Maeda Atsuko to graduate from AKB48 ... or is she?!

A few minutes ago, I've read the news of AKB48's topstar Maeda Atsuko's gradution! Just imagine my surprise.

I've never been a die-hard fan of the ~48 enterprise but I have to admit, that they're being immensly popular to an extend, that no other Japanese artist has reached. They're obviously doing something right.

A lot of people "blame" this success on front girl Maeda Atsuko, who's been with the group from the very beginning.

And although I'm always going to be one of the people, who thinks that a group consists of more than just one person, there's been some examples of groups, whose success was faiding rapidly after the graduation of the most popular member.

Best example would probably be Morning Musume's Goto Maki. She was the top member for 3 years - during that time Morning Musume reached #1 with almost every single! After her graduation, sales fell so fast it's unbelievable!

Well I don't think that one girl is the reason for AKB's success ... I mean, there are like 47 others ... or how many they currently are.

I'm just wondering ... Is this real? Here's her announcement from Hello!Online:

"Since 14 years old, I've been here as an original member; this has been my life. It's a big decision for me, the 2nd biggest decision I've made. I'm going to graduate.
My moods are swinging easily and perhaps that has caused a lot of troubles for members. To stand in Tokyo Dome is my dream since I was 14 years old. But now, being 20, I remember that there's things that must be done to make dreams come true. I don't know what will come after this but I will work hard. The details haven't been decided yet., when it's been decided, I will tell everyone. Thank you very much"

After this speech Takamina responds with "AKB48 is not the end goal, this is the same for all members. Please support Atsuko's graduation!"

This is weird, don't you think? Right now I'm thinking, that maybe this is another promotion trick. You never know. AKB never had the BEST or most creative songs, but damn they know how to sell themselves and keep in the public interest.

And what does Takamina mean? Sounds to me, like she's trying to prepare the fans for more graduations to come. Every girl is building another career apart vom AKB48 ... just look at Itano Tomomi.

Well I'm really curious about the things to come.

And I'm not too shy to say, that I hope that now Morning Musume has the chance to gain some new fans!

Niigaki Risa Graduation

I just can't believe, what I've just read!!

Last 5th generation member and current Morning Musume leader Niigaki Risa is going to graduate from the group and Hello!Project at the end of the 2012 Spring Tour on May, 13th (holy shit, that's my birthday!! Oo).

It seems like Gaki-san wants to pursue the same dream as Ai-chan: being a musical actress and improve her acting.

But I guess, it was obvious ... I now remember, what Ai said in her graduation message: "Sorry Gaki-san, for graduating before you."

I'm really sad, but I think it's alright. Maybe Gaki was a little lonely without Ai. Actually the two of them were planning to graduate together, but with 9th and 10th gen joining, Risa decided to stay a little longer and teach them as good as she could. I just hope, Risa is happy and can chase her dreams, the way she wants too.

I totally hope, that'll be it for the graduations in a while! It's been enough and we need time to get used to the new members and learn to like them!! At least leave Sayu, Reina and Aika where they are. Just a little while, please!

Love you Risa! Love you forever.

Takahashi Ai Graduation ... Ai Believe

Today (or in Japan already yesterday), was a very sad day for me.

My beloved Takahashi Ai-chan graduated from Morning Musume.

I can't believe the era will be over...

During my first years of fandom in early 2004 (wow, almost 8 years now), she wasn't my favourite all along. She just seemed a little boring and dull, but I guess that was because she was drowning in the mass of girls.

But since 2006, she really started to shine and I've grown to love her voice, her dancing, her manscreams, her overreacting from time to time, her caring for all the members and her crying over each and every single one leaving.

And today it was herself.

I am so sad.

Being leader of group myself, maybe I can feel a little more sympathy with her, or maybe I'm just fooling myself. But sometimes I felt a connection, when I saw her encouraging the girls, trying to protect each and every one of them but sometimes you have to scold them and are misunderstood a lot.

When seeing this, I always felt love for her.

AI BELIEVE, you'll be alright! You're an amazing singer and entertainer and I'll be watching your steps from now on.

I won't stop being a Morning Musume Fan - I don't love them because of graduations and changing members ... I love them despite of it.

So please, even if Ai graduated, don't graduate as a fan!

Support Morning Musume and the new members, they deserve a chance!

And please keep watching over Takahashi Ai!