After more than two decades as the voice of bless4, singer AKINO is graduating from the band to focus on her solo career. The Japanese-American band announced on Wednesday that her final performance as a member will take place on December 21, and the group will continue under a new name: bless∞(Forever).
AKINO (Credits: Kawamitsu Arttainment Co., Ltd)
The End of an Era
AKINO’s journey with bless4 began in 2003, when she debuted alongside her brothers Akashi and AIKI and her sister Kanasa with the single “Good Morning! Mr. Sunshine.” The four siblings from the Kawamitsu family, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, carved out a unique space in the Japanese music scene with their harmonies and high-energy sound.
For anime fans, AKINO’s voice is impossible to forget. She made her solo debut with the iconic “Genesis of Aquarion” and “Go Tight” singles for the Genesis of Aquarion anime, both composed by the legendary Yoko Kanno. Over the years she performed theme songs for titles including Oban Star-Racers, Kantai Collection, Active Raid, and Amagi Brilliant Park, as well as tracks for Final Fantasy XIV.
What Happens to bless4 Now
With AKINO moving on, the band will rebrand as bless∞(Forever), with Akashi and Kanasa leading the group going forward. This isn’t the first shake-up for the band — brother AIKI departed back in 2022 to focus on his family and solo work — but AKINO’s exit marks the biggest change yet for the sibling group.
The band has also lent its music to a wide range of projects, including the Disney-produced anime Stitch!, Izetta: The Last Witch, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride. Based in Kawasaki, the group has performed in Korea and released songs in Europe, building a dedicated international fanbase along the way.
Fans heading to the December 21 graduation live will witness the closing chapter of one of J-pop’s most enduring family acts — and the beginning of a new one.
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Source: Anime News Network — read the full story there.
