Recognition from industry peers for her acting talent.

Though her day-to-day routine remains focused on her managerial career in Kyoto, she has kept an open line to the digital world via her personal Instagram account ( 0223_jp ). She has hinted to her followers that once her personal life achieves greater stability and her emotional transition is complete, she intends to host to directly interact, catch up, and thank the fans who stood by her during both her peak fame and her quietest moments.

Nagase revealed that years of performing without adequate ear protection during her "metal idol" phase have permanently damaged her hearing. "Music has become pain," she admitted. "I hear a constant ringing. When I try to sing, I can no longer hear the pitch correctly. To go on stage and lip-sync would be a betrayal to my fans. To sing live would be torture."

In response to these fans, Nagase added a postscript in the article: "Please do not send gifts. Please do not wait at my apartment. If you love me, forget the idol. Remember the music. But let the person go."

For her devoted fans, known affectionately as her "guild," this is a moment of bittersweet reflection. To the wider world, Yui Nagase was a dynamo—a powerhouse of charisma and talent. Her journey, however, was never just a solo act.

Life After the Spotlight: Yui Nagase Opens Up About Retirement and Her Bond with Ichika Matsumoto

Yet, unlike many farewells in entertainment that are tinged with regret, Nagase’s exit appears to be one of contentment. "I have no regrets," she concluded in the exclusive with Ichika Mats. "I wanted to be seen, I was seen. I wanted to tell stories, I told them. Now I want to live."

"Nagase Yui is leaving, but I am staying," she said, signing off the exclusive. "Please support me in my next life."

Background

During the exclusive, Nagase detailed three primary reasons for her departure, shedding light on the dark side of fame that is rarely discussed in the polished world of J-pop.

Yui Nagase officially retired from the adult entertainment industry in December 2021. Following her departure, she has maintained a close relationship with her colleague and real-life friend, Ichika Matsumoto

"To everyone who watched me grow up on screen: Thank you for making my dream come true. I was just an ordinary girl, and you made me a star. From now on, I will be cheering for you from the other side of the screen."

After three years of an extremely prolific career, Nagase has decided to draw the curtain. While the news has been met with sadness by her global fanbase, the exclusive interview with Matsumoto Ichika reveals that this decision has been a long time coming—a planned exit rather than a sudden retreat.

The End of an Era: Yui Nagase’s Official Retirement and the Ichika Matsumoto Connection Fans are currently processing the bittersweet news that Yui Nagase