IZ*ONE’s agency has responded to opposition from some fans over Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako participating in HKT48’s upcoming concert on December 15.

On December 4, their agency Off The Record Entertainment commented through an official statement, “This concert is being held in celebration of HKT48’s 8th anniversary. Miyawaki Sakura and Yabuki Nako, who have become full-time IZ*ONE members, will be participating as IZ*ONE members to congratulate this.”

The statement continues, “This does not mean they are overlapping HKT48 activities, and the members’ participation in some stages was decided to congratulate HKT48’s 8th anniversary. As announced previously, the three members Miyawaki Sakura, Yabuki Nako, and Honda Hitomi will not participate in activities as AKB members during the full-time promotion period, and they will continue IZ*ONE group activities as members of IZ*ONE during the full-time promotion period.”

“We express apologies for causing concern to fans, and we ask for your understanding. In addition, we request generous support and love for IZ*ONE from fans,” the agency concludes.

Source (1)