The Japanese creative duo GARNiDELiA, composed of MARiA and toku, dropped a bombshell on September 2, with toku announcing on social media that the group would be suspending activities indefinitely. The news stunned fans, and the subsequent tour cancellation revealed deep internal conflicts within the group.
▼ The announcement quickly became a trending topic on X in Japan.
The duo "GARNiDELiA," formed by vocalist MARiA and composer toku, launched in 2010. They are known for performing theme songs for hit anime series such as KILL la KILL, The Irregular at Magic High School, and Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka.
However, their most famous track is arguably "Gokuraku Jodo," a song that marked a major turning point in their career. Initially aimed at a Western audience, the track unexpectedly went viral in China, becoming a massive sensation.
▼ GARNiDELiA's "Gokuraku Jodo" Music Video
The situation unfolded when toku suddenly posted on his personal X account, stating that the group would be halting all activities indefinitely, effective immediately. This included the cancellation of their upcoming "GARNiDELiA stellacage tour 2025 [PROGRESS]," which had scheduled stops in Taiwan this October, followed by shows in Chiba, Osaka, Aichi, and Tokyo.
Shortly after the post went live, vocalist MARiA quote-tweeted it with a simple "Eh!?", indicating she was completely caught off guard.
About an hour later, MARiA posted again, explaining that she was surprised because she had no prior knowledge of the announcement. She apologized for the confusion and promised to clarify the situation once she had a better understanding.
"What I can say now is that I still love GARNiDELiA deeply," she wrote, "and I am moving forward on a path to protect my music, my dignity, and my love."
Later that afternoon, MARiA released a detailed statement explaining her side of the story:
First, over the past few years, I discovered through a third party that a significant portion of my earnings from my activities was never properly paid by the company. Some of it may still be outstanding to this day.
Although I felt something was wrong during that time, the environment I was in made me too afraid to speak up and confirm anything. On one hand, I wanted to trust the company; on the other, I was terrified that saying something would get me in trouble.
For years, I was so busy I was on the verge of collapsing. I'd return to my hotel room and often just break down in tears. I think it was an environment that pushed me to my breaking point. But I gritted my teeth, shut off my heart, and focused solely on performing, shooting, and getting on stage. Because when I was on stage, you, the fans, always gave me strength and courage. I am so grateful to you all.
At the same time, the company president would berate me, saying things like, "You have an attitude problem," or "What is it you want?" By then, I had reached my physical and mental limits. So last year, I told the company I wanted to reduce my schedule and even mentioned wanting to leave by the end of the year. Being under such a system for so long was crushing me. I finally couldn't take it anymore, and this August, I formally submitted a notice of contract termination through my lawyer.
As for why I didn't act together with my fellow member, honestly, I was at a point where I couldn't trust anyone. I was so scared that anything I said would get back to the president that I didn't even have the courage to consult with him. Looking back, I think things started falling apart a long time ago.
Regarding GARNiDELiA, I had hoped to sit down with my member and properly discuss our future, away from the company's watch, but that never happened. I'm still trying to figure out how to move forward myself. And then, this sudden announcement was made, which left me both shocked and incredibly sad. I truly thought we could take a new step forward together. But I also understand that toku must have his own thoughts and feelings.
I need to emphasize that my actions were never meant to create conflict with my member, so I ask everyone to refrain from posting hateful or hurtful comments towards him.