Update 3/13/2018, 8:53AM EDT: Kalafina’s official fan club, “Harmony”, issued a statement on the matter, stating that one member will be leaving the group, while two others will remain under the Kalafina name. The decision was made after Yuki Kajiura’s departure from Space Craft Produce.
The statement did not specify which member would be leaving.
Source: Twitter (pKjd)
This is a sad day for Japanese music fans.
Earlier today, Japanese newspaper Sports Hochi reported that Kalafina is breaking up. According to the publication, The group will cease all operations this spring.
A producer at Space Craft Produce noted that a fissure had formed among the members over Yuki Kajiura’s departure from the company.
Last month, we reported that Kalafina would continue to work with Space Craft Produce, and that the group’s “performances at our sponsored concerts and the opening of the group’s tenth anniversary film are proceeding as planned.”
In December, we reported that Yuki Kajiura was slated to depart Space Craft Produce this month. At the time, Japanese news source Livedoor reported that Kalafina’s schedule was being emptied post-January. According to Livedoor, Kajiura and Kalafina were expected to earn more than two billion yen ($17,653,808.81 USD) over the course of 2018, leading to a major loss of projected revenue for Space Craft Produce.
Kalafina was founded by Yuki Kajiura in 2007. The group was originally brought together to produce theme songs for the Garden of Sinners film series. Kajiura produced, composed, and wrote most of the group’s songs until her departure.
Sources: Yaraon!, Yahoo! News (Thanks to L.B. Bryant for the tip!)
Update 3/13/2018, 8:53AM EDT: In light of new developments, we have amended our coverage and updated our headline.
