Maeda Atsuko Graduation Celebration Post

When I first selected songs that could be used in this playlist, I ended up with 48 songs. How fitting, but I lowered it down of course. This was hard to figure out because I also wanted to illustrate her development in the group through time, like how she wanted to graduate last year but the earthquake made her postpone it. On the other hand I wanted a nice flow. It is slightly categorized. Their older works sound quite different from their new songs, even when it comes to stages so I wanted to show the development. There is also the separation of being in the theatre to major success and the singles. I wanted to end with a graduation song, so I picked the one that I thought fit best as a farewell. I hope you guys like it. 

1. PARTYが始まるよ 
2. 渚のCHERRY 
3. スカート、ひらり 
4. 星の温度 
5. 会いたかった 
6. 言い訳Maybe 
7. 7時12分の初恋 
8. 黒い天使 
9. Pioneer 
10. 君について 
11. 頬杖とカフェ・マキアート 
12. Beginner
 13. 隣人は傷つかない 
14. 風は吹いている 
15. この胸のメロディー 
16. 君と僕の関係 
17. キスまで100マイル 
18. Flying Get 
19. Flower 
20. GIVE ME FIVE!


~ Profile ~ 
Name: Maeda Atsuko (前田敦子) 
Nickname: Acchan (あっちゃん) 
Birthdate: July 10th, 1991 (20) 
Blood Type: A 
Birthplace: Chiba, Japan 
Height: 161cm 
Team: A 
Generation: 1st 
Agency: Ohta Pro

Movies 
- (2011) Moshidora
- (2008) Nasu Shounenki 
- (2007) Densen Uta 
- (2007) Ashita no Watashi no Tsukurikata 


Drama 
- (2007) Swan no Baka! 
 - (2008) Shiori to Shimiko no Kaiki Jikenbo 
- (2008) Taiyou to Umi no Kyoushitsu 
- (2009) Kochira Katsushita-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujou [Episode 6] 
- (2009) Tsuma yo! Matsumoto Sarin Jiken Hannin to Yobarete… Kazoku o Mamorunuita 15nen 
- (2010) Ryoumaden 
- (2010) Majisuka Gakuen
- (2010) Q10 
- (2011) Sakura Kara no Tegami ~AKB48 Sorezore no Sotsugyou Monogatari~ 
- (2011) Majisuka Gakuen 2 
 - (2011) Hanazakari no Kimitachi e 2011 
- (2012) Saikou no Jinsei no Owarikata~Ending Planner~


AKB48 Senbatsu Elections: 
[2009] 1st: 4,630 votes 
[2010] 2nd: 30,851 votes 
[2011] 1st: 139,892 votes

Websites With More Info:
Atsuko Maeda Fan Forum
DramaWiki
STAGE48


Acchan's Graduation Comments:
[From Official Blog]

Good morning everyone

I’m in Hong Kong right now

These days sure are going by fast

I’ve been thinking about a lot of things and my report to all of you is coming a bit late

I, Maeda Atsuko, will be graduating from AKB48

I announced it at Saitama Super Arena the day before yesterday

Even though I came to that conclusion, I was full of anxiety up until that very moment

At the Saitama Super Arena everyone was having fun, singing and dancing and all of the members were really shining

The fans in the audience had nothing but smiles on their faces

I really thought it would be great to continue as it is.

But, during the encore when we were singing our songs, I saw the guest seating full of penlights and I really felt happy.

So, I have to go out on my own now and I wanted to properly announce it to everyone.

And

Then I said to Takamina (Takahashi Minami) who was right next to me, that “I am going to announce it.”
“AKB” is the best
Thank you so so much for warmly watching over me despite my selfishness, my extreme selfishness

With those few words, it was the beginning for me to start running (towards my dreams)

I have been given so many chances, that I need to be the one to take the first step

Because if I don’t those behind me won’t be able to continue after me

Hearing everyone support me after my announcement at Saitama Super Arena, well that was the warmest moment of my life

It made me realize that I was not making a wrong decision.

Of course I can also hear people saying, “don’t quit!”

