Dempagumi Inc. The end?

Mogami Moga has quit Dempagumi Inc. The rest of the members are on hiatus to explore their own projects. Pinky is involved with “Pinky! Noora & Petra” (who made a showing at TIF 2017), and also hosted a stage at TIF 2017. Mirin appeared at TIF2017, hosting a stage on her own. Yumemi Nemu is selling a tonne of stuff.

Being, by far, the most popular and recognisable member of the group in japan, does Mogami Moga leaving signal the death of the band?

Does this herald the end for this ground breaking Idol group? If so, is that a bad thing?

Let’s have a look at the history.  The band has been going for 10 years (since 2008) with a number of different members, although the current line up is particularly strong. Of course, there are a few former members, but far fewer than many other idol bands.

• Akari Owata
• Miu Atobe

and now…

• Moga Mogami

My argument would be that Moga leaving the band has a much larger impact than the others, as Moga has been a ‘lynchpin’ member and an integral part of their success over the last five years. Having said that, Moga has made no secret of the fact that she wasn’t really comfortable being an Idol, and would much rather be a gravure model.

Yumemi Nemu has been focusing on presenting (talent) jobs, and pushing her own (adorable) product line. She’s done a lot of vocaloid work recently, too.

Pinky seems still focused on dancing and music – although, to be honest, her current venture leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

How will Risa, Ai and Mirin push into the future?

In December last year (2016) Dempagumi Inc. released their “best of” album, WWDBest.

With that album came a new song. WWDBest (the song) was near perfect in its throwback to fans, and references to their older work. Is this the last thing we’ll see from Dempagumi Inc.? Maybe so. It would be a fitting send off.

Mirin, Risa, Nemu, Ai, Moga, Pinky…. Dempagumi. We’re with you.