026, the group has announced. She plans to pursue a solo career, while the remaining members will continue under the name bless∞ (Forever). 1
The announcement marks the end of AKINO's 24-year run with bless4. She is best known to anime fans for singing the opening theme to Genesis of Aquarion, as well as songs connected with Kantai Collection -KanColle-, Active Raid and Amagi Brilliant Park. Anime News Network independently reports the same departure and confirms that no solo release schedule has been announced. 2
What happens next
AKINO's final appearance as a bless4 member will be the 21 December graduation live. The official announcement says the performance will celebrate the group's history before AKINO begins her solo chapter. It does not announce a first solo single, album or concert date, so there is no release timetable to report yet. 1
bless4 will continue with AKASHI and KANASA at its centre, adopting the name bless∞ (Forever). The change presents the departure as a transition rather than the end of the group: the official message stresses the family's bond and says the remaining members will continue their activities under the new name. 1
For anime-music listeners, the split matters because AKINO's voice has been tied to some of the medium's most recognisable songs. Genesis of Aquarion remains the clearest connection, but her catalogue also reaches into military comedy Kantai Collection -KanColle- and science-fiction action series Active Raid. The group has not indicated whether AKINO's solo work will continue in anime music. 2
Our opinion
This is a meaningful change for anime-song fans, but the announcement is refreshingly clear about what is and is not known. AKINO's next solo move is still undefined, while bless∞ has a stated continuation plan. The useful date for now is 21 December: that is when the old lineup ends, and when the next chapter begins.
Sources: the official bless4 announcement and Anime News Network's independent report.