And that made me feel really happy

The members have been shedding tears for me and have genuinely been concerned for me

I am so so happy that I am able to feel all of this love

The members will always, always be my friends, no matter what happens

So, I want to be able to give the members proper and reliable advice in the future

I still can’t sort the thoughts out in my head

Regardless

Akimoto-san

You’ve looked out for me ever since I was 14 years old

If Akimoto-san wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be where I am today

Please let me continue to have conversations about various things with you in the future

Fans

I’ve been reading a ton of your comments

Thank you guys for giving me your support

Please continue to look after me in the future

I love my fans and everyone around me.

Acchan is Graduating & Other AKB News (Oshima Yuko Scandal)

All AKB48 fans learn at some point that three day concerts mean big developments in their fandom.  What I have learned now is that I should really follow Akimoto's Google+ page.  I held out writing about some of them as they came to light because I suspected more to come.  I'll split them up into sections so they are easier to find in case you want to save time. 

   

Acchan Is Graduating:

On the final day of the Gyoumu Renraku. Tanomu zo, Katayama-buchou! concert at Saitama Super Arena, Maeda Atsuko, first generation member of AKB48, said she will be graduating.  The details, including the when it will take place, have yet to be decided.  This announcement has initiated a lot of discussions due to her position as the 'face' of the most popular Japanese Pop group.  Fans believe the ceremony will take place at Tokyo Dome.  Maeda, as of late, has been taking more acting jobs.  She along with other members have been overworked, with incidences of collapsing or other illnesses. The following is taken from Melos No Michi's post on her graduation:   

Maeda Atsuko said, "I am a first-generation member and have been here since I was 14. This was my life. It was a big decision. And I will make a second important decision. I am going to graduate.I have caused some troubles because of my mood swings, but thanks for everyone's help, I am here today. To perform in Tokyo Dome was a dream since I was 14.Now this dream has come true, at 20 years of age, I have to work hard towards my next dream.I have worked hard for the past 6-1/2 years. I have to move onto my next dream at the age of 20. I am anxious and worried because I don't know what will happen. But for the kouhai, I have to take the first step towards this. No details have been decided."

Akimoto Yasushi, on Google+, stated, "I am just at a loss for words. I didn't expect Acchan to graduate yet. She's only 20, and still has a lot of future for her in AKB48. I was expecting one of the older members like Mariko to graduate first because of her age, but definitely not Acchan. I guess it is inevitable, graduation is part and parcel of idol groups. But AKB48 will be very different without Acchan. She might not be my oshi, but she is among the people I respect the most in my life."

My reaction:
I'm not that surprised.  I've been considering how they will handle this situation for a while now.  However, I expected a lavish graduation ceremony where Acchan left with Shinoda Mariko, Oshima Yuko, and possibly Kojima Haruna.  I guess it is better to spread out the senbatsu members' graduations.  Keep in mind that a fair number of the popular members are 20-years-old or over.  My question is if she will continue her solo career or just stick to acting.  One problem is the recent accusation by Johnny's (JE) that she hurts their idols' ratings.   A significant number of popular dramas include JE idols, so if they do blacklist her she'll have difficulty getting major roles.  If that happens, I think she should hone her craft by doing edgier films.  It would also help her distance herself from her idol image.  I will make a graduation post with a playlist later.

AKB48 Will Perform At Tokyo Dome, For The First Time:
During the first concert at Saitama Super Arena, a video of Takahashi Minami was played with a countdown from 1,830M.  That number signifies the distance, in meters, from the Akihabara theatre to Tokyo Dome.  It was on of AKB48's original goals to perform at the famous Tokyo Dome.  While there is no official date, fans suspect it will be part of Maeda Atsuko's graduation.

Matsui Jurina(SKE) and Watanabe Miyuki(NMB) Will Join AKB48, Temporarily:
Matsui Jurina was surprised [clip includes previews for AKB's next single] when it was announced that on top of her current duties for SKE48, she will perform for a limited time with Team K.  Watanabe Miyuki, a front girl for NMB48, will be added to Team B as well.  Fans are concerned about Juritan's health because she seemed overwhelmed.  After a recent incident she received a three day break to recover.  Team K's Captain, Akimoto Sayaka, expressed on Google+ that they are excited to have her, but concerned about her well-being.  My guess is that, similar to CINDY joining WH7, they will be holding vacant spots left by the firing of two members after a scandal.  However, CINDY's work load is significantly less than the other two.  Now that I think about it, they could of temporarily filled the spots with SDN48 members, like Nonti or Meetan for Team K.  


