Perfume Shares a Smile with Staff Ahead of Cold Sleep – Post-Kohaku Snapshot

Something like donating blood or something

On the night of December 31, 2025, past midnight and more than an hour into the new year, the three members of Perfume appeared at the entrance of NHK.

Leading the way was “Nocchi,” Ayano Ōmoto (37), followed by “A~chan,” Ayaka Nishiwaki (36), and “Kashiyuka,” Yuka Kashino (37). Behind them were photographers filming with cameras and a large number of staff.

On New Year’s Eve last year, Perfume appeared on the 76th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing the Perfume Medley 2025 featuring “Polyrhythm” and “Meguru Loop.”

“This year’s Kōhaku featured special appearances like Eikichi Yazawa (76) and Koshi Inaba (61) of B’z. The final act was Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s breathtaking performance, which led the White team to a decisive victory over the Red team. Among female artists, the spotlight went to Seiko Matsuda (63), who performed ‘Aoi Sangoshō’ as a special final act, not as part of the Red team. And then there was Perfume, who announced a cold sleep (hiatus) after their last Kōhaku appearance,” said a TV magazine writer.

During a post-rehearsal press gathering, Kashiyuka spoke about the cold sleep:

“We chose this challenge as a team so that we can do things now that will allow us to continue enjoying what we do in the future.”

Nocchi added:

“We are truly grateful to everyone who has supported us over these 25 years. The many scenes we’ve created together are our treasure.”

On stage, they used plenty of past Perfume footage to deliver a spectacular performance. In the finale, the three members disappeared as if they had turned into particles, moving the audience. Host Hiroiki Ariyoshi (51) commented, “We’ll be waiting for your return.”

After the program ended, the performers left NHK one by one. The last to leave was Perfume. The three appeared full of energy, smiling broadly. Especially A~chan, who high-fived staff who came to see them off, showing her bright and cheerful personality. In the press gathering, A~chan said:

“We talk about how as long as the three of us are together, we’ll always be Perfume. Each of us wants to power up and come back, so we’re looking forward to the day we can meet everyone again.”

By the way, when A~chan appeared as a guest on Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s (32) radio show CHINTAI presents Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Chapter #0 ~Touch Your Heart~ on December 14 last year, she was asked about the future and replied:

“It’s too unknown, but I kind of want to try something like donating blood.”

When they make their comeback, there is no doubt that fans will meet the three members just as they are today.