It was discovered on Tuesday that singer Rimi Natsukawa has separated from her management agency and is now independent. Her agency had wanted to build her career as a more traditional singer whose songs could have wide appeal across generations, but Natsukawa herself has decided that she wants to try pursuing pop music. Her contract expired on January 15.

Natsukawa has already finished recording her new single, "Furusato," and her new album, "Umuikaji." They will still go on sale as planned on February 7 and March 9, respectively.