Formation of Team 8 & Other Promotions Announced for Teams and Agencies:
Producer, Akimoto Yasushi, posted on Google+ that he will form Team 8, which will be the 5th Team.  Therefore, for those not keeping track, there is now a team for every character (A-K-B-4-8).  It seems he has yet to decide who will be promoted, but his reasoning was there were "many people concerned about the Research Students who didn't get promoted" (Tokyohive).  This was spurred by the announcement on the second night of the Saitama Super Arena Concert that five Research Students will be promoted to Team 4.  So now, Team 4 is full with 16 members.  Here are the following promotions:
    
New Team 4 Members:
Yuka Tano 
Karen Iwata
Rena Kato 
Juri Takahashi 
Rina Kawaei
　 　 
Agency Promotions:
Iriyama Anna & Yokoyama Yui - Ohta Pro
Yamauchi Suzuran - Hori Pro
Ichikawa Miori - Production Ogi
Nakamata Shiori & Yagami Kumi - Watanabe Pro
Oba Mina & Abe Marina - Japan Music Entertainment
Shimazaki Haruka - Big Apple
Shimada Haruka - office48
Nagao Mariya - Irving
Nakamura Mariko - Shinei Production
Takeuchi Miyu - Oh Enterprise
Matsui Rena - Grick
Takayanagi Akane - Avex Entertainment

AKB48's 26th Single & 27th Single Senbatsu Election Announcement: 
The upcoming single will be titled: Manatsu No Sound Good!.  It will be released on May 23rd and will have a 36 member senbatsu.  The previous single from this time last year was Everyday, Kachuusha, which had a large senbatsu of 26 members and followed the theme of hair accessories and swimsuits.  Members who participated in that single, who weren't frequent members of senbatsu, were passed over in favor of Team 4.  Voting ballots will be included with this single.  Here are the participating members for the A-side:
   
Team A: Maeda Atsuko, Sashihara Rino, Kojima Haruna, Kuramochi Asuka, Shinoda Mariko, Takajo Aki, & Takahashi Minami.
Team K: Oshima Yuko, Itano Tomomi, Miyazawa Sae, Yokoyama Yui, and Minegishi Minami.
Team B: Kashiwagi Yuki, Watanabe Mayu, Kitahara Rie, and Kasai Tomomi.
Team 4: Shimada Haruka, Ishikawa Miori, Iriyama Anna, Takeuchi Miyu, Abe Maria, Yamauchi Suzuran, Shimazaki Haruka, Iwata Karen, Kato Rena, Takahashi Juri, & Kawaei Rina.
SKE48: Matsui Rena, Matsui Jurina, Takayanagi Akane, Kimoto Kanon, and Kizaki Yuria.
NMB48: Yamamoto Sayaka, Watanabe Miyuki, & Jo Erika.
HKT48: Kodama Haruka
  
The 4th annual Senbatsu Election, for the 27th single, will take place at the Nippon Budokan on June 6th.  Due to the increasing number of idols who are in the running management has increased the number of spots available.  The top rank of senbatsu will go to those who rank from one to sixteen.  The following ranks are from 17 to 32, 33 to 48, and 49 t0 64.  Now that there are 64 spots available it will be even more emotionally taxing if a member of AKB48 doesn't rank.  This should also encourage fans, who voted for likely senbatsu members in the hope to increase or hold their rank, to vote for members of a lower or unknown rank.  It is unknown if Acchan will participate in the upcoming election.  Although, it will be even more difficult for members to get into senbatsu this year because there is only 16 spots.  

Another Oshima Yuko Scandal:
The media in Japan has been in a flutter since March 12th, due to the star-studded  marriage announcement of actor/ director Oguri Shun and actress/ model Yamada Yu.  They officially registered two days later, the anniversary when they started dating four years ago.  They were planning on getting married in July of last year, but it was postponed due to the earthquake and tsunami.  Oguri Shun has a history of cheating, but according to Yamada Yu's friends she is willing to look past it.  
   

