INI member Yuta Sano will pause all group activities indefinitely starting September 18, according to an announcement posted on INI’s official website. The 11-member boy band said Sano has been receiving treatment at a medical institution, and that after extensive discussions between Sano and the group, the decision was made that prioritizing his recovery was the right course of action.
No timeline for his return has been set. The official statement said further updates on his activity status will be announced once available. Details about the specific nature of Sano’s health issue have not been disclosed.
The announcement lands with particular weight given the timing: it comes just one day after INI performed their first-ever solo concert at Tokyo Dome on September 17, a milestone show the group’s own coverage described as performed with all 11 members present. The abrupt shift from a career-high moment to a member’s sudden hiatus has made the news especially jarring for fans following the group closely this week.
Who is Yuta Sano?
Yuta Sano (佐野雄大) is a member of INI, a Japanese boy group formed through the audition survival show “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON2.” INI officially debuted in November 2021 with the single “A” and went on to win Best New Artist at the 63rd Japan Record Awards that same year. The group’s full lineup includes Masaya Kimura, Hiromu Takatsuka, Shogo Tajima, Kyosuke Fujimaki, Takumi Ozaki, Kohito Nishi, Jin Matsuda, Kyobon Kyo, Rihito Ikezaki, Sano, and Ison Goto.
INI followed their debut with the singles “I” in April 2022 and “M” in August 2022, before releasing their first full album, “Awakening,” in December 2022, which was supported by the group’s first arena tour across Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Since then, the group has continued to build toward larger venues, culminating in this week’s Tokyo Dome performance. Sano has been part of INI’s lineup since its formation and has been a consistent presence across the group’s releases, tours, and broadcast appearances.
With no return date announced, INI’s upcoming schedule and how the group will handle promotional and performance commitments without Sano in the near term remain unclear. JAPUZI will update this story as more information becomes available.
Author’s Comment
Okay, I need everyone to take a breath here. The internet’s first instinct whenever an idol "pauses activities" is to assume the absolute worst-case scenario within about four minutes, and I’m asking you to resist that urge. The agency gave us exactly what it should: he’s sick, he’s getting treatment, rest comes first, more news later. That’s not evasive, that’s just how you’re supposed to handle a young performer’s private medical situation. What gets me is the timing — one day after Tokyo Dome, the literal peak of this group’s career so far. The idol industry runs its members on almost no margin for rest, and eventually the body sends the invoice. Sending Sano actual patience instead of theories would be the tasteful move here, but I know, I know, that’s asking a lot of Twitter.
