Japanese media outlets predict Honda Hitomi will seek promotion opportunities in Korea after parting ways with her agency

Earlier this week on May 1, Japanese management Mama&Son announced that its exclusive contract with former IZ*ONE and AKB48 member Honda Hitomi (22) has come to an end.

The agency stated, "Respecting the wishes of Honda Hitomi, who is searching for new paths, our exclusive contract with the artist will conclude. Although it was only for a short while, we thank Honda Hitomi for being with us."

Honda Hitomi, who debuted as a member of AKB48 in 2014 at the age of 12, wrapped up her activities with the idol group in September of last year. In 2018, Hitomi also debuted as a member of the Korean-Japanese project group IZ*ONE. 

One insider told Japanese media outlets, "Honda Hitomi wishes to continue singing and dancing while she is still young. She wishes to fulfill her dreams of reaching stages around the world." 

Many industry insiders are showing interest in Honda Hitomi's next steps, as one previous media outlet reported earlier in January, "Hitomi longs to follow in the footsteps of idols like Miyawaki Sakura of LE SSERAFIM."