Here is where Oshima Yuko comes into the equation.  A rumor has recently surfaced that Shun "was allegedly caught frantically hitting on [Oshima Yuko] in the waiting period for his marriage" (Source: omoxi).  Shun might of asked an actor friend (referred to as 'T'), who had previously worked with Oshima, to set up a get together.  Supposedly, the get together took place and that there was a "good atmosphere."  Shun has a reputation, but it won't help Oshima's if she is portrayed as a home-wrecker.  It will be funny if another scandal comes out about her dating someone else, maybe she will get a Nino-like reputation.  (Nino of Arashi has a reputation of being a "sexual powerhouse.")      

AKB48's Anime Preview Released:
The premise of the anime is that in the future idols are banned.  There is an illegal idol group called AKB0048, who take up the spirit of AKB48.  The girls are labeled as terrorists and are attacked.  They fight back and defend their stage and fans.  The 77th generation Research Students are played by idols, and the legendary AKB48 members are played by voice actresses: 
  Maeda Atsuko – Sawashiro Miyuki 
Oshima Yuko – Kanda Akemi 
Kashiwagi Yuki – Horie Yui 
Watanabe Mayu – Tamura Yukari 
Kojima Haruna – Noto Mamiko 
Takahashi Minami – Shiraishi Ryoko 
Itano Tomomi – Ueda Kana 
Miyazawa Sae – Nakahara Mai 
Akimoto Sayaka – Kawasumi Ayako

SDN48's Yuuwaku No Garter Stage Reaction

This performance that I watched is from the Revival Concert series that took place last summer.  I've loved and hated SDN48.  My hope is that Dream Morning Musume will become what I wanted from SDN48.  I'm sad to see them go, but their last two singles feel like they gave up.  May I just say the whole AV-sounding overture reminds me why I'm not too depressed about them being disbanded.  The sad thing is that this stage reminds me why I like them.  This is the first time I watched the entire concert.   

Saturday Night Party
This is a pretty standard opening number.  It isn't something I would want to listen over and over again, but it doesn't make my ears bleed.  The girls do a wonderful job of performing it.  The choreography is okay; I would like to have a word with the person that thought that jazz dance move looked good.  I did not think I was watching a middle school dance recital.  Take a note from SKE48, only highlight technical dancing when it is somewhat impressive.  How long is this song?  I guess I like the glamour costumes.   

Never! 
That was an adorable opening verse.  This would be a better opening number in my opinion.  It has that same vibe, but better.  I'm going to shoot some camera people!  Who gave the okay for an up dress shot?  The performance aspect is good, but the dancing (sigh).    

Black Boy 
I love this song.  There is better dancing and pants!  I need to look up a translation in hope to figure out what they mean by 'black boy' because they do have Black people.  

[I'm skipping the random single songs included in the concert just because they aren't usually included in the setlist, as far as I'm aware.]

Yuuwaku No Garter
Here is the infamous unit that the stage is named after.  Here I am okay with overt sexuality because of the content of the song.  Just like how I am okay with sex scenes or nudity in films, just need a legitimate reason for including it.  Off go the garters = yeah fan service.  I sang along because I liked it.

I'm sure. 
You guys probably know this from a shuffle unit with Shinoda Mariko and Kojima Haruna.  "Can I get a kiss?" (say yes!) "Oh My Gaw" (giggle that is not the right answer).  The Engrish isn't too bad, but I would of written it a bit different, and then there are times I don't know if they are speaking in English or Japanese.  "Are you ready to do it?" (that was forward)  "Anytime" (woah).  Why do the lesbians have to wear frumpy costumes?  I have to say the units thus far are all pretty strong when it comes to the music.  

All In 
I think Nonti looks hotter in a dress.  This reminds me of the '80s.  This is probably my least favorite unit for this stage.  It would of been better if they were all in Men's wear for women and didn't do the whole female/male role thing because most of them look sexy in those outfits.  They did that jazz dance thing again. . . I made a face like this:

Jajauma Lady
Yes it is CINDY's unit!  Cindy pulls off the cowgirl hat wonderfully, work it!  MOE~ Cindy is totally stealing all of my attention.  The one in dark blue is probably my second favorite.  Oh they brought out a whip.  Are you making this dirty?  That is not what you do at the beginning of a dance section!  Humping the stage is not allowed. . . they're going to try to be sexy and look like idiots aren't they?  And that is an affirmative.  

