The news is about the cheerleading team of DeNA, a professional baseball team in Japan, announcing their "graduation," a term often used in Japanese entertainment to denote retirement or moving onto new ventures. These cheerleaders gained attention for their incredibly fast and impressive routines and are a popular attraction at DeNA's games. The announcement was made recently, though it is unclear what the graduates' next steps will be or how the team will evolve following this change.
Cheerleading for professional sports teams holds an important place in Japanese sports culture, and the high-speed routines of DeNA's squad have built them a dedicated fanbase. Their graduation announcement has generated significant attention in the media, as this form of entertainment sport is deeply woven into Japanese society. Many fans, including those of rival teams, are following this news and expressing their support, reflecting the respect for talent and hard work customary in Japanese culture.
While cheerleading is also popular in the U.S., retirements or team changes don't often garner the same level of media attention unless it involves high-profile NFL or NBA cheerleaders. In both Japan and the U.S., such transitions are typically handled with fanfare and celebration. However, the use of the term "graduation" is specific to Japanese culture, providing a sense of accomplishment and opening future possibilities for the team members.