AKB48 Oku Manami mengumumkan kelulusan nya

AKB48’s Official Blog announced that Team B member, Oku Manami, would be graduating from the group. Oku left a message for her fans, expressing her desire to go to school.

“I know this is abrupt, but I have an announcement for you all. I, Oku Manami, will be graduating from AKB48. I joined AKB48 when I was 10 years old without knowing anything and I’m still that way And though I say that, I’ve continuously done my best.

It hasn't been only good things, but I have a lot of great memories.

And I’ve made it this far thanks to Akimoto, the staff and most of all because of the fans who have supported me along the way. I’ve been in AKB for 5 years and I’ve met a lot of people and experienced a lot of things.

I didn’t realize it until now, but somewhere in my heart I wanted to do something that I wasn’t able to do.

I really want to experience school life.
I didn’t like passing the time asking myself, “What do you really want to do?”

Through being in AKB like this, it feels like I’m only doing things half way and I’m really sorry to all the people who supported me up until now.

I’ve thought this over many times and I’ve even talked with the staff about it many times
I’m going to graduate from AKB so that I can go after my new dream, “entering university”.

Over the past 5 years I’ve caused a lot of trouble for people and I’ve caused people to worry…
But, everyone has still supported me many times after that.
I don't know how to say this but, I really am completely grateful to you all.

Thank you so much.

The April handshake event will be the last time I can meet you all.
When the graduation details have been decided, I’ll let you all know.

Well, there isn’t much time left before I graduate, but until then, please look after me."