Ganbarina
I like the combination of latin influence and the sound of a live musical.  Instead of a dance section they are doing 'hey look what I can do' part.  Sparkles.  I'm done with this song.  It has a nice chorus and all, but it is receptive to say the least.  (but there are sparkles and shiny boots)  

Futsuu No Anata
I was surprised how much I like this song.  Now look surprised.  Performances are ten times better when they look like they are having fun.  This made me smile.  

Best by・・・
Ghostbusters anyone?  Cat fight!  There goes the running man.  I may be kidding around, but I do like this song and performance.  I just don't have much to say at the moment.  

Aisareru Tame Ni 
Oh dear lord.  You are going to make me cry that sounds beautiful.  I'm getting goosebumps.  I'm going to take all of solo shots for this!  Crap, now I am even more disappointed they didn't release an amazing ballad for a single.  FUCK NONTI!  Why didn't this get in the Top 100!  I'm never going to see them live.  I can't believe you did this to me.  

Kodoku Na Runner 
Favorite song!  You guys are so much better than some of those K-Pop groups that come to Japan.  They release basically the same product, but you guys have this amazing stage.  Plus, you guys aren't all under 120 pounds.  Stupid After School and their Rambling Girls looks and sounds like your first four singles and you had better lyrics than 'la la la we are rambling girls'.  There is female empowerment for you!

Touhikou 
And we have someone who is Chinese, who knew.  Why is the encore always the best part of stages?  I adore the deep vocals.  It is something that isn't as common in AKB.  Great, now I don't want them to disband.  I would buy their album if it had more songs like the ones in their stage combined with the A-sides (and maybe some B-sides) from their singles.  

Vampire Keikaku
Is it just me or is this a little upbeat for a song with Vampire in the title.  I don't mind pelvic thrusting if vampire are involved.  The vampires are quite happy.    

Change for Better or for Worse in Hello Project

A lot of H!P fans weren't too far off when they predicted that Niigaki and Takahashi would graduate together.  Niigaki announced that she will be graduating at the end of their spring tour.  They may not have done it together, but Niigaki sure didn't last much longer.  Although, I don't know why she didn't go with her.  I guess Niigaki didn't want to be overshadowed.  Now there are rumors flying around about graduations and new members being added to the other Hello Project groups.  Hello Project is being weird like that.  Their music and strategy at the moment seems to be to hold onto their core fan base, but with all the changes in members will they stick?  Or better yet, will the other members?  Key members of Morning Musume have jumped ship but that isn't surprising because it was only a matter of time.  However, s/mileage was a surprise.  

I've kind of lost interest in Hello Project.  The main reason is that I'm not very intrigued by their music.  S/mileage was a beacon of hope when they went major, but their singles following their first album were underwhelming like the rest of Hello Project (in my opinion).  I finally got what I wanted for Morning Musume: graduation of Niigaki and Takahashi and new members.  I fear that it won't help if the music side doesn't try harder.  I'm giving up on seeing Hello Project take risks.  I find it dull.  My new dream is that they quit and audition for NMB, HKT, of start a new idol group.  If they have ambition they would leave.  Sorry if that opinion hurts your feelings.  (Look at it this way.  I think the girls aren't living up to their potential.) 

AKB48 and Plastic Surgery + Other Topics

This subject, specially in the case of Tomomi Itano, came up quite a while back, but I didn't post anything on the matter.  I thought the post on Tokyohive settled the matter, but I became frustrated recently when seeing videos suggesting she did as well as comments.  This is nothing unusual.  Pretty much any asian celebrities' name can be typed into google and it will suggest to add plastic surgery.  I know that I can't help what other people of the internet say, but I wish they would at least try to have some integrity when they accuse someone of getting work done (at least seeing better evidence than a picture from before and after puberty).  It probably just ignorance because if you were familiar enough with AKB48 you would know that cosmetic surgery would be impossible to pull off without being noticed.  But, even more so after the director of the beauty clinic "Takasu Clinic", Takasu Mikiya argued the unlikeliness of the rumors:

“The members of AKB are currently at the peak of their popularity and they wouldn’t have the spare time for such a procedure. In Tomochin’s case, the down time would take up to three to six months. People like them rather use eye tape and eye pieces to freely change the appearance of their eyes to a certain degree, e.g. double eyelids. Many people always think of plastic surgery first when seeing double eyelids, but that is a common mistake.”

