End of cycle: YouTubers with 1.86 million subscribers say goodbye after 7 years in moving video
Popular Japanese YouTuber group FourEight48, which gained 1.86 million subscribers over seven years, has announced the closure of its activities. The farewell was formalized in an emotional video, released on June 23, 2026, the date that marked the seventh anniversary of the formation of the digital collective, generating great commotion among their fans and the community of content creators.
The group’s emotional goodbye after seven years of success
The news about the end of FourEight48 had already been revealed to fans in February of the same year, but the full impact was felt with the publication of the final video, titled “Thank you very much for the last seven years”. The production, lasting almost 50 minutes, captured the six members on a nostalgic visit to Universal Studios Japan, highlighting the strong bond between them.
After moments of leisure and celebration of friendship, each member had the opportunity to share a farewell message. Leader Kotatsu opened the speeches, thanking his followers for all their support during the group’s seven-year journey, which has become a pillar in the lives of many young people.
The trajectory of success and impact on Japanese youth culture
Founded in 2019, FourEight48 emerged as a mixed group consisting of four men and two women, including Kotatsu, Taro Shacho, Amika, Nagaenn no Alice, Amariza, and Wakava. They quickly gained popularity for their diverse content, which ranged from challenges and vlogs to interactions with the public, captivating mainly primary and secondary school students in Japan.
In addition to YouTube productions, the collective expanded its influence to music, releasing a single in 2022 that reinforced its status as a cultural phenomenon. FourEight48’s ability to connect with a young audience and maintain that relevance for seven years highlights the importance of these creators in the Japanese digital landscape, often serving as references and constant entertainment for their fans.
Keeping a group active and engaged for seven years on YouTube is a remarkable feat, especially in an era where trends and audience interest can change quickly. FourEight48’s longevity not only reflects the dedication of its members, but also the depth of the bond they have built with their vast fan base, making their farewell a significant milestone in the country’s online entertainment.
Messages of gratitude and personal growth from members
In the farewell messages, gratitude and reflection on the impact of the group on their lives were recurring themes. Wakava stated that the last seven years were “the best” of her existence, while an emotional Amariza described the period as her “youth”, full of fun and wonderful moments, expressing deep appreciation to Kotatsu for the invitation to join the project.
The youngest member, Amika, highlighted the importance of FourEight48 in its formation, declaring that “the Amika of today would not exist” without the group, which was fundamental to its growth. These statements highlight how the YouTube experience has become a period of intense maturation for everyone.
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Nagaenn at Alice, who shared a profound personal transformation. She revealed that, before the group, she was “misanthropic and irritable”, but thanks to FourEight48, she managed to become “a mother”. This statement not only illustrates the transformative power of the group experience, but also hints at a new phase of life that may have influenced the decision to end activities.
The leader’s tears and the unshakable strength of friendship
Deputy leader Taro Shacho had difficulty holding back tears as he spoke about his bond with Kotatsu, whom he described as his “best friend” and someone who “understands him better than his own family.” He emphasized that the friendship built within the group represents a “treasure that you will never have again in your life”, asking fans to continue to support them individually in their future projects.
Kotatsu, in turn, apologized to fans for any concerns and expressed how difficult the decision was. “I started this group because I wanted to continue it for the rest of my life and, deep down, I still feel that way. It was the most difficult decision of my life”, said the leader, stating that the “seven years were indispensable” and an unparalleled experience.
In a sensitive moment, while Kotatsu was in tears, Nagaenn no Alice intervened with a touch of humor: “It’s sadder to end with tears, isn’t it? Laugh, laugh.” This brief intervention showed the family dynamics and mutual support between members, trying to alleviate the tension of goodbye.
The creator landscape and the post-FourEight48 future
The closure of a group as popular as FourEight48 reflects the challenges inherent in a career as a digital content creator. The pressure for constant innovation, maintaining engagement and changes in members’ personal lives are factors that often lead to the reevaluation of long-term projects in the YouTube universe.
Although the group no longer exists, FourEight48’s legacy and the influence it had on millions of young people remains. Members are expected to continue their individual journeys, perhaps exploring new content formats or taking completely different paths, as suggested by Alice’s personal transformation. The consolidated fan base will certainly follow your next steps, regardless of the platform.
FourEight48’s farewell is a reminder that, even in the digital world, cycles come to an end. The group’s story, however, will serve as an inspiration for future generations of creators, demonstrating that, with dedication and authenticity, it is possible to build a lasting community and significantly impact the lives of its followers, even if the collective journey has an end point.
