Further, he stated, “It’s not just Tomochin. On the Internet there are a lot of rumors involving members of AKB48 and plastic surgery, especially Maeda Atsuko, Shinoda Mariko, Kojima Haruna, Minegishi Minami, and Watanabe Mayu. I don’t think any of those girls have gone under the knife. Most of them debuted in their early teens and it’s natural for them that certain features, such as their eyes and nose, change over time. Moreover, their faces become a lot thinner over the years, and they started to use more make-up than before. There is no need to say that they also started to use things such as eye tape."

I am a huge fan of Japanese dramas. さいきん、「大切なことはすべて君がおしえてくれた」に興味が有ります。However, when it comes to the also popular Korean dramas. . . fan. . . not so much.  I've mostly come to enjoy Korean films, like Thirst.  But in terms of mainstream films that have a closer resemblance to dramas, I've only found one that I enjoyed: 100 Pounds of Beauty.  When I attempted to make a switch to Korean dramas, because there are so many popular ones available that I've never seen, I started with Boys Before Flowers (because I enjoyed the Japanese version).  While the cast is good-looking (plastic surgery jk! / Korean guys can be a bit too pretty for me), I found the acting intolerable.  I'm not one to get boggled down with the technique of acting, as long as I find it enjoyable I don't mind, but for Korean dramas, acting is what kills it.  (Wow, I feel like I put a lot of commas in sentences.)  Japanese dramas, mostly (romantic) comedies, can be overacted and I find that is resembles anime.  It is charming, funny, and sometimes so outlandish that it is cracky.  In contrast, Korean dramas take it to a point so far that I find it difficult to sit through more than ten minutes.  Mainstream, Korean dramas may just not be my cup of tea.  If you have any recommendations I would appreciate it.

As most of you know by now, Team B's Manami Oku will be graduating sometime this spring (around April).  There have been a handful of trainees who have been promoted, but have yet to be placed in a team.  I believe that, since an actual spot opened up, that Akimoto will replace Oku with one.  My pick is Shiori Nakamata (18) who often performs with Team B and has been accepted into economics department of Waseda University.  She recently appeared in an episode of AKBingo!.  I know, I am bypassing my new trainee favorite: Miorin.  She isn't a full-fledged member yet anyway, and has become a regular on AKBingo! and a favorite of her senpai (specifically the Team A font-girls).  Shiori isn't the only AKB48 member attending a university at the moment, which makes me proud.  Who do you think will get the spot, or who do you desire to be added to Team B?

C-ute has openly talked about their new sexier image.  I am happy to see the changes.  At the moment I am tempted to talk about how much Hello Project is sucking at promoting their groups, but I'll stop myself.
C-ute is in a really good place in terms of members, so I hope they can push it.  Other young idol units like Momoiro Clover and SKE48 are experiencing ever increasing sales and popularity; Momoclo is appearing on Shabekuri 007.  There has been a recent boom in interest in idols in Japan, so it is an ideal time to implement a surge.

When is Acchan just going to go solo already?  I've mentioned my new interest in Seiko Matsuda, who Acchan reminds me of. Although, I think Acchan would prefer to focus on acting versus a solo artist career and Akimoto probably wouldn't want to let her go.

It also seems that AKB48 graduate, Oshima Mai, is experiencing problems at Avex.  After releasing two singles she has seemingly disappeared.  Considering the interest in AKB48, I would think that Avex would at least to try to promote her more.  Since they don't seem to care about pushing her, Mai Mai should appeal to Akimoto to let her join SDN48.  She was quite popular in AKB48 and she is talented.

Oku Manami(AKB48) Announces Graduation

Oku Manami's graduation message from the AKB48 official blog, translated by loveandcoffee@stage48:

Today I have a sudden announcement.

This time, Oku Manami will graduate from AKB48.

I joined AKB48 when I was 10, and without knowing anything, I’ve always done my best with what I was told to do.

There haven’t only been good things, but I have made myself a lot of good memories.

And more than anything, I have been able to come all the way so far thanks first to Akimoto-sensei, then to all the staff, and especially thanks to the support of my fans.

Being in AKB48 for 5 years I’ve met a lot of people and I’ve been able to experience many things.

Without understanding a thing, I’ve just struggled my way to here but somewhere inside my heart, the desire for the

“student life”

I haven’t been able to experience grew bigger and bigger, and the days I spent worrying “What do I really want to do?” have been really hard.

As I stayed in AKB while feeling so half-hearted I felt guilty towards the people who supported me, and after thinking many times and asking many times for staff’s advice, I decided to graduate in order to pursue my new dream: advance with my studies.

For 5 years, I have given you a lot of hard times and made you worry…

But all the time, I don’t know how to say it, but I’ve always been so thankful to all the people who supported me.

Thank you very much.

I think the last time I will be able to meet you is the April handshake event.

I will announce the details of my graduation as soon as they’ve been decided.

Then, there’s just a little time before my graduation, but please keep supporting me.

Here is her profile and some trivia for those not too familiar with her:
Oku Manami (奥真奈美)
Nickname: Maachan (まーちゃん), Manamana (まなまな)
Birthdate: November 22nd, 1995 (15)
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Team: B
Height: 153.5 cm (5'0")
Bust: 81 cm
Waist: 60 cm
Hips: 87 cm
Agency: office48 (AKB48's agency)

Singles:
-Hone Hone Waltz (Honegumi from AKB48)
-BINGO!
-Kimi no Koto ga Suki dakara (Under Girls)
-Katatsumuri (solo)
-Nusumareta Kuchibiru (Under Girls)
-Boku Dake no Value (Under Girls)
-Love Jump (Team B)
-Guuzen no Juujirou (Under Girls)

Stage Units:
-Team K 1st Stage : Classmate
-Team K 2nd Stage : Ame no Doubutsuen
-Team K 3rd Stage : Honehone Waltz
-Himawari-gumi 1st Stage : IDOL nante yobanaide (2nd Unit)
-Himawari-gumi 2nd Stage : Tonari no Banana (2nd Unit)
-Team K 4th Stage : Hatsukoi Dorobou
-Team K 5th Stage: Ai no Iro
-Team B 5th Stage: Hatsukoi yo, Konnichiwa

Trivia:
-She is half Japanese and half Italian

-Was an original member of Team K

-Joined AKB48 at age 10

-Says "I'm sorry" often.
-Good friends with Noro Kayo.
-A favorite of Megumi Ohori (original Team K who was transferred to SDN48)
-Used to often practice dancing with Umeda Ayaka and Noro Kayo at the backstage.
-Her favorite actress is Ayase Haruka.
-She is very friendly at the backstage while reserved on the stage, but recently she has improved.
-Was known to stare awkwardly during performances.
-Likes scary stories even if that will make her cry.
-Seems close with Ono Erena since their audition.
-Was transferred from Team K to Team B in 2009.
-Akimoto, the producer of AKB48, in an article referred to her as a future ace
-Played a lolita yankee in the first season of Majisuka Gakuen

Thoughts and Feelings:
I can't be upset by the idea of her leaving to focus on her education, especially since she is getting to the age where classes are more important and taxing.  Education is important to me and I respect idols who try to do both, especially attending college.  It must have been getting very difficult for Maachan when she is shy, no longer has the full support of Team K, and going through this at a young age.  I imagine having Team K there for support helped her before, so the shuffle must be rough.  While I think Team B suits her personality, if you consider what is best for her, she would of gotten along better with Team K.  I like shy idols because I like a variety of personalities, and they tend not to be stuck up but instead sweet.

Wow, did I just get really depressed in a short amount of time.  I figured graduations would be coming up because those sorts of things tend to surface around concerts, but I didn't see Maachan coming.  She is so young and Akimoto adores her.  Maachan never got ranked so high by fans, but Akimoto always put her in the Under Girls group.  She also was selected to release a solo single for an anime, so I believe Akimoto saw potential and talent in her.  I do hope she returns to showbiz later, because I know from personal experience that as you get older (in the right environment) you can really build up your self confidence.  I also liked the fact that she wasn't thin because having different body types in influential groups is a good thing for girls to see.  She might drop the weight after graduating, like Kago Ai, because some of it may come from stress.  (She was adorable on my dates with her on the PSP game; I guess I'll have to pick her next time.)  I just want her to come back.  I'll add some videos after